Saturday, September 15, 2007

Norfolk State at Rutgers Today


by Philadelphia Inquirer

Norfolk State at Rutgers Today at 3:30 p.m., Rutgers Stadium

TV/Radio: MSG-ESPN Regional; WENJ-AM (1450), WOR-AM (710).

Records: Norfolk State, 1-0; Rutgers, 2-0.

The buzz: Norfolk State of the Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division I-AA) is playing its first Division I-A opponent since starting football 10 years ago, and coach Pete Adrian raised some eyebrows by commenting that he would rather be playing Michigan than Rutgers. . . . As many eyes may be on the stands today as on the field. In last week's win over Navy, a handful of Rutgers fans booed and shouted vulgarities at the Mids, forcing athletic director Bob Mulcahy and president Richard McCormick to issue public apologies to the Naval Academy.

Last week: No. 13 Rutgers continued its balanced attack, rushing for 210 yards and passing for 266 in a 41-24 win over Navy. Tailback Ray Rice set the school's career rushing record. The Scarlet Knights committed 11 penalties for 100 yards.

While Rutgers, No. 13 in the Associated Press poll, figures to dispatch Norfolk State today, ticket demand remains at an unprecedented level. Even a game against a Norfolk State team that plays in a level of football one division below Rutgers, will produce another sellout, of about 43,000.

This week a block of tickets, typically set aside for the visiting team to Rutgers Stadium, were returned by Norfolk State and were made available to members of the Rutgers Alumni.
The block of tickets sold out in less than half an hour, according to athletics department officials, who in prior years had tens of thousands of tickets available for some games.

"Gone are the old days of being able to pick up game-day tickets," said Brian Crockett, head of the Rutgers Foundation, which oversees the alumni programs.

"Everywhere I go in the state it's so much easier to bring Rutgers football into the conversation. When you mention Rutgers you get a new sparkle," said Crockett.
Next week: Rutgers has a bye before hosting Maryland.

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