Rutgers 38, Howard 25: What Scarlet Knights' victory means for showdown vs. Penn State

PISCATAWAY, New Jersey  -- A sluggish start that included an early seven-point deficit was no problem to overcome for Rutgers, which exploded for 31 unanswered first-half points and cruised to a 38-25 win over Howard before 48,040 in the home opener at High Point Solutions Stadium.

Rutgers' first game under the Big Ten banner showed plenty of warts for the Scarlet Knights, but quarterback play wasn't one of them. Gary Nova was efficient under center, completing 15 of 19 passes for 282 yards and throwing for four touchdowns.

Paul James scored three touchdowns, including two through the air, and Rutgers' special teams contributed a blocked field goal and blocked punt as the Scarlet Knights improved to 11-0 all-time against MEAC opponents and has now outscored teams from the FCS league 379-39 since 2006.

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