Kaliakmanis throws for 309 yards as Rutgers routs Norfolk State 60-10
Scarlet Knights amass 563 yards, block two punts for touchdowns and extend streak of 30-plus point games to seven
Athan Kaliakmanis passed for 309 yards and a touchdown and Rutgers overwhelmed Norfolk State 60-10 on Saturday, piling up 563 total yards and scoring on six of its first seven possessions.
The Scarlet Knights (3-0) limited Norfolk State to 220 total yards and forced one touchdown by the Spartans, who are coached by former NFL quarterback Michael Vick in his first season. Antwan Raymond ran for two touchdowns and Ja'shon Benjamin added a rushing score as Rutgers set a program mark by scoring at least 30 points in seven straight games dating to last season.
Rutgers' special teams were decisive early. The Scarlet Knights blocked two punts for touchdowns in the first quarter, the 16th time under coach Greg Schiano that the program has blocked multiple punts in a game. Rutgers has led the nation in blocked punts since 2022 with 13, a statistic that has repeatedly tilted field position in its favor.
Kaliakmanis spread the ball to seven receivers in the absence of leading wideout Ian Strong, who was listed as out with no further information. KJ Duff stepped up with six catches for a career-high 119 yards. Norfolk State's lone touchdown came from Kevon King.
Rutgers' dominance was reflected in the scoreboard and possession. The Scarlet Knights converted early drives into points and finished with a balanced offensive performance that combined the passing success of Kaliakmanis with effective rushing from Raymond and Benjamin. Rutgers' defense and special teams kept the Spartans from establishing rhythm, forcing short fields and limiting explosive plays.
The result continued a lopsided trend between the programs. Norfolk State has been outscored by a combined 228 points (251-23) in five losses to Rutgers since 2007. The Spartans fell to 1-2 and will return home to host Sacred Heart on Sept. 20.
Rutgers will open Big Ten play next, hosting Iowa on Sept. 19. The Scarlet Knights' early-season performance, marked by efficient offense and disruptive special teams, will be tested as the schedule shifts to conference opponents.
Coach Schiano has emphasized special teams since returning to the program, and the blocked punts in the first quarter underscored that emphasis. Rutgers' ability to convert turnovers and short fields into touchdowns has helped the team build leads quickly in consecutive games.
For Norfolk State, the loss highlighted the gap it faces against Power Five competition. Coach Vick, in his first season leading the Spartans, will seek adjustments ahead of their matchup with Sacred Heart. Rutgers, meanwhile, will take the confidence from an efficient offensive showing and a dominant performance in the kicking game into its Big Ten opener against Iowa.