Rutgers vs. Norfolk State 2025: Keys to the Game and Predictions

A week of (hopefully) rest and recovery is in store for Rutgers Football as the Scarlet Knights remain home for the third straight week to take on the Norfolk State Spartans. The Spartans, along with newly hired head coach and NFL Legend Michael Vick, is an even 1-1 on the season, but looking for a big upset on Saturday. Rutgers, coming off a 2-0 start, wants to keep the ball rolling as the offensive production over the first few weeks has been unlike anything the Scarlet Knights have ever had. It’s a Rutgers vs. Norfolk State Week 3 matchup in the 2025 season, so let’s dive in.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Norfolk State Spartans: Matchup History and Excerpts

Rutgers is familiar with Norfolk State; however, the Spartans will continue their conquest against the Scarlet Knights for the fifth time in history. The Scarlet Knights are 4-0 against the Spartans with each win by 31 points or more. Their biggest win came in 2007 in a 59-0 blowout. The most recent meeting was a decade ago on the road in 2015.

“We have to travel to Rutgers, and it’s not going to be the easiest test, but we definitely want our guys to feel like we got a chance to win, compete hard, believe in themselves, and trust the process and, you know, trust what we’re trying to accomplish as a program. And so, like I said, every game is going to be a challenge. We’re not going to look at them any differently than we look at any other opponent, and we’re going to come out to compete,” said head Coach Michael Vick of Norfolk State ahead of the matchup.

Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano added on, “[Vick’s gotten the] chance to start his coaching career as the head coach at Norfolk State, and they got their first win. You know, I’ve watched both their games and watched his press conference and everything. Everybody’s very excited, and it’s my job to make sure they’re not excited on Saturday at the end of the game. So that’s my mission. But I am happy for Michael. He’s doing a great job.”

Rutgers vs. Norfolk State 2025: Keys to the Game and Predictions

Key Players for Norfolk State

Quarterbacks Otto Kuhns and Israel Carter are the two most important pieces to the Norfolk State team. Not only because they are the quarterbacks, but because their tandem has created a problem for opponents throughout the first two weeks of play. Vick has been able to use the two as a dual force on the offensive side, and the two of them can certainly cause confusion against a still disgruntled Rutgers defense.

The Spartans’ passing game is dominated by two players, too, in Kam’Ryn Thomas and DreSean Kendrick. Thomas has put together 187 yards on 12 receptions this season. Meanwhile, Kendrick has amassed 177 yards on 15 receptions. It will be a priority for the Rutgers defense to stop the receiving duo of Norfolk State.

Rutgers Key Players

With an FCS opponent on the docket, no one is poised to benefit more than the Rutgers defense. Despite a bounce-back game last week, the new look still has not quite settled with the Scarlet Knights, and an FCS opponent provides the perfect opportunity.

Rather than name a single player, it is evident that the entire defense can benefit from this game and use it as, hopefully, a lesson for what to do entering Big Ten play. There is no better chance to experiment with play calling, new schemes, and more than when playing an FCS opponent, and if the offense continues to roll, there should be no problem with playing a bit looser on the defensive side.

On offense, the Scarlet Knights headed by Athan Kaliakmanis just need to keep rolling and putting together good plays. If they can do that, it will be a blowout by halftime.

Keys to a Rutgers Win

Have Fun

Live a little – experiment with the play calling and go for it every time. This is the last chance to try out something in game situations before Big Ten play rolls around, so Schiano and both sides of the ball should take the opportunity to be bolder than ever before.

Warm Up

Norfolk State is playing this game like their lives depend on it, so capitalize on that passion. Fuel the team into conference play and still play like it is Iowa in the house, as it will be just a week from now.

Spread the Love

Everyone needs to be on top of their game. Give RB Ja’shon Benjamin more touches, or dump off a few more passes to the tight ends. Give everyone a chance to shine and earn the recognition they deserve.