[PeterParker]

http://content.hamptonroads.com/story.c ... &ran=16443

NSU football steps up in class by challenging No. 12 Rutgers
By TRIS WYKES, The Virginian-Pilot
© January 11, 2007


If it's true that ambition bites the nails of success, then Norfolk State football may soon be missing a hand.

Wednesday, the Spartans announced their 2007 schedule, including their first game with a big-time opponent when they visit Big East power Rutgers on Sept. 15.

The Scarlet Knights, who finished No. 12 in the 2006 Associated Press and USA Today/Coaches' polls, play in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision, formerly known as Division I-A. Norfolk State plays in the NCAA Division I Championship Subdivision, formerly known as Division I-AA.

Whatever the nomenclature, it adds up to the Spartans tackling a monstrous challenge, but for a payday worth between $275,000 and $300,000, according to NSU sports information director Matt Michalec.

Norfolk State football coach Pete Adrian said that the match-up was four or five months in the making, but that he didn't have any regrets as he watched Rutgers race up the 2006 national polls en route to an 11-2 record and a 37-10 rout of Kansas State in the Texas Bowl.

Another 2006 Rutgers victim was Howard, like Norfolk State a member of the MEAC. The Bison lost 56-7 at Rutgers and beat the Spartans 13-10 later in the season.

"We've got our eyes open going into this," said Adrian, who has posted 4-7 records each of his first two NSU seasons. "We didn't know Rutgers was going to be a top-10 team, but what the heck."

Rutgers is guided by reigning national Coach of the Year Greg Schiano, who has lifted the Scarlet Knights from doormat to national championship contender during his seven seasons.

Rutgers returns 14 starters in 2007, led by running back Ray Rice, who set a Big East season record with 1,794 rushing yards and finished seventh in 2006 Heisman Trophy voting.

"I was watching ESPN today and one of their sportscasters picked Rutgers to start next season ranked fifth in the country," Adrian said. "But our kids will love to compete in front of 30,000 fans, and as long as we don't try to play too many of these types of games, we'll be fine."

Norfolk State opens the season against traditional Labor Day Classic rival Virginia State on Sept. 1, then has a bye week before heading to Rutgers.

The Spartans will play six home games.

[Sly Fox]

Better them than us. Although I wish we had a little higher profile FBS opponent than the Rockets this fall.

[bigsmooth]

i think this would be the year to face a team like that with our defense, but good luck to the spartans......hopefully a few ambulances will be there running shuttles.