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Leonard, Rice run Rutgers past I-AA Howard

Sep 23, 2006 - 10:35 PM PISCATAWAY, New Jersey (Ticker) -- Brian Leonard and Ray Rice paced a productive rushing attack that has Rutgers off to its best start in more than 25 years.

Leonard and Rice combined for five of the Scarlet Knights' seven rushing touchdowns in a 56-7 victory over Division I-AA Howard.

Rutgers (4-0) is off to its best start since 1980 and has its ground game to thank. The Scarlet Knights outrushed the Bison, 215-48, and pulled away in the second quarter.

Leonard, who rushed for 62 yards on 10 carries, scored on runs of five and one yard and Rice scored on a three-yard carry to give Rutgers a 28-0 lead at the half.

Rice finished with 105 yards on 23 carries and scored on runs of one and two yards in the third quarter. Kordell Young added a pair of rushing TDs for the Scarlet Knights.

Howard (0-3) averted the shutout with 6:28 to play on a 70-yard fumble return for a TD by defensive back Thomas Claiborn.