Rutgers expect new running backs to share load

Rutgers coach Greg Schiano knows it's going to take more than one man to replace record-setting running back Ray Rice.

Schiano has listed sophomores Kordell Young and Mason Robinson as both the first- and second-string tailbacks and expects both players to see significant playing time when the Scarlet Knights open the season against Fresno State on Monday.

"It's not going to be one guy," Schiano said. "Mason and Kordell are going to be a one-two punch. Right now we haven't locked in which exactly are going to be Mason's plays and who are going to be Kordell's plays."

The options don't stop there. If Young or Robinson can't get going, Schiano could also turn to 235-pound bruiser Jourdan Brooks or redshirt freshman Joe Martinek.

"Jourdan is a big man, Joe brings something different as well," Schiano said. "The coaches have done a good job of divvying up the pie."

There may not be that many carries to go around on a team featuring quarterback Mike Teel and talented wide receivers Tiquan Underwood and Kenny Britt. Still, the Scarlet Knights know they'll need to be balanced if they want to build on their recent success.

"We're going to continue to be a pro-style offense, so we're going to have to run the ball for our offense to be effective," Underwood said. "From the start you're going to need both (facets) but we do have a lot of experience coming back in the passing game. We're just going to continue to push along and try to bring both of them along at the same time."

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NEW TITLE, SAME OLD STEWART: Don't let the headset fool you. Just because he's the head coach now, don't expect West Virginia's Bill Stewart to change much.

The enthusiastic Stewart plans on keeping a close eye on the special teams, a role he's handled for years with the Mountaineers, but he'll leave the play calling on offense and defense to his coordinators.

"I'll never go to the defensive side," Stewart said. "I've got more brain trust over there than a man deserves."

Stewart has no special plans for when he runs out onto the field Saturday for the first time as the man in charge. He just hopes he doesn't trip over himself.

"I'm going to be me," Stewart said. "I'm the same guy, I just switched offices. If I change then shame on me."