Rutgers defense dominates in 26-0 win over Howard

(AP Photo/Mel Evans)

By TOM CANAVAN

PISCATAWAY, N.J. (AP) Gary Nova threw two touchdown passes to Brandon Coleman and Rutgers' swarming defense limited Howard to 149 total yards Saturday, giving Kyle Flood a 26-0 victory in his first home game as the Scarlet Knights' coach.

Nova and Coleman combined on scoring passes of 32 and 16 yards as Rutgers got off to its second 2-0 start in three seasons.

Savon Huggins scored on a 1-yard run and cornerback Brandon Jones scored his second touchdown in as many games, jogging six yards with a blocked punt, one of two that led to touchdowns.

Howard (1-1) of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference had a chance to take an early lead after Julien David intercepted Nova on the opening series, and the Bison eventually got a first and goal at the 2 after a pass interference penalty.

William Parker, however, fumbled a third-down pitch and defensive tackle Scott Vallone recovered.

Updated September 8, 2012