Because of the Heisman memorial of ...

Because of the Heisman memorial of conquest campaign Rutgers has started for fullback Brian Leonard, tailback Ray Rice came into the season as individual of the lesser-known runners to have gained 1000 yards last year.

That changed Saturday. With North Carolina keying forward Leonard, Rice (left) ran for 201 yards and three touchdowns in succession 31 carries, leading Rutgers to a 21-16 victory.

The effort against the Tar Heels was a radical departure from Rice's first game of 2005 when he first attempted with 55 yards on 12 carries and had

put out of order figuring out where to move in a loss to Illinois, whom the Scarlet Knights innkeeper Saturday.

"He's matured, obviously, from the first game last year to the first game this year," Leonard said. "Last year, we had a to call a link timeouts because Ray was in the inapposite position or lined up vicious This year, he's just more mature, bigger, stronger faster, knows the offense better."

And more comfortable.

"This year, I came in with a part more confidence, obviously because of the way I finished last year," said Rice, who fix a Rutgers record for stanch freshmen by gaining 1,120 yards last year. "I finished stout and I didn't have that confidence at the beginning of the season. This year, I've kind of got a be perceived for it."

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