Rice rushed for 201 yards on 31 carries and three touchdowns to lead Rutgers to a 21-16 season-opening road victory over North Carolina. Rice, who rushed for 128 yards in the first half, had touchdown runs of 2, 7 and 10 yards to lead the Scarlet Knights. It was Rice's second career 200-yard rushing effort.
Rice recorded career-highs in rushing attempts (31) and touchdowns (3) in the win.
It was the third consecutive game that Rice surpassed the 100-yard mark. Rice is the first Rutgers back since Jacki Crooks in 1999 to post three straight 100-yard performances. Crooks had five 100-yard games in a row over the 1998 and 1999 seasons, ending on Sept. 4, 1999.
Rice's effort vs. the Tar Heels was the fourth time in his career that he has topped the 150-yard plateau. The 201-yard performance in a season-opener for Rice was the largest output on opening day for a Scarlet Knight since Dennis Thomas rushed for 177 yards at Buffalo in RU's 31-15 victory on Aug. 30, 2001.
Rice and his teammates return to action Saturday vs. Illinois at Rutgers Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for noon on ESPN2.