The season-opening victory by Rutgers was a team effort. From quarterback Gary Nova to running back Paul James to big-play threat Leonte Carroo, the Scarlet Knights racked up 496 yards in Seattle.

As Labor Day weekend in New Jersey is spent with euphoria over the first victory of the 2014 season, Rutgers fans will undoubtedly look ahead to the rest of the season and what this team can become in the Big Ten.

If the aggressive, attacking offense that shredded Washington State's defense is poised to take the field all season, offensive coordinator Ralph Friedgen is on the path to becoming a household name among college football fans in this state.

While we spent the majority of each offseason debating recruiting, redshirt status and the future of head coach Kyle Flood, the hiring of Friedgen, the former Maryland head coach affectionately referred to as "Fridge," may have been the biggest thing to happen to the Rutgers program in years.

Nova, James and Carroo are talented players, but Friedgen is a difference-maker capable of bringing out the best in this offense.

Do you believe in what coach Friedgen can bring to the table in 2014? Watch the video above and sound off below with your thoughts on the new-look, high-octane offense that we saw on Thursday night.

Joe Giglio may be reached at jgiglio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.