Game Preview: Rutgers vs. Virginia Tech (9-20-24)

By: Joey Raymond

Headline Photo Credit: Arturo Jones-LMS Network

Date: Saturday

Time: 3:30 PM ET

Location: Lane Stadium, Blacksburg, VA

This Saturday, the Hokies (2-1) welcome the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (2-0) to Lane Stadium for what should be a tough but exciting matchup. Both teams are coming in with momentum, and there’s plenty at stake as they look to build on their strong starts to the season.

Let’s not forget, that Rutgers handed Virginia Tech a loss last season, so there’s some extra motivation for the Hokies to get even. But it’s worth noting that Rutgers caught Virginia Tech at a rough time last year. Kyron Drones had just taken over at quarterback, and the Hokies were still trying to figure out their identity. Now, with a few games and a season under his belt, Drones and the offense seem to have found a rhythm. So long as the offensive play calling compliments it. 

Rutgers is always a physical team with solid coaching, and their defense will present a serious challenge. Last season, they were ranked 16th nationally in total defense, allowing just 21 points per game, despite having the weakest pass rush in the Big Ten. That defense will be put to the test against a Hokies offense that’s starting to find its groove, especially in the run game. Bhayshul Tuten is coming off two straight 100-yard rushing performances, and if he gets going again, that could spell trouble for Rutgers.

Quarterback Kyron Drones has quietly been putting up solid numbers too. He’s thrown for 628 yards and four touchdowns in three games, while also making plays with his legs—adding 149 rushing yards and two touchdowns. On the other side, Rutgers’ QB Athan Kaliakmanis has been efficient, throwing for 377 yards and six touchdowns with only one pick. He’ll be looking to test a Hokies defense that struggled against the run last week, giving up 243 rushing yards to Old Dominion. They seemed to struggle against the option play against both Marshall and Old Dominion, and I’m interested to see how often Rutgers will break it out as well. 

The big question for this game is which defense can step up. Rutgers has shown they can hang tough, but they haven’t faced a real test yet this season in my opinion. The Hokies’ defense had a rough go of it last week, but Antwaun Powell-Ryland was a bright spot with his four sacks, and they’ll need that kind of pressure again. 

In the end, I see this game as a toss-up. Rutgers has been solid, but it’s hard to bet against the Hokies in Lane Stadium. With the home crowd behind them and momentum on their side after two straight wins, Virginia Tech has a real shot to keep rolling. This game will likely come down to which team can control the line of scrimmage and avoid costly mistakes. With the biggest key being the boys in the trenches, it’s going to truly come down to whose defense can withstand the run game. 

Players to Watch:

• Virginia Tech: QB Kyron Drones, RB Bhayshul Tuten, DE Antwaun Powell-Ryland
• Rutgers: QB Athan Kaliakmanis, RB Kyle Monangai

It’s going to be a physical, hard-fought game, and if the Hokies can establish the run and keep Rutgers’ defense on its heels, they should be in a good position to come out on top.