Hokies Come Up Short in Nail-Biter Against Rutgers (9-21-24)

By: Joey Raymond

Headline Photo Credit: Katie Raymond-LMS Network

Blacksburg, VA – On a picturesque day in Blacksburg, Lane Stadium was packed to capacity as the Virginia Tech Hokies welcomed the Rutgers Scarlet Knights for a highly anticipated matchup. With 81-degree weather, partly cloudy skies, and a cool breeze, the atmosphere was perfect for a thrilling afternoon of football, made even more special by the White Out and Military Appreciation Night.

First Quarter: Early Mistakes Set the Tone

After Rutgers won the coin toss and deferred to the second half, the Hokies began with the ball but were quickly forced to punt. Rutgers followed with a three-and-out of their own, but on the punt return, Virginia Tech’s Jaylin Lane fumbled, setting Rutgers up with prime field position at the Hokies’ 31-yard line. The Scarlet Knights wasted no time capitalizing, using trickery to punch in a touchdown and take an early 7-0 lead.

On their ensuing drive, the Hokies moved the ball downfield but failed to convert on fourth down at the Rutgers 39-yard line. Rutgers responded aggressively, advancing quickly into Virginia Tech’s red zone, and within a few plays, the Scarlet Knights extended their lead to 14-0. The Hokies struggled to find their rhythm, ending the first quarter down by two scores.

Second Quarter: Glimmer of Hope, But More Troubles for the Hokies

The second quarter started with some hope for the Hokies. Down 14-0, Virginia Tech switched things up with a 34-yard deep pass to Jaylin Lane, followed by a beautifully executed jet sweep to Bhayshul Tuten for a touchdown, cutting the deficit to 14-7 and reigniting the Lane Stadium crowd. Rutgers, however, was undeterred, quickly moving the ball downfield with a pair of 22-yard passes. The Hokies’ defense managed to halt Rutgers in the red zone, forcing a field goal attempt, but Rutgers missed, leaving the score at 14-7.

Virginia Tech couldn’t take advantage of the momentum. The Hokies went three-and-out, and Rutgers once again found themselves in the red zone. Although a key offsides penalty on the Hokies extended Rutgers’ drive, the Hokies’ defense forced a fumble and recovered it, giving them another chance to cut into the lead.
But disaster struck for Virginia Tech when quarterback Kyron Drones fumbled in the end zone, leading to a Rutgers safety and bringing the score to 16-7. After regaining possession, the Scarlet Knights were forced to punt, and the Hokies ended the half unable to capitalize, heading into the locker room down by nine.

Third Quarter: Rutgers Extends the Lead

Rutgers came out strong to start the second half, marching down the field with a 75-yard drive, capped off by a big touchdown run from Brown to extend their lead to 23-7. The Hokies’ struggles continued as Drones fumbled on the very next drive, giving Rutgers excellent field position at the Hokies’ 22-yard line.
Despite the turnover, the Hokies’ defense held strong, stopping Rutgers at the 1-yard line and forcing a turnover on downs. But Virginia Tech’s offense continued to sputter, going three-and-out once again. The third quarter ended with the Hokies trailing 23-7 and desperately needing a spark.

Fourth Quarter: Furious Comeback Falls Short

The Hokies found life early in the fourth quarter. After a solid punt return, Virginia Tech scored in just two plays, with Tuten finding the end zone again and a successful two-point conversion bringing the score to 23-15. With a one-possession game and momentum-swinging, Virginia Tech’s defense came up big, forcing Rutgers into a punt.
Starting from their 25-yard line, the Hokies embarked on a “desperation drive.” Drones led the charge, with key plays from both himself and Tuten. The Hokies powered their way into the end zone, and another successful two-point conversion tied the game at 23-23 with just over four minutes remaining.
Rutgers responded immediately, delivering a crushing 63-yard pass to set up a field goal. The Scarlet Knights knocked it through from 25 yards to reclaim the lead, 26-23.
The Hokies had one last chance, but disaster struck again as Drones threw an interception, giving Rutgers the ball deep in Virginia Tech territory. A first-down run from Monangai sealed the game for the Scarlet Knights.

Final Thoughts and What’s Next

Despite a spirited fourth-quarter comeback, the Hokies’ earlier mistakes proved insurmountable. Costly fumbles, penalties, and missed opportunities haunted Virginia Tech throughout the game, allowing Rutgers to slip away with a 26-23 victory. Once again, the Hokies’ offensive play-calling appeared lackluster and uninspired for the majority of the game—continuing a troubling pattern seen in three of their first four matchups. Offensive coordinator Tyler Bowen’s approach has lacked creativity and risk, with little evidence of in-game adjustments to counter the team’s struggles. Head coach Brent Pry finds himself under increasing pressure, as Virginia Tech’s offense remains baffled and ineffective. With a fanbase desperate for a return to success, frustration is mounting. The Hokies must find answers and fast, as they look to regroup and avoid further disappointment in the season ahead.

Next up the Hokies will head down to Miami and play what currently looks to be the toughest team in the ACC, with maybe the exception of Clemson. If the Hokies continue down the paththey are currently on, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a blowout from Miami. As for Rutgers, they’ll play host to the Washington Huskies, one of the newcomers to the Big10. 

Final Score: Rutgers 26, Virginia Tech 23