Virginia Tech Hokies vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights Picks and Predictions September 21st 2024

Coming into this week four non-conference matchup, the Virginia Tech Hokies are favored by -3.5 points as they host the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg. Kick-off is set for 3:30 ET, with the game being broadcast on ACCN. The over/under line is currently at 45.5 points. The Scarlet Knights are 2-0 on the season, while the Hokies are 2-1.

Rutgers vs. Virginia Tech Key Information

Rutgers improved to 2-0 with a 49-17 victory over Akron, who they were favored to beat by -24.5 points. This win also marked the second consecutive game in which the Scarlet Knights covered the spread. The over/under line for the game was 41.5 points, but the teams combined for 66 points, hitting the over.

The Scarlet Knights set the tone early, taking a 7-0 lead in the first quarter. By halftime, they had extended their lead to 21-3, and they finished the game with a 49-17 win. This was a positive sign for Rutgers, as they were able to build an early lead and keep their foot on the gas, leading to a comfortable win.

Rutgers’ offense was unstoppable in their 49-17 win over Akron, racking up 515 total yards and 26 first downs. The Scarlet Knights’ ground game was particularly effective, with 285 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Kyle Monangai was the star, rushing for 208 yards on 27 carries and finding the end zone three times. Athan Kaliakmanis added 230 passing yards on 14 completions, with three touchdowns and one interception.

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Chris Long was the top receiver for Rutgers, with four catches for 87 yards and one touchdown.

In their most recent game, Rutgers’ defense allowed 416 total yards, with 365 yards coming through the air. The Scarlet Knights gave up four passing touchdowns but managed to intercept one pass. Despite these numbers, Rutgers still came out on top, as their defense held Akron to just 51 rushing yards on 31 attempts.

Virginia Tech is now 2-1 after a 37-17 road victory over Old Dominion. The Hokies, who were -16.5 point favorites, not only won but also covered the spread. The game’s over/under was 47.5 points, but the teams combined for 54 points, hitting the over.

Virginia Tech dominated early, taking a 14-0 lead. Old Dominion closed the gap to 14-10 by halftime, and the Hokies extended their lead to 20-10 by the end of the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, Virginia Tech outscored Old Dominion 17-7 to secure the win.

Virginia Tech’s offense was effective in their 37-17 win, racking up 465 total yards and 22 first downs. The Hokies’ ground game was particularly strong, amassing 289 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Kyron Drones, who also led the team in passing, contributed 117 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground.

Through the air, Drones completed 15 of 26 passes for 176 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. Jaylin Lane was his top target, hauling in seven receptions for 106 yards and a score.

Virginia Tech’s defense was dominant in their most recent game, holding Old Dominion to just 50 passing yards on 6 completions. The Hokies’ secondary also came up with an interception, while the defense as a whole allowed just 11 first downs and 293 total yards. However, they did struggle against the run, giving up 243 yards and two rushing touchdowns.

Our projections have Virginia Tech winning 24-15 over Rutgers in what should be a low-scoring game. With the over/under line set at 45.5 points, we recommend taking the under, as our model suggests the total points will be closer to 39.

Virginia Tech is the -3.5 point spread favorite, and we see them covering the spread as they take on Rutgers in week four.

Rutgers Puts Its Rushing Attack to the Test Against Virginia Tech

On Saturday, Rutgers will face a stiff test as it travels to Blacksburg, Virginia, to take on the Virginia Tech Hokies. The Scarlet Knights (2-0) will be looking to continue their early-season dominance, led by one of the most productive running backs in the country, Kyle Monangai. Meanwhile, the Hokies (2-1) will aim to slow down Rutgers’ potent ground game and avenge last year’s defeat.

Kyle Monangai: Rutgers’ Workhorse

Rutgers’ offensive success so far this season has been largely due to the outstanding play of Kyle Monangai. The Scarlet Knights’ running back currently ranks second in the nation in rushing, averaging 186.5 yards per game. Monangai has been the focal point of Rutgers’ offense, and he’s already making a case for Heisman Trophy consideration with his explosive performances.

In Rutgers’ most recent game, a 49-17 victory over Akron, Monangai rushed for a career-high 208 yards and three touchdowns. This came on the heels of a strong performance in the season opener, where he ran for 143 yards and three touchdowns against Virginia Tech, helping the Scarlet Knights end a 12-game losing streak to their former Big East rivals.

Virginia Tech head coach Brent Pry knows the challenge his defense faces in trying to slow down Monangai.

“He’s a physical runner,” Pry said. “He does a great job keeping his feet and legs going. I think that first would-be tackler feels it.”

The Hokies will need to be much more stout against the run after giving up 243 rushing yards in their last game, a 37-17 victory over Old Dominion. Pry emphasized that his defensive line must win at the line of scrimmage if they hope to contain Monangai.

“We’ve gotta beat them off the ball. We gotta play lower,” Pry said. “We gotta get on their side more often.”

A Balanced Rutgers Attack

While Monangai is clearly the centerpiece of the Scarlet Knights’ offense, Rutgers has shown it can be more than a one-dimensional team. Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis, a transfer who previously played at Minnesota, has provided a much-needed boost to the passing game. Against Akron, Kaliakmanis threw for 230 yards and three touchdowns, showing that Rutgers can air it out when needed.

Kaliakmanis took over as the starting quarterback after beating out two-year starter Gavin Wimsatt, who has since transferred to Kentucky. With Kaliakmanis under center, the Scarlet Knights have significantly improved their passing efficiency, addressing a major weakness from last season, when Rutgers ranked at the bottom of the Big Ten in completion percentage.

With a balanced offensive attack, Rutgers will look to keep Virginia Tech’s defense on its heels.

Virginia Tech’s Response

Virginia Tech enters the game with momentum following a 37-17 win over Old Dominion. However, the Hokies have struggled at times this season, especially when it comes to stopping the run. The Hokies surrendered 243 rushing yards to Old Dominion last week, a concerning stat as they prepare to face Monangai and Rutgers’ powerful running game.

Offensively, Virginia Tech will rely on dual-threat quarterback Kyron Drones, who had a breakout game against Old Dominion. Drones threw for 176 yards and ran for 117 yards in that contest, showcasing his ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs. Drones gives the Hokies a dynamic option at quarterback, something they lacked when they played Rutgers last year.

Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano is well aware of Drones’ potential to impact the game.

“He’s really big, athletic, strong arm,” Schiano said. “… Their ascension as a program and as a team coincided with his development.”

The Hokies also feature running back Bhayshul Tuten, who rushed for 115 yards and two fourth-quarter touchdowns in the win over Old Dominion. Wide receiver Jaylin Lane added seven catches for 106 yards and a touchdown, further adding to Virginia Tech’s offensive firepower.

Schiano acknowledged the depth and talent on the Hokies’ roster, particularly their skill players.

“Wherever you look in the skill game, they are loaded,” Schiano said. “They probably have eight to 10 draft picks and another five to seven free agents. So they have a lot of NFL players on this team.”

Key Matchups

1. Kyle Monangai vs. Virginia Tech’s Defensive Front: The biggest question heading into the game is whether Virginia Tech can find a way to slow down Kyle Monangai. The Hokies were gashed on the ground by Old Dominion, and Monangai is arguably a more formidable runner. If the Hokies can’t stop the run, it could be a long day for their defense.
2. Kyron Drones vs. Rutgers Defense: While Virginia Tech’s defense is trying to contain Monangai, the Hokies will be counting on Drones to keep the offense moving. His dual-threat ability will test Rutgers’ defense, which will need to stay disciplined to avoid giving up big plays on the ground or through the air.
3. Rutgers’ Offensive Balance: If Athan Kaliakmanis can continue his efficient play and connect with his receivers, Rutgers will have the ability to keep Virginia Tech’s defense off-balance. The combination of Monangai’s running and a capable passing game could prove difficult for the Hokies to handle.
4. Bhayshul Tuten vs. Rutgers’ Run Defense: On the other side of the ball, Virginia Tech will need Tuten to establish the run in order to give Drones some support. If Tuten can find success on the ground, it will open up opportunities for Drones in the passing game.

What’s at Stake

For Rutgers, a win would keep their undefeated record intact and further solidify their standing as a rising team in the Big Ten. The Scarlet Knights have been impressive through two games, but a win over an ACC opponent like Virginia Tech would add a significant boost to their resume.

For Virginia Tech, Saturday’s game represents a chance to show they can compete with a strong non-conference opponent. The Hokies have a lot of talent on both sides of the ball, and a win over Rutgers would be a confidence builder heading into the rest of their schedule.

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Final Thoughts

Saturday’s matchup between Rutgers and Virginia Tech is shaping up to be a battle of strengths. Rutgers will lean heavily on Kyle Monangai and their running game, while Virginia Tech will look to stop the run and let Kyron Drones lead the offense.

Both teams have shown flashes of potential this season, but Saturday’s game will provide a clearer picture of where they stand. If Rutgers can control the clock with their ground game and keep Monangai rolling, they’ll be in a good position to win. However, if Virginia Tech can bottle up Monangai and get Drones going on offense, the Hokies could walk away with a victory on their home turf.