The Virginia Tech Hokies will play the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in a non-conference game on Saturday afternoon at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey. Virginia Tech is coming off of a home loss to Purdue, while Rutgers has started the season with a 2-0 record.
Virginia Tech Preview
The Virginia Tech Hokies are 1-1 this season after they lost to Purdue by a score of 24-17 in their last game. Virginia Tech trailed 17-0 early in the second quarter, but they fought back to tie the game at 17 before the half. The Hokies would get shutout in the second half, but allowed Purdue to score the game winning touchdown with eight minutes left in the game. Virginia Tech was out gained by a total of 427-286 and they turned the ball over twice in the loss. Virginia Tech defeated Old Dominion by a score of 36-17 in their first game. The Hokies offense is averaging 26.5 points per game with 267 passing yards per game and 60 rushing yards per game, while going 35.7% on third down attempts. Grant Wells has thrown for 494 yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions for the Hokies this season. Bhayshul Tuten has rushed for 59 yards, while Jaylin Lane has caught nine passes for 123 yards and two scores for Virginia Tech. The Hokies defense is allowing 20.5 points against per game this year.
Rutgers Preview
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are 2-0 this season after they defeated Temple by a score of 36-7 last week. Rutgers led 13-0 at halftime, but Temple cut the lead to 13-7 in the fourth quarter, before Rutgers scored the final 23 points in the game. Rutgers put up 452 total yards, with 254 of those yards coming on the ground. Rutgers defeated Northwestern by a score of 24-7 in Week 1. The Rutgers offense is averaging 30 points per game with 180.5 passing yards per game and 188 rushing yards per game, while going 48.5% on third down conversions. Gavin Wimsatt has thrown for 361 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 57 yards and a score. Kyle Monangai has rushed for 214 yards and two touchdowns, while JaQuae Jackson has caught five passes for 99 yards this season. The Scarlet Knights defense is giving up seven points against per game this season.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Team Facts
- Rutgers has won eight of its last nine September games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Rutgers has covered the spread in each of its last four home games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Rutgers has won the first half in each of its last three games against non-conference opponents.
- Each of Rutgers' last four games against non-AP-ranked teams at SHI Stadium have gone UNDER the total points line.
Virginia Tech Hokies Team Facts
- Virginia Tech has lost eight of its last 10 games.
- Virginia Tech has failed to cover the spread in eight of its last 10 games against non-conference opponents.
- Eight of Virginia Tech's last nine September games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Virginia Tech ranked 28th among FBS teams for Q1 points allowed per game last season (4.3).
Pick
Rutgers comes into this game looking to go 3-0 on the season, while Virginia Tech is looking to bounce back from a poor effort at home against Purdue. Rutgers has dominated the first two games of their season, but Northwestern and Temple aren’t exactly great competition. On the other side, Virginia Tech took care of Old Dominion in Week 1, but lost to Purdue in Week 2. Purdue allowed a ton of points and yards to Fresno State in their first game, but Virginia Tech was held scoreless in the second half. This should be a very good game, but I am going to take Virginia Tech with the points here. The weather is expected to be very poor and I think we are going to see a very low scoring game, so I will gladly take the points with the Hokies.
AUTHOR: David Racey
