Prediction, Game Preview, and Odds for Rutgers vs. Virginia Tech

Both teams are very excited about the game, but in different ways.

No matter what, Virginia Tech is good enough to go on a run in ACC play. But if they lose this game, they will be 2-2 and it will be hard for them to win four of their last eight games to go bowling.

If they win, they will be hungry for the next conference game, which is six days later at Miami.

After scrimmages against Howard and Akron to start the season, Rutgers had two weeks off to get ready for this.

Next, it plays Washington to start the Big Ten season. The next three games are all at home, though. It would be great to win on the road.

Rutgers vs Virginia Tech Preview

Rutgers vs Virginia Tech How to Watch
Date: Saturday, September 21, 2024
Game Time: 3:30 pm ET
Venue: Lane Stadium, Blacksburg, VA
How to Watch: ACC Network
Virginia Tech (2-1), Rutgers (2-0)

Why Rutgers Will Win

The speed game is already very good.

Okay, so it is only against Howard and Akron, but that is why there are two warmups.

Kyle Monangai has been great, getting over eight yards per carry. The offensive line has also been great, and it should all work against a Hokie run defense that is too soft.

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia made it hard for Virginia Tech to run the ball. They also gave up almost six yards per carry to Marshall and were pounded for 243 yards and six yards per carry by Old Dominion. But…

Why Virginia Tech Will Win

Rutgers’ third down defense has not been very good.

Again, it happened against Howard and Akron, and most of the production happened when it did not mean that much. In both games, though, the Scarlet Knights let offenses make more than 43% of their chances.

Last year, Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, Iowa, and Wisconsin were the only teams to convert that many third downs against Rutgers. All of those teams were good.

Temple and Wagner are not it. They are running the ball well enough to set up a lot of easy third down tries, but

Rutgers vs Virginia Tech: Who Will Win

The offensive front for the Hokies has been fine. Rutgers will loosen up the front line for this game because they are giving up too many stops for loss. Part of the reason for this is that quarterback Kyron Drones runs a lot.

They will not have a great passing game, but Athan Kaliakmanis will make the right throws on third down to win this game.