Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – Heading into Week 4, the Hokies return to a sold out Lane Stadium, riding the momentum of two consecutive wins. Their upcoming opponent, Rutgers, will be stepping into hostile territory for the 17th all-time matchup between the teams and the seventh in Blacksburg. Virginia Tech holds a strong 12-4 advantage in the series, remaining unbeaten at home with a 6-0 record against the Scarlet Knights. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Sept. 21, with the game airing live on the ACC Network. In this week's edition of Know the Foe, presented by AAA, let's take a closer look at what to expect from Rutgers.
The Big Ten opponent is 2-0 after a bye week, having outscored Howard and Akron by a combined 93-24. Saturday’s contest will be the Scarlet Knights' first road game of the season and their first matchup against a Power Four school. Head coach Greg Schiano, who returned to Rutgers in 2020 after leading the program from 2001 to 2011, continues to hold the most wins in school history.
Rutgers finished the 2023 season with a 7-6 record, capping it off with a Pinstripe Bowl win against Miami. The Scarlet Knights' offense is led by running back Kyle Monangai, the Big Ten's leading rusher in 2023 with 1,099 yards, averaging 5.1 yards per carry. On the other side of the ball, Rutgers will benefit from four returning starters from their nationally ranked defense, including linemen Aaron Lewis and Wesley Bailey, as well as linebackers Tyreem Powell and Mohamed Toure.
The game serves as a rematch of last year's matchup in Piscataway, New Jersey. Monangai will again be a key player to watch. Another offensive threat is wide receiver Christian Dremel, who found the end zone with a four yard touchdown against Tech. Rutgers’ defense also held firm, and that same formula will likely be a focus again this weekend. Currently ranked 36th in the nation for total defense, Rutgers has yet to allow a first quarter score this season. Linebacker Dariel Djabome currently leads the team with 19 tackles, while defensive backs Shaquan Loyal and Eric Rogers have both recorded interceptions.
This stout defense will be tested by a Hokies offense that totaled 463 yards last week against Old Dominion. In last year's contest, quarterback Kyron Drones passed for 190 yards and a touchdown while also leading the team in rushing with 74 yards. Wide receiver Da’Quan Felton added 84 receiving yards, and running back Bhayshul Tuten chipped in with 43 rushing yards and a score.
On the defensive side, the Hokies will look to build on their recent success. Virginia Tech's defense limited Rutgers' quarterback Gavin Wimsatt to just 46 passing yards on seven completions last season. This year, the Scarlet Knights have named transfer quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis as the starter. He will face a tough challenge from the Hokies' defense, particularly defensive lineman Antwaun Powell-Ryland. Powell-Ryland is fresh off earning ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week and Bednarik Award Player of the Week honors, posting four sacks against Old Dominion and will look to disrupt Rutgers' offensive game plan.