Virgina Tech (1-1) at Rutgers (2-0), Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (Big Ten Network)
Line: Rutgers by 6 1/2, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
Series record: Virginia Tech leads 12-3.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
Rutgers is looking for its third consecutive 3-0 start and this game is one of those toss-up contests that may determine if the Scarlet Knights get to the postseason. Historically, they have not fared well against Virginia Tech. However, the two have not played in 11 years. With No. 2 Michigan, No. 6 Ohio State, No. 7 Penn State and No. 25 Iowa all on the schedule, this is a game the Scarlet Knights and coach Greg Schiano need. Virginia Tech is coming off a weather-delayed loss to Purdue. It does want to be 1-2 heading into the ACC season.
KEY MATCHUP
Virginia Tech running game against the Scarlet Knights defense. The Hokies have struggled to run the ball, averaging just 60 yards. They are banged up at wide receiver, where they average 267 yards per game. Rutgers is allowing just 40 rushing yards per game, third-best in the country.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Virginia Tech: QB Kyron Drones. Starter Grant Wells is questionable with an ankle injury, and coach Brent Pry has said he wants to get the Baylor transfer some work. Drones has seen action in both games and is 3 for 8 for 40 yards passing and has run four times for 15 yards.
Rutgers: RB Kyle Monangai. The junior had the best game of his career in the 36-7 decision over Temple. He had career highs with 28 carries for 165 yards. He has had a TD run in each game this season and eight in his career. His previous highs were 24 carries for 162 yards against Michigan State, the most yards on the ground by a Scarlet Knight in a Big Ten game.
FACTS & FIGURES:
This will be the first game between the schools since the Hokies beat Rugters 13-10 in overtime in the Russell Athletic Bowl late in 2012. ... The Scarlet Knights last win in the series was a 50-49 decision in Piscataway, N.J. in October 1992, when the schools played in the Big East Conference. ... Virginia Tech is 4-9 under second-year coach Brent Pry. ... The Hokies had seven plays that gained 20 or more yards against Purdue, all through the air. ... Rutgers has won its last eight non-conference games. ... Since 2021, the Scarlet Knights are 8-2 in September. ... Rutgers has outscored its opponents 60-14 this season.
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AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football and https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll
