Rutgers Football: Virginia Tech Preview

Rutgers will travel down to Blacksburg for their first road trip and first real test of the highly anticipated 2024 season. After defeating the Hokies last season, Rutgers looks to earn a key road victory in a hostile environment on Saturday. Virginia Tech is led by Head Coach Brent Pry in his 3rd season. The Hokies began their season with a heartbreaking loss to Vanderbilt, and have struggled ever since, especially on the defense. After Vandy, they bounced back with wins over Sun Belt teams Marshall and Old Dominion, but struggled throughout both of those games as well. In the Old Dominion game alone, Virginia Tech gave up an egregious 243 rushing yards as a team, to one of the worst rushing teams in the country. Rutgers, obviously, is one of the best rushing teams in the country. This will still by no means be an easy game, but Rutgers must control the football and use Kyle Monangai to wear the Hokie defense down in order to win the game. Here are Six Key Players that you should know of heading into Saturday’s matchup: 

Mobile Quarterback: QB Kyron Drones 

Kyron Drones’ first career start came against Rutgers in Piscataway last season, and certainly flashed at points in the game. He’s been on the rise ever since, solidifying his QB1 role for VT. So far, he has 628 passing yards, and 149 rushing yards, most of which only came in their last game against ODU. Being a mobile QB, Rutgers will need to key in on that threat, as historically it has been a struggle for Rutgers defenses to keep up with them.  

Powerful Running Back: RB Bhayshul Tuten 

New Jersey native Bhayshul Tuten is the bull of this Hokie offense, who returns after rushing for 863 yards in his first FBS season. Rutgers kept him in check last season, but is coming off of back to back 100+ yard performances. 

New Face From Last Year: WR Ali Jennings 

The receiver room at Virginia Tech is pretty elite, and one of its leaders is Ali Jennings. Despite only having 4 receptions so far, Jennings has 117 receiving yards for a touchdown. That is an average of 29.3 yards per reception. 

Leading Receiver: WR Jaylin Lane 

Virginia Tech loves to throw the ball, so a name to watch out for big time will be Jaylin Lane, who so far already has 15 receptions for 209 yards. Both WRs Jennings and Lane missed the game last season against Rutgers in Piscataway. 

Best Defensive Player: DL Antwaun Powell-Ryland

Also known as “APR”, Powell-Ryland was just named Walter Camp Player of the Week from last week’s performance, and has been the anchor for the Hokie defense. He had 4.0 sacks in the Old Dominion game alone, to go along with 5 TFLs and 13 tackles on the season. 

Key Secondary Player: S Mose Phillips III

Phillips has had a hot start to his Sophomore season, leading his team with 18 tackles, 2 pass deflections and 2 TFLs. He is one of many quality Defensive Backs on this Hokies roster.