Virginia Tech lost a close one to Purdue but there was a lot to be concerned about from that game. First, it looks like Ali Jennings may be out for a long time. That’s troubling because he is clearly this team’s number one receiving option. Second, in consecutive games this team could not run the ball at all. Third, things are a mess at quarterback where Grant Wells hasn’t performed well and now may be injured. This team has a lot of question marks going into the Rutgers game.
I owe the State of New Jersey an apology. I got schooled by @BillyRayTweets here:
SP+ Rankings
Virginia Tech
Overall: 73rd
Offense: 93rd
Defense: 50th
Special Teams: 21st
Purdue
Overall: 59th
Offense: 80th
Defense: 37th
Special Teams: 43rd
Rutgers is a mediocre offensive team. To be fair, they are very balanced. They do a good job of mixing the run in with the pass. Kyle Monangai is their most explosive running back. They use him like we used Raheem Blackshear (former Rutgers transfer) where he can get yards on the ground but also in the pass game. Their weakness on offense is their pass game. Look for Tech to try to force the issue and make QB Gavin Wimsatt beat them with his arm. This looks like an offense that Tech should be able to slow down, if they can stop Monangai and their run game.
Rutgers has a top-20 defense. This defense looks like it’s no joke. This is year 4 of Greg Schiano and you can tell he has put his mark on this defense. This defense is giving up only 40 rushing yards per game. Tech is coming off a game where they only rushed for 11 yards against a much worse defense. This seems like a mismatch and one that Rutgers should have a sizable advantage.
Rutgers looks like a solid team. They are trying to get their offense in gear but the defense is more than holding up their end. This seems like a tough spot for the Hokies in their first true road game. Tech’s offense is struggling and they are going up against a good defensive team. Not to mention, this could be Kyron Drones’ first start if Grant Wells isn’t able to go. This doesn’t look like the week that Tech’s offense will figure it out. More than likely this is a wake-up call for the offense.
Prediction: Rutgers 31, Virginia Tech 10
treadmillhorse 