On Saturday, September, 21, Rutgers football (2-0) hits the road to take on Virginia Tech (2-1) in their first road game of the 2024 season. The Scarlet Knights last visited Lane Stadium (Blacksburg, Virginia) in 2002 when the Hokies defeated Rutgers 35-14. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. with coverage on the ACC Network.
Rutgers football is coming off a bye week after beating Howard and Arkon to start the season. As for Virginia Tech, the Hokies return to Lane Stadium, riding the momentum of two consecutive wins. After losing their Week 1 matchup against Vanderbilt (27-34 in OT), VT is entering Week 4 with victories over Marshall (31-14) and Old Dominion (37-17).
In Week 2, Rutgers running back Kyle Monangai rushed for a career-high 208 yards and three touchdowns to help the football team to a 49-17 win over Akron at SHI Stadium. The former Don Bosco Prep prospect averaged 7.7 yards per carry during his career outing, which included a career-long 62-yard rush in the first half.
With his 208 yards on the ground, the senior running back became the first Scarlet Knight since 2014 (Josh Hicks) to go over 200 yards in a game. His performance earned him the title of Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week, his second time earning the honor.
Rutgers posted 515 yards of offense against Akron, its first time topping 500 against an FBS opponent since 2019 versus Massachusetts. The Rutgers offense had six consecutive drives with a touchdown in their victory over the Zips.
Quarterback Athan Kaliakmani finished with 14 completions for 230 yards and three touchdowns, finding wide receiver KJ Duffy, Chris Long, and tight end Kenny Fletcher on scoring plays.
Rutgers Football vs. Virginia Tech Matchup History
Rutgers will take on Virginia Tech for the 17th time in program history (seventh time in Virginia). The Hokies lead the series, 12-4. When Rutgers was in the Big East Conference, both programs faced off each season from 1992-2003.
Last year at SHI Stadium, Rutgers defeated Virginia Tech, 35-16, to capture their first victory in over 31 years. The win snapped a 12-game skid against the Hokies. Monangai finished the game with 143 yards and three scores, earning him Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week.
RU game highs versus VT
- Rushing Yards: RB Terrell Willis, 155 (1993)
- Passing Yards: QB Ray Lucas, 374 (1994)
- Receiving Yards: WR Reggie Funderburk, 172 (1994)
Key Players for Rutgers football
Since 2023, Rutgers has eight games with at least 200 yards rushing and six games with at least 250. With that said, Monangai and the running back group will need to carry the Scarlet Knights to victory. Monangai ranks second nationally with 186.5 rushing yards per game, fourth with 8.1 yards per carry, and sixth with 12.0 points scored per game.
Also, Rutgers has scored a touchdown on 11-of-13 trips to the red zone this year. Solid quarterback play has led to RU’s success, making Kaliakmanis a must-watch player. Kaliakmanis has thrown six touchdown passes through two games, including a career-long 58-yard scoring pass to Long. Wide receiver Dymere Mille leads the unit with eight catches for 114 yards, while Fletcher has a touchdown in each of the first two weeks.
On defense, Rutgers has not allowed a point in the first quarter through two games. Keep an eye on linebacker Dariel Djabome as he leads the team with 19 tackles, including 14 in the first game versus Howard. Also, defensive back Robert Longerbeam leads the unit with 31 career passes defended (26 breakups, three interceptions) and five forced fumbles.
Key Players for the Hokies
Rutgers’ defense will be tested after the Hokies offense totaled 463 yards last week against Old Dominion. Keep an eye on quarterback Kyron Drones as he had some success against the Scarlet Knights. In last year’s contest, Drones passed for 190 yards and a touchdown. Also, he led the team in rushing with 74 yards. On the outside, 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. Kaliakmanis 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.
Rutgers Keys for Success
Rutgers ranks first nationally in sacks allowed (0.0), meaning their offensive line is key to victory. If RU’s offensive line can keep Kaliakmanis upright, Rutgers can capture the victory. Also, Rutgers ranks fourth in rushing offense (307.0) and will need to continue their strong rushing attack in Week 4.
RU is fifth in red zone defense (50.0), making it extremely difficult for an opponent to score inside the 20-yard line. Slowing down Drones will be key and RU’s 20th-ranked passing defense (133.5) will need to slow him down. Rutgers has to play clean football as RU seeks to start 3-0 for the fourth straight season.
Mike Cavallo
A sportswriter for The League Winners covering all Rutgers athletics. Follow my social media page for all coverage of Rutgers sports. X (Twitter): @M_Cavs55