Virginia Tech Football: 3 takeaways from loss to Rutgers

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Sep 16, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Gavin Wimsatt (2) warms up before the game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

Too many mistakes cost the Hokies and Rutgers took full advantage

Playing with so many people out injured, it was the worst start possible for Virginia Tech and multiple first-half mistakes dug themselves a hole they were not able to fully get out of.

On the game’s first play, Drones kept the ball and went 8 yards on first down. On the next play, Drones attempted to hand the ball off to Bhayshul Tuten on an option, but the ball was fumbled and Rutgers recovered on the Hokies’ 19. On the Scarlet Knights’ first play following the turnover, Kyle Monangi took a handoff and raced 19 yards for a touchdown.

The possessions following the touchdown, the Virginia Tech defense actually played well and forced punts. In the second quarter and the Scarlet Knights struggling to move the ball, Keonta Jenkins was called for roughing the passer on an incomplete pass. That 15-yard penalty woke up Rutgers and quarterback Gavin Wimsatt scored on a 34-yard run up the middle for a 14-3 lead.

Late in the second quarter, Virginia Tech punter Peter Moore shanked a punt for 11 yards that set Rutgers up near midfield with great field position. Wimsatt threw a 4-yard TD pass to Christian Dremel with four seconds left in the first half for a 21-3 lead. With every mistake the Hokies made, the Scarlet Knights took advantage.