Virginia Tech Football: 3 takeaways from loss to Rutgers

By Scott Roche | Sep 16, 2023

Sep 16, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Gavin Wimsatt (2) scores a rushing touchdown during the first half in front of Virginia Tech Hokies cornerback Dorian Strong (44) at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 16, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Gavin Wimsatt (2) is tackled by Virginia Tech Hokies safety Jalen Stroman (26) and defensive lineman Antwaun Powell-Ryland (52) during the first half at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

Virginia Tech struggled with Rutgers’ running game

I know I’m not breaking any news here, but once again, an opponent was able to gash the Hokies’ defense on the ground. This time, it was Wimsatt and Monangi.

Monangi rushed for 146 yards on 16 carries and three touchdowns. After tech cut the deficit to 21-16 early in the fourth quarter, he broke off a 45-yard touchdown run on a third-and-short. Wimsatt rushed for 87 yards on 11 carries and his touchdown run in the second quarter got Rutgers going.

When needed in the fourth quarter, Rutgers was able to run the ball and burn the clock. They held a 124-14 advantage in yards in the quarter and rolled to 3-0 on the season. All three games have been at home and now they hit the road for the first time next week against Michigan, which will be their first test.

As for Virginia Tech, they get a week to fix things and head to Marshall. Drones’ performance was promising and have they found their future quarterback? Time will tell.

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