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Virginia Tech Football: What we’ve learned through the first four weeks

By Scott Roche

Sep 16, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies head coach Brent Pry reacts during the first half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 16, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies head coach Brent Pry reacts during the first half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights 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) 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
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 /

Virginia Tech has struggled to stop the run

Rushing the ball has been a problem on offense, but on the other side of the ball, stopping the run has been just as big of a problem. The signs were there in the opening game against Old Dominion.

Last season the Monarchs averaged 92 yards a game on the ground, but against the Hokies, they rushed for 201 yards and 94 of that was from QB Grant Wilson. Purdue rushed for 179 yards and following a turnover on downs by the Hokies late in the fourth quarter, the Boilermakers were able to run out the clock.

Rutgers rushed for 256 yards and running back Kyle Monangai rushed for 143 and three touchdowns, including a backbreaking TD in the third quarter of 55 yards after Virginia Tech closed the deficit to 21-16. Scarlet Knights QB Gavin Wimsatt rushed for 87 yards and a 34-yard touchdown.

Marshall gashed the Hokies for 214 yards on the ground and 174 of that was from running back Rasheen Ali, who had 174 yards on 27 carries and averaged 6.4 per carry. Until Tech figures a way to slow down the running game and not allow big plays, it’s going to be difficult for them to get many wins.

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