National CFB writer's toughest non-conference game for Virginia Tech football in 2024 is a no-brainer

Now that the 2024 Spring Game is in the book, Virginia Tech football fans can turn their attention to the fall and the official start of the regular season. Last season the Hokies started the season 1-3 in their four non-conference games before winning five of eight ACC games to finish 5-3 and become bowl-eligible at 6-6 with a 55-17 win at Virginia Thanksgiving Weekend.

There was a lot of retainment for head coach Brent Pry along with some key transfer portal additions which makes the 2024 season one where Virginia Tech is set up to take a big jump in Pry's third season in Blacksburg. As they did last season, the Hokies will begin the season playing their four non-conference games before conference play begins at the end of September at Miami. Before they get there, they will have to navigate their way through their four games and one national college football writer for each ACC team's toughest non-conference game.

National CFB writer thinks Virginia Tech's toughest non-conference game comes at home

Grant Hughes of 247Sports picked each ACC school's toughest non-conference game and the Hokies game comes in game No. 4 at home against Rutgers, a team that beat them 35-16 in Week 3 last season in New Jersey.

"There's an expectation that Virginia Tech can take the next step under Brent Pry this fall. The Hokies open the season at Vanderbilt, which isn't a gimme, no matter how bad the Commodores were last season. However, Virginia Tech's toughest non-conference matchup comes three weeks later against Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights went 7-6 last season and returned the Big Ten's leading rusher in Kyle Monangai and four of five starters along their offensive line. "

- Grant Hughes

Virginia Tech is at Vanderbilt in Week 1, home vs. Marshall in Week 2 before a rematch in Week 3 at Old Dominion and then Rutgers comes to town in Week 4. Yes, it won't be easy as the Scarlet Knights are bringing back a lot of talent as well, but you have to think the Hokies will be 3-0 (anything less would be disappointing, to say the least) and ready for the game to try and get to 4-0 before conference play begins. You can't help but agree with Hughes that Rutgers is Virginia Tech's toughest non-conference game in 2024.