Keys to victory for Rutgers against Virginia Tech

Rutgers football hosts Virginia Tech on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET at SHI Stadium airing live on the Big Ten Network. This is obviously a big game for both programs. The Scarlet Knights are 2-0 and the Hokies come to Piscataway with a 1-1 record.

There are plenty of matchups that are key to Rutgers ultimately winning on Saturday.

How the offensive line holds up against a pretty good pass rush is obviously important. The ground game will be a focus for Rutgers once again. What will the running back rotation look like? However, can Gavin Wimsatt convert in first and second down passing situations to keep the VT defense off balance?

On the flip side, can the Rutgers defense be dominant once again. The Hokies could be starting backup quarterback Kyron Drones in place of injured starter Grant Wells. Drones is a mobile quarterback and offers a different challenge for the defense. In addition, a key is the defensive pressure up front from the Scarlet Knights.

Both teams have significant injury issues. Virginia Tech is definitely without senior tight end and captain Nick Gallo as well s No. 1 receiver Ali Jennings. No. 2 receiver Jaylin Lane did practice this week but is likely a game time decision. Starting safety Nasir Peoples didn’t play last week and was listed as “borderline doubtful” by head coach Brent Pry. It does appear defensive end Keyshawn Burgos, who Pry said was questionable, is going to play.

As for Rutgers, aside from Needham likely out, there are questions on receiver Chris Long, who missed the Temple game. Wesley Bailey was banged up and was limited last week. And Aaron Young could make his season debut, but he could be out again as well. Hopefully, there are no surprises for RU on Saturday’s availability report, which the Big Ten releases two hours before kickoff.

Old friend and longtime Rutgers fan and writer is back to help cover the keys to victory on Saturday.

Listen and watch this episode below.

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