The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are set to face the Virginia Tech Hokies. The Scarlet Knights are coming off a big win against Temple University and looking to stay undefeated. It will be the third home game in a row, and there is real hope that the team can win another game. Virginia Tech is coming off of a loss and will be looking to improve its record. Here is a look at everything to watch for as Rutgers takes on Virginia Tech.
What to Watch For
One thing to watch for is how the Scarlet Knights can prevent Virginia Tech from getting anything going with the passing game. The Hokies have been struggling with their run game but are doing well with passing the ball. It is clear that the Scarlet Knights have a strong defense, and should be able to stop the run with no problem. If they could stop the passing game, too, Rutgers will have the edge in this game. The Rutgers defense has had at least one interception in the past two games; forcing a turnover would be ideal and possibly lead to a Scarlet Knights win.
Rutgers PK Jai Patel (44) and LS Jake Eldridge (49) – Vincent Carchietta/USA TODAY Sports
Winning the time of possession battle is going to be key this weekend. So far this season, the Scarlet Knights have been doing well with keeping their offense on the field. It has already been an improvement from the 2022 season. This gives their defense the needed rest, which has been what has made them so explosive. Last weekend against Temple, the Scarlet Knights did win the time of possession battle, which is one of the factors in the win.
If this is going to be a close game, the special teams will need to be ready to step up when under pressure. So far this season, kicker Jai Patel has done well, making all the extra points and making three out of four field goals, according to ESPN. If this game is as close as it could be, Patel needs to be ready for the pressure. If all goes well, this will not be a concern, but if it is a close game, the special teams will be what fans should watch for.
Rutgers RB Ja’shon Benjamin (20) – Vincent Carchietta/USA TODAY Sports
Rutgers Players to Watch
Ja’shon Benjamin
As a freshman, running back Ja’shon Benjamin is already making himself known. He may not have any rushing touchdowns yet, but he has done well, while Kyle Monangai is not the one running the ball. It is always important to have another running back on the field when the top guy needs a break. In these two games so far, Benjamin has had 25 carries for 82 yards, his longest being for 17 yards, according to ESPN. He also has one reception for 33 yards and a touchdown. He is someone that will continue to grow into a great player.
JaQuae Jackson
Senior wide receiver JaQuae Jackson has been a strong player for the Scarlet Knights. It may have been just two games so far this season, but Jackson actually leads the team in receiving yards. With just five receptions, Jackson has 99 receiving yards, according to ESPN. With injuries on the offense, Jackson has been getting his shot, and expect Jackson to hit 100 yards this weekend, only needing one reception for positive yards to do so. Maybe this could even be the weekend he scores for the team.
Gavin Wimsatt
This will be the third game in a row for quarterback Gavin Wimsatt. He should be well settled this weekend, which could be huge for the Scarlet Knights. What fans have been waiting for is to see him on the field for a consecutive number of games, and three in a row is a great start. This season, Wimsatt has had 27 completions out of 50 attempts for 361 yards and two passing touchdowns, according to ESPN. His longest pass of the season went for 61 yards against Temple.
Something to note is that Wimsatt passed for 163 yards in week one and 198 in week two. If he keeps improving, this could be the game he passes for over 200 yards.
Rutgers RB Kyle Monangai (5) – Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Predictions
This is going to be a close game and a tough test, but in the end, Rutgers are the favorites for this matchup. This may be a physical battle and potentially low-scoring. With the Rutgers Scarlet Knights being the favorites to win, the score prediction is 14-23, with Rutgers in the lead. The game will be played at SHI Stadium this Saturday, September 16th, at 3:30 p.m. Eastern.
