'It'll be a battle in Blacksburg': Targum gives predictions for Rutgers-Virginia Tech

Virginia is for lovers. And after a recent X post demanding a state for haters, the official New Jersey Government account answered the call. So, we here at The Daily Targum will be coining Saturday's Rutgers football matchup versus Virginia Tech the lovers versus haters.

The Scarlet Knights (2-0, 0-0) are coming off their bye week ahead of Saturday's road test against the Hokies (2-1, 0-0). Virginia Tech opened up its season with a road loss against Vanderbilt but has responded strongly in its two games since.

Will the lovers or the haters reign supreme this weekend? The Targum gave its predictions.

Josh Meyers, head sports editor:

"If the first two games of the season for the Knights were the appetizer, then this third game against Virginia Tech is the first course. It is debatably the biggest Rutgers football game of the season (and in a few seasons), and I believe the Knights will show out."

"Luckily for them, the Hokies run defense allows opponents to rush for around 190 yards per game so far in 2024 which will obviously favor senior running back Kyle Monangai. Monangai will gallop for at least 150 yards for the third straight game. In the passing attack, senior quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis will pass for more than 225 yards with his longest throw being more than 30 yards. Rutgers wins 24-20."

Camden Markel, associate sports editor:

"Saturday will be a tremendous test for Rutgers. With the hype and promise surrounding the Scarlet Knights, this could truly be a season-defining game headed into another big one at home against Washington. In a perfect world for Rutgers, it takes a win in Blacksburg then returns home to Piscataway and knocks off Washington in front of an electric home crowd — this starts in Blacksburg."

"I worry about a slow start for the Knights in front of a feisty 66,000 fans at Lane Stadium. If Rutgers falls behind early and is forced to abandon the run and rely on Kaliakmanis' arm, the Knights could be in some trouble. Watch out for that."

"With that being said, I think Virginia Tech's run defense is too poor to contain Monangai, who will cruise to more than 200 total yards. Rutgers' defense likely returns some injured bodies coming off the bye week and that helps the Knights sack Kyron Drones at least twice and turn him over twice as well. Junior placekicker Jai Patel boots an impressive four field goals, Rutgers wins 26-20."

Matthew Mangam, associate sports editor: "Rutgers has its first real test of the season against a Virginia Tech team that suffered a brutal 34-27 overtime loss to Vanderbilt in its season opener but bounced back with two straight wins. It'll be a battle in Blacksburg with the Hokie crowd, but I think Rutgers will pull out a close 21-17 win. Of course, Monangai will be at the forefront of the Knights' offense, scoring two touchdowns and rushing for more than 210 yards. I expect it to be a close and gritty game from start to finish."

Brian Delk, editor-in-chief:

"It'll be close, but in the end, the Hokies won't stand a chance against Rutgers on the road. Kaliakmanis will dominate in the air and run for at least 20 yards to help the Knights up the field. Patel will have a perfect record between the uprights. I expect a 28-21 victory for Rutgers."

Evan Leong, head photo editor: "Rutgers will beat Virginia Tech 24-20. Monangai will continue his early-season hot streak, rushing for 100 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Kaliakmanis, who rebounded against Akron after throwing an early interception, will add a touchdown through the air."

Philip Jaccoma, contributing writer:

"Monangai carries the offense to 250 total yards against a poor Virginia Tech rushing defense. Rutgers wins 24-20, and the Knights' stagnant defense is able to force a turnover to help secure the win."

James Mertz, contributing writer:

"Rutgers beats Virginia Tech 23-17. In a ground-and-pound battle in Blacksburg, the Scarlet Knights will move to 3-0 on the season and 12-6 coming off a bye under head coach Greg Schiano. The run game will once again be the offense's biggest weapon with Monangai leading the way, rumbling for 150 yards on the ground and at least one score.”

"It will be very interesting to see Kaliakmanis' first test against a power five opponent in a Rutgers uniform. He'll do a fair job managing the offense and throw for more than 150 passing yards and one touchdown."

"Virginia Tech's offense will struggle to put up points on a stout Knights defense who will force at least one turnover on Drones."

Trey Owens, contributing writer:

"Rutgers wins 27-24, Monangai rushes for 135 yards and senior wide receiver Dymere Miller has a solid day going for 60 yards receiving. Huge win in Blacksburg for the Scarlet Knights."

Jonathan Vasquez, contributing writer: 

"This is going to be the biggest test so far for Rutgers, as the Knights are underdogs going into this game. I think this will be a low-scoring game full of defensive stops. Rutgers starts off slow, and I think that by halftime, they'll have no more than 13 points and be trailing."

"I'm seeing three or more field goals for Rutgers, Kaliakmanis makes one touchdown pass and Monangai rushes for between 125-140 rushing yards with a touchdown. I think the Knights' defense gets one interception and keeps Bhayshul Tuten to less than 100 rushing yards. Final score 27-23 Rutgers wins."

Saturday's game kicks off at 3:30 p.m. and will be broadcast on the ACC Network.