Saturday afternoon, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (3-0) traveled to face the Virginia Tech Hokies (2-2) in a sold-out arena and emerged victorious, 26-23. Rutgers improved to 3-0 for the fourth straight season, last achieving this feat from 1958-61. The game was a roller coaster, with the Scarlet Knights getting off to an unbelievable start. They scored two early touchdowns to take a 14-0 lead heading into the second quarter. The Rutgers running back tandem had a day to remember against the Hokies, combining for 40 carries, 144 yards, and three touchdowns.
“When you get after somebody and then it flips like that, it’s very, very hard, especially in their stadium, to be able to pull it back and go win the game,” Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano said. “And that’s what we did. I’m proud of the guys. We certainly have a lot to clean up, but in many ways, this game is going to help us. I believe that just going through this experience together.”
The Scarlet Knights didn’t capitalize on multiple red zone scoring opportunities. However, the play of the game came from their kicker, Jai Patel. Prior to the kick, Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis delivered a screen pass to Ian Strong for 63 yards, which led to Patel’s game-changing field goal in the final minutes of regulation. The play that sealed the deal for the Scarlet Knights was cornerback Robert Longerbeam’s interception of Hokies quarterback Kyron Drones. Rutgers won the turnover battle, 3-1, improving to 60-21 under Schiano when winning the turnover margin.
“I was coming on the blitz and I saw the quarterback was about to throw the ball, but I was too far,” said Longerbeam, a native of Virginia. “I had to jump. When I looked up, the ball was in the air, and I got under it and went down.”
Rutgers has now won 10 consecutive non-conference games and 14 of their last 15. The Scarlet Knights are 53-20 overall in such games under Schiano. Rutgers improved to 12-6 coming off a bye week under head coach Greg Schiano. Big Ten play begins with a "Blackout" game on Friday, Sept. 27, at SHI Stadium against Washington.
Cover Photo Courtesy of Robert Simmons
