San Jose St vs. Washington St Odds & Betting Predictions - September 21, 2024

Bought 0.5 point

Sura

Follow On X: https://x.com/PicksOffice Rutgers thrives with a run-first mentality, boasting one of the nation’s best rushing attacks led by standout running back Kyle Monangai. Against Akron last week, Monangai rushed for 208 yards and 3 touchdowns on 27 carries, exemplifying how Rutgers intends to dictate the pace of play. With a veteran offensive line that complements Monangai’s skill set, the Scarlet Knights’ run game is poised to keep them competitive, even against a solid Virginia Tech defense. Virginia Tech’s defense, while experienced and well-equipped to handle the pass with a fierce pass rush and two NFL-caliber corners, has struggled more against the run. Through their first three games, the Hokies have allowed more yards on the ground than through the air, putting them in a vulnerable position against a Rutgers team that will relentlessly run the ball. Rutgers has yet to face Power 5 competition, but their ground attack is legit, and the matchup against Virginia Tech’s run defense could be key in keeping the game close. The Hokies have some offensive firepower of their own, especially with quarterback Kyron Drones completing 63.8% of his passes and running back Bhayshul Tuten leading a rushing attack that averages nearly 191 yards per game. However, while Virginia Tech can score, their defense will need to be nearly perfect to keep Rutgers from controlling time of possession and wearing down the Hokies’ front seven. Virginia Tech has a respectable defense, allowing just 21.7 points and 314 yards per game, but their Achilles' heel against the run makes this a tough matchup. On the defensive side, Rutgers has been stingy, allowing only 12 points per game and holding opponents to just 284 yards per contest. Led by Dariel Djabome with 18 tackles, this defense has shown it can limit the damage, particularly against less dynamic offenses like Virginia Tech. If Rutgers can slow the game down and limit big plays from the Hokies’ passing game, their chances to cover the spread improve significantly. Virginia Tech benefits from home-field advantage at Lane Stadium, where they have won four of their last five games, but the team remains somewhat inconsistent. They’ve struggled to stop the run effectively, which will likely be their undoing against a Rutgers squad that excels in that area. While Virginia Tech’s offense is capable, Rutgers’ ability to grind out drives with their rushing attack could frustrate the Hokies and keep the score within a field goal. Ultimately, taking Rutgers +3.5 feels like a smart play. Their dominance in the run game, combined with Virginia Tech’s struggles to stop the rush, makes Rutgers well-positioned to keep this game close and potentially pull off an upset. Even if the Hokies eke out a win, expect this to be a tight, low-scoring affair, where Rutgers’ physicality in the trenches will help them cover.

Full discussion during Friday Night Lights BBOC