Heading into just their second meeting since Tech departed the Big East for the ACC, the Hokies and Scarlet Knights are searching for an important non-conference victory when they meet inside SHI Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET with the game being aired on Big Ten Network.
Tough Up Front
Surging out to a 2-0 start in the 2023 campaign, it's not exactly a surprise that the defense has carried the load for Rutgers under longtime defensive-minded head coach Greg Schiano.
The Scarlet Knights have only given up an impressive 14 points so far this season, and have yet to allow a single score in the first half of play throughout the first two contests. Led up front by Mayan Ahanotu, Wesley Bailey, Kyonte Hamilton and Aaron Lewis, Rutgers only surrenders 1.74 yards per carry, good for third best in the nation, and concedes just 40 yards on the ground per game.
Tech will certainly have to step up in the ground game this weekend, particularly with the Hokies rushing for just 1.85 yards per carry and only putting up 60 yards on the ground. Rutgers has the sharpest defense the Hokies will face so far this season, with the combination of Bhayshul Tuten and Malachi Thomas needing to have a big-time performance for Saturday afternoon to lead to an eventual win.
Tizzy Taking Over
Sixth-year senior Alan Tisdale has had quite the journey during his time suiting up at linebacker in the maroon and orange throughout his collegiate career.
Since shifting over to MIKE prior to the start of the year, Tisdale has done nothing but perform in his new spot on the field. The Greensboro, North Carolina native is officially listed as the starter in the Hokies' most recent depth chart, with his productivity against Purdue probably serving as a major reason why.
In 48 snaps played in the 24-17 loss, Tisdale recorded seven total tackles, with four solo stops, and finished the night with a team-high 91.3 pass rush grade, according to Pro Football Focus. With his recent high-level play at his brand new position, Tisdale has primed himself for a promising season in 2023, and set himself up for success at the highest level in his final season at the collegiate ranks.
A Streak To Note
Though Tech and Rutgers have faced off just once since the Hokies departed the Big East for the ACC following the 2003 campaign, there's certainly quite a bit of history between these two former conference counterparts.
In a series that dates back to 1920, Tech has won each of the last 12 meetings, with the Scarlet Knights' last victory in the series coming all the way back in 1992.
To add on, the Hokies have won each of the last five meetings that have taken place in the Garden State, with Tech outscoring Rutgers 260-78 during that period of time. The Hokies also own two shutouts over the Scarlet Knights in the 12-game streak. At one point, Tech scored 122 straight in a span of 10 consecutive quarters that lasted from 1999-02, highlighting a stretch of dominance against a familiar foe.
With lucky No. 13 out in front and in plain sight, the Hokies look to recapture some of that Big East magic this upcoming weekend, with Tech aiming to go to 2-1 in the program's first trip to New Jersey in the past 20 years.