Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG, Va. (AP) — Jai Patel connected on a 24-yard field goal with 1:56 remaining to lift Rutgers to a 26-23 victory over Virginia Tech on Saturday.
Patel’s field goal capped a 68-yard drive after Rutgers (3-0) squandered a 16-point lead entering the fourth quarter, but hung on to register its first road win of the season and its 10th consecutive nonconference victory.
The Hokies had tied the game at 23 after scoring touchdowns and converting two-point conversions on back-to-back possessions in the fourth quarter. Bhayshul Tuten scored both of the Hokies’ touchdowns on runs of 14 and 2 yards.
Tuten rushed for 122 yards to lead the Hokies.
In the passing game, Benji Gosnell registered four catches for 19 yards, including a key two-point conversion—the Hokies' first successful attempt since 2022. His brother, tight end Stephen Gosnell, secured the second two-point conversion to further close the gap. Wide receiver Jaylin Lane contributed a 34-yard reception, while Ayden Greene had his first reception of the season with a 25-yard catch from quarterback Kyron Drones.
Defensively, the Hokies applied strong pressure on Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis, recording three sacks. Aeneas Peebles' sack resulted in a six-yard loss, while Antwaun Powell-Ryland notched his second straight game with a sack, forcing an eight-yard loss. Sam Brumfield and Cole Nelson teamed up for another four-yard loss, in the first quarter.
Next up on the slate, the Hokies head to Hard Rock Stadium to face No. 8 Miami on the road. While most home games at Lane Stadium are nearly sold out, there's still a chance to catch Virginia Tech in action against Boston College on Thursday, Oct. 17, at 7 p.m. ET. Be sure to secure your tickets before time runs out.