2012 Virginia Tech Football: What To Watch Vs. Rutgers

Virginia Tech Hokies (6-5, 4-3) vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (9-3, 4-2)

Virginia Tech Offense vs. Rutgers Defense

As I said in the Game Guide:

Offensively, the Scarlet Knights run a Pro-Style offense.

On defense, Rutgers runs a 4-3 scheme.

Rutgers ranks No. 100 nationally in total offense with just over 341 yards per game.

The Scarlet Knights rank No. 83 in the nation in passing offense with just over 215 yards per game.

The Scarlet Knights are No. 100 nationally in rushing offense, with just under 126 yards per game.

Rutgers is led by quarterback Gary Nova. Nova has thrown for 2,566 yards and 22 touchdowns, but has also thrown a whopping 15 interceptions. He completes roughly 59% of his passes.

Despite their issues running the ball, Rutgers produced a 1,000-yard rusher in Jawan Jamison. Jamison has 1,054 yards on 4.4 yards per carry and 4 touchdowns, but he has not had a 100-yard game since Oct. 20, and has only scored one touchdown since that time. He is also a threat in the passing game, catching 27 balls for 322 yards and 2 TD's.

Brandon Coleman leads the Scarlet Knights in receiving with 663 yards and 10 touchdowns. He is a big target at 6'6".

• The Hokies rose fell eight spots after the offensive debacle against Virginia, and now sit at No. 71 nationally in total offense with an average of just under 392 yards per game.
• Mostly behind the efforts of Logan Thomas, Tech rose seven spots in rushing offense after beating Virginia, and is now ranked No. 64 nationally with just under 158 yards per game.
• The Hokies fell five spots to No. 61 in passing offense with the win over Virginia, with an average of 234 yards per game.
• Tech rose 18 spots in time of possession, and is now at No. 50 nationally.
• The Hokies fell three spots after the Virginia game, and are now tied for the No. 78 scoring offense in the nation, averaging just over 26 points per game.
• The Hokies rose 12 spots after the Virginia win, and are now tied for No. 78 in the nation in turnover margin at -.33 per game
• Tech is the No. 24 in the nation in red zone offense at 87%, however, the Hokies have only scored touchdowns on 21 of their 39 red zone possessions, or just over half.

Virginia Tech Defense vs. Rutgers Offense

As I said in the Game Guide:

The Scarlet Knights rank No. 14 nationally in total defense, giving up just over 321 yards per game. They are also tied for No. 4 in the nation in scoring defense, giving up just over 14 points per game to their opponents.

Rutgers also ranks No. 11 nationally in rushing defense, giving up 105 yards per game on the ground, and No. 40 nationally in passing defense, giving up 216 yards per game.

• The Hokies defense rose nine spots after the Virginia win, and is now the No. 24 total defense nationally, allowing 344.58 yards per game. Looks like these guys are finally rounding into shape and carrying the offense as per usual.
• Tech is now No. 34 nationally in rushing defense, up 14 spots after their dominating performance against Virginia. The Hokies are giving up 139.67 yards per game on the ground.
• The Hokies rose four spots after playing Virginia, and now rank No. 30 nationally against the pass, giving up just under 205 passing yards a game.
• The Hokies fell a spot, to No. 20 nationally with 2.67 sacks per game.

Watch the Box Score

• Rutgers/Virginia Tech interceptions
• Rutgers field goal percentage
• Virginia Tech sacks
• Virginia Tech rushing yards by players other than Logan Thomas