After back-to-back wins over Marshall and Old Dominion, an important non-conference test awaits Virginia Tech against a 2-0 Rutgers team that has a lot to prove as well. This is a matchup of two teams who are to get a read on at this point with Rutgers having wins over Howard and Akron, and VT showing inconsistent signs about whether they can be the team many thought they could be or not.
So with that in mind, let's take a look at the Hokies to watch against Rutgers.
RB Bhayshul Tuten
When Virginia Tech's offense is at its best, it's when the Hokies are feeding Bhayshul Tuten and letting him go to work. He may not be as big of a name as Kyle Monangai, but Tuten has the same level of talent and could even look like the best running back on the field.
Tuten made his money largely on the edge last season with off-tackle runs, pitch plays, and swing passes. However, Tuten has been more productive between the tackles this season as opponents have possibly overreacted some to what he did on the outside last season, creating lighter boxes that he's been able to take advantage of so far this season.
Similar to last week against ODU's 3-3-5, this is a game where the Hokies should be looking to feed Tuten between the tackles given Rutgers 4-2-5 defensive front that should lead to lighter boxes. Those situations have proven most beneficial for a Virginia Tech offensive line that is better blocking the run than the pass, but is still the weakness of this team regardless.
The numbers also back up how important it is for the Hokies to not only get his fair share of touches and also take advantage of them. Since his arrival in Blacksburg, Virginia Tech is 6-0 when Tuten has ran for 100+ yards while the Hokies are 9-1 when he has at least 15 combined carries and receptions, with the only loss coming week 1 at Vanderbilt when he had nine carries for 34 yards and a touchdown, and six catches for 18 yards and a touchdown.
