RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Jai Patel kicked a 24-yard field goal with 1:56 left, giving Rutgers a 26-23 victory over Virginia Tech on Saturday. This kick capped a 68-yard drive after Rutgers, having led by 16 points entering the fourth quarter, held on for its first road win of the season and its 10th consecutive nonconference victory.
Virginia Tech took over at its own 25-yard line after the field goal, but quarterback Kyron Drones was intercepted by Rutgers’ Robert Longerbeam on the third play of the drive, sealing the win for the Scarlet Knights.
Virginia Tech had tied the game at 23 with touchdowns from Bhayshul Tuten, who scored on runs of 14 and 2 yards. Kyle Monangai and Samuel Brown V led Rutgers’ rushing attack, combining for 144 yards and three touchdowns.
The game marked another disappointing performance for Virginia Tech, which turned the ball over three times and struggled to maintain possession, losing the time of possession battle significantly. The Hokies now have 12 straight nonconference losses to Power 4 opponents.