Rutgers to have multiple defensive starters debut vs. Virginia Tech, per report
Rutgers is getting healthy just before its Week 4 contest against Virginia Tech, according to a report.
Per ESPN’s Pete Thamel, the Scarlet Knights have multiple defensive starters who will make their season debuts on Saturday vs. the Hokies.
The group is headlined by star linebacker Tyreem Powell, who has been cleared to play after missing the first 3 games of the season with an achilles injury. Powell is one of Rutgers’ best defenders and has amassed 8 tackles for loss and 5 sacks over the past 2 seasons.
Starting defensive end Wesley Bailey is also set to return on Saturday vs. Virginia Tech. Bailey is a multi-year contributor at Rutgers who has yet to play this season, but has 8.5 sacks in his collegiate career entering Saturday.
Finally, Troy Rainey will play in his first game of 2024 on Saturday as well. Rainey has 20 tackles, 1 tackle for loss and 1 fumble recovery in his collegiate career.
Sources: Rutgers star linebacker Tyreem Powell will debut for the Scarlet Knights today. He’s warmed up and cleared to play, as he’s been recovering from an Achilles injury. Starting DE Wesley Bailey and key DL contributor Troy Rainey will also make their debuts for Rutgers at…
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) September 21, 2024
Overall, that’s 3 big-time contributors who will be very helpful on Saturday against a Virginia Tech offense that has the potential to be potent. Powell and Bailey are both very effective pass rushers who can apply pressure to Kyron Drones and help keep him contained.
Rutgers is a 3-point underdog in this game, per DraftKings.
Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday afternoon.