Greg McElroy Names ‘Sneaky’ College Football Game That Nobody’s Talking About

During a recent deep dive into ACC, ESPN college football analyst Greg McElroy gave a surprising take on what he considers to be a "sneaky-good" game on the schedule this year.

While discussing Virginia Tech's slate of games, he emphasized a Week 4 meeting on Sept. 21 against Rutgers, which plays in the Big Ten.

"Be careful there," McElroy said. "That's one of the sneaky-good non-conference game that no one is talking about. But be careful with that matchup."

While neither team has been relevant in recent years, that could change in 2024. Both are coming off their best season in recent memory.

Virginia Tech went 7-6 in 2023, its best record since 2019, and won the Military Bowl against Tulane.

Earlier this week, head coach Brent Pry said he'd be "disappointed" if the Hokies didn't make the ACC championship game.

Quarterback Kyron Drones had a promising first season in Blacksburg, going 166-of-285 for 2,084 yards, 17 touchdowns and three interceptions.

Meanwhile, Rutgers also finished 2023 with a 7-6 record, its first winning season since 2014. It defeated Miami, 31-24, in the Pinstripe Bowl.

ESPN senior writer Adam Rittenberg recently noted that Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano "returns arguably his deepest and most talented team" of his tenure.

"Rutgers returns almost its entire defense... as well as offensive standouts such as [running back] Kyle Monangai," wrote Rittenberg.

Last year, the 2024 fifth-year senior had 242 carries, 1,262 yards and eight touchdowns.

The two teams met last year in Piscataway in the first game of a home-and-home series.

Rutgers won 35-16.

Virginia Tech leads the head-to-head series 12-4 overall.