Purdue vs Virginia Tech Odds
| Purdue Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -115 | 49.5 -105o / -115u | -105 |
| Virginia Tech Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 -105 | 49.5 -105o / -115u | -115 |
In one of Saturday’s early kickoffs, Virginia Tech hosts Purdue in a big nonconference showdown.
The Hokies opened the season with a solid 36-17 home victory against Old Dominion.
Meanwhile, the Boilermakers were upset in coach Ryan Walters’ debut, falling to Fresno State in a 39-35 thriller.
Both programs are rebuilding, but I believe the home team has the advantage in this Week 2 matchup.
Purdue Boilermakers
Purdue got off to less than a dream start in life under Walters, as the Boilermakers gave up 39 points to a Fresno squad that was replacing a lot of key offensive players from a year ago.
However, it wasn't all negative.
Quarterback Hudson Card did a great job leading the offense, finishing with 254 passing yards and two scores. Card’s main target was Deion Burks, who racked up 152 receiving yards and caught both touchdowns.
If Card can keep up his fine play, you would expect Walters to improve the defense as the season goes on.
With another Power 5 opponent (Syracuse) up next, Purdue desperately needs to pick up a victory before Big Ten play.
Virginia Tech Hokies
Coach Brent Pry knows what Walters is going through in his first season. This is Pry’s second year at Virginia Tech and he's coming off a disappointing 3-8 record.
The Week 1 win over the Monarchs showed improvements for the program after the Hokies lost to ODU in last season’s opener.
In the victory, quarterback Grant Wells threw for three touchdowns and added another with his legs.
Wells also got both transfer receivers involved, as Ali Jennings and Jaylin Lane combined for over 140 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
As a team, the 36 points were the most Virginia Tech has scored under Pry. It was the fifth time in the past seven games that the Hokies have covered the spread.
Purdue vs. Virginia Tech
Betting Pick & Prediction
Coming into this season, I was planning to fade Purdue because of all its roster departures.
I will stick to that strategy and back Virginia Tech on the moneyline at -145 or better.
I also like the Hokies to cover the spread (-3) if you don’t want to lay the moneyline juice.
To recap what the Boilermakers lost, they have to replace last season’s Big Ten passing leader and also have to fill the void left by their top two receivers.
Changes are also needed on the defensive side of the ball after 10 of the top 14 tacklers departed.
Once you add in the fact that they have a first-time head coach, it's easy to see where some growing pains may present themselves against a team with 14 starters returning and continuity on the coaching staff.
I also really like how the Hokies finished the year last year, losing at NC State by just a single point and beating Liberty in the finale.
This is a huge game before conference action begins, and I like the home team to secure a win.
