The Purdue Boilermakers and Virginia Tech Hokies meet Saturday in week 2 college football action at Lane Stadium. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.

Purdue Boilermakers Betting Preview

The Purdue Boilermakers look to rebound from a tough opening loss to Fresno State. Purdue hasn’t started a season 0-2 since 2018 when it began the year with 3 straight home losses. Hudson Card is completing 56.7 percent of his passes for 254 yards, 2 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. Deion Burks and Abdur-Rahmaan Yaseen have combined for 198 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns, while TJ Sheffield has 3 receptions. The Purdue Boilermakers ground game is averaging 109 yards per contest, and Devin Mockobee leads the way with 60 yards and 1 touchdown. Defensively, Purdue is allowing 39 points and 487 yards per game. Dillon Thieneman leads the Purdue Boilermakers with 10 tackles, Kydran Jenkins has 1 sack and Marquis Wilson has 2 pass deflections.

Purdue Boilermakers Team Facts

• Purdue has lost each of its last three games.
• Purdue has failed to cover the spread in each of its last four games against non-conference opponents.
• Purdue has won the first half in five of its last six games against non-conference opponents.
• Purdue has won the first quarter in each of its last four road games against non-conference opponents.
• Ten of Purdue’s last 11 games as an underdog have gone OVER the total points line.

Virginia Tech Hokies Betting Preview

The Virginia Tech Hokies look for a strong start after beating up on Old Dominion in week 1. Virginia Tech looks to start 2-0 for the third time in the last 4 years. Grant Wells is completing 58.6 percent of his passes for 251 yards, 3 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. Ali Jennings and Jaylin Lane have combined for 141 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns, while Da’Quan Felton has 1 reception. The Virginia Tech Hokies ground game is averaging 110 yards per contest, and Bhayshul Tuten leads the way with 55 yards on 19 carries. Defensively, Virginia Tech is allowing 17 points and 319 yards per game. Antwaun Powell-Ryland leads the Virginia Tech Hokies with 6 tackles, C.J. McCray has 1 sack and Nasir Peoples has 1 pass deflection.

Virginia Tech Hokies Team Facts

• Virginia Tech has won 16 of its last 18 September home games against non-AP-ranked teams.
• Virginia Tech has failed to cover the spread in eight of its last 10 games against non-conference opponents at Lane Stadium.
• Virginia Tech has won the first quarter in 15 of its last 18 games against non-conference opponents at Lane Stadium.
• Virginia Tech has won the first half in 16 of its last 20 games against non-conference opponents at Lane Stadium.
• Eight of Virginia Tech’s last nine games in September have gone UNDER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

• Virginia Tech was one of only eight FBS teams to lose 3+ games when leading after Q3 last season.
• Virginia Tech was one of only 27 FBS teams to lose 2+ games when leading after Q3 last season.
• Purdue ranked T21st among FBS teams for Q4 points per game last season (9.1).
• Purdue ranked T21st among FBS teams for Q4 win percentage last season (.571).

Randy’s Pick

This line is a bit strange when you consider Purdue looked awful defensively in its season opener and now goes on the road in a tough environment. Not many teams allowed more than Purdue’s 487 yards last week, and the Boilermakers also gave up 11 first downs on 17 third down attempts. Remember, Purdue had a below average scoring defense last season and was 123rd in the country with nineteen 40-plus yardage plays allowed. Those issues usually don’t fix itself on the road. Virginia Tech is still physical in the trenches and has a senior quarterback who is coming off a strong game. I kind of like getting the free point with the Hokies at home, as they start 2-0 for the third time in the last 4 seasons.