Purdue Boilermakers vs Virginia Tech Hokies Point Spread Picks

Purdue was victimized by poor execution in short-yardage situations as it was 4 of 16 on third and fourth downs while losing 39-35 to Fresno State last week. Hudson Card was 17 of 30 for 254 yards and two touchdowns and no interceptions and the Boilermakers finished with 364 total yards of offense, but they were stymied in some crucial situations. Purdue's defense still expects to be good with new coach Ryan Walters, who is a former defensive coordinator with the Boilermakers and was at Illinois last year. Purdue started 8-4 in 2022 before running into juggernauts Michigan and LSU, and finished 8-6. Virginia Tech beat Old Dominion with Grant Wells completing 17 of 29 for 251 yards and three TDs, but the Hokies gained only 109 yards on the ground and that is a problem that has carried over from last season when they had trouble running the ball. Virginia Tech is 8-4 UNDER its past 12 games and it has gone UNDER four in a row after allowing more than 200 yards rushing its previous game. The Boilermakers came close in their opener and just need to take better advantage on short-yardage plays and they still are the better team in this matchup. Take Purdue to win straight-up, and grab the UNDER as a Max Play.

Purdue has experience on defense and allowed 14 points in a win over Indiana State last week. Defenses are often ahead of the offenses early in the season and this Boilermaker squad is on a 4-1 run UNDER the total in September. They face a super-talented Virginia Tech defense that can stuff the run and get after the passer under outstanding defensive coordinator Bud Foster. The defense allowed just 118 yards through the air in a 42-3 win over Furman last week. But the Hokies have major problems on offense, losing quarterback Michael Brewer for the season in the opener against Ohio State. Freshman QB Travon McMillian is running the offense as the Hokies look to run the football, which is needed to give Motley time to get comfortable. Virginia Tech is 26-10-1 UNDER the total following a win, 15-6-1 UNDER after a spread cover, including 4-0 UNDER the total on the road. Look for the defenses to dominate in a low scoring battle. Play Virginia Tech/Purdue UNDER the total.