Purdue Boilermakers (0-1) vs. Virginia Tech Hokies (1-0)
Purdue Boilermakers vs. Virginia Tech Hokies 9/9/23 – Prepare for an action-packed college football game as the Purdue Boilermakers (0-1) aim for their first win against the Virginia Tech Hokies (1-0). This early-season match is set to take place on September 9, 2023, at 12:00 PM ET. Football enthusiasts can catch the live action at Lane Stadium/Worsham Field or tune in to ESP2.
The Purdue Boilermakers started the season on a low note but demonstrated some individual brilliance that cannot be ignored. Devin Mockobee, their running back, while not explosive, was steady in his performance. He gained 60 yards from 16 rushing attempts, averaging 3.8 yards per carry. It’s important to consider that Mockobee’s numbers might not be eye-catching, but they represent a consistent threat on the ground that can be used to manipulate defensive schemes. As he continues to adapt to the season’s rhythm, we can expect an uptick in his yardage and potentially the yards per attempt.On the other hand, Deion Burks, Purdue’s wide receiver, was nothing short of phenomenal. He hauled in 152 yards from just 4 catches, averaging an astronomical 38 yards per reception. Burks has displayed an incredible ability to stretch the field and be a legitimate deep-threat option for quarterback Hudson Card. His performance makes him a game-changer, someone who can tilt the balance in favor of Purdue, especially when the Boilermakers find themselves trailing. Also, one cannot ignore Hudson Card’s influence in involving Mockobee and Burks effectively. With a passer rating of 149.8, Card can adapt and strategize as the game progresses.
Promising Start: Virginia Tech’s Key Players Shine in Season Opener
Starting the season with a win, Virginia Tech showed they have areas to improve and crucial strengths to build upon. Bhayshul Tuten, their running back, had a below-average game by most standards, but it’s crucial not to overlook the context. Tuten managed 55 yards on 19 attempts, a modest 2.9 yards per carry. While these numbers don’t pop off the page, Tuten’s utility might lie more in his ability to draw in defenses and open up play-action and short-pass options for the quarterback. His low yardage could also result from facing a solid defensive line; thus, one game isn’t a large enough sample size to dismiss his capabilities. In the receiving core, Ali Jennings had a strong performance.
He caught 5 passes for 72 yards, netting 2 touchdowns. Averaging 14.4 yards per reception, Jennings is a reliable mid-range target for quarterback Grant Wells. While he may not possess the explosive playmaking ability of his Purdue counterpart, Deion Burks, Jennings’ reliable hands and route-running make him a key asset for sustaining drives and converting third downs. The quarterback situation at Virginia Tech is promising. Grant Wells displayed a slightly higher efficiency, completing 17 of his 29 pass attempts for 251 yards. Wells holds a slight edge over his Purdue counterpart, with a completion percentage of 58.6% and a passer rating of 165.5. For more insights, don’t forget to check out our free winning college football picks.
Purdue Boilermakers vs. Virginia Tech Hokies Game Info
| When: | Saturday, September 9, 2023, 12:00 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Lane Stadium/Worsham Field |
| TV: | ESP2 |
| Stream: | SofaScore |
Hudson Card QB vs. Grant Wells QB
When it comes to quarterbacks, both teams have capable starters, but they vary in effectiveness. Purdue’s Hudson Card completed 17 of 30 attempts for 254 yards, recording a completion rate of 56.7%. He threw two touchdowns and has a passer rating of 149.8. On the other side, Grant Wells for Virginia Tech completed 17 of 29 passes for 251 yards. He has a slightly higher completion rate of 58.6% and tossed three touchdowns. Wells also has a higher passer rating at 165.5. The quarterback matchup is tight but leans slightly towards Virginia Tech, given Wells’ efficiency and higher passer rating.
Odds/Point Spread: Virginia Tech Hokies -145, Total Odds: 52
Based on the current betting odds, Purdue is the underdog with a spread of +3 at -114 and a Moneyline of +125. The over/under total is set at 50 points. Virginia Tech is favored by a spread of -3 at -106 and a Moneyline of -145. Given the performance metrics of the key players and especially the quarterbacks, our pick would lean towards taking Virginia Tech on the spread of -3 at -106. For the total points, considering both team’s recent trends and offensive potential, we would go with Over 50 at -110.
Purdue Boilermakers Betting Trends
Purdue’s betting trends don’t look promising; they are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games. Interestingly, their record improves on the road, where they are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games. However, they have struggled against Atlantic Coast opponents, going 1-4 SU, and have an even poorer September record of 1-6 ATS. While Purdue might perform better on the road, their overall trends should not be overlooked.
Virginia Tech Hokies Betting Trends
Virginia Tech’s trends are mixed. They are 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games but have a poor 2-7 SU record in their last 9 games. Interestingly, they have an 11-under in their last 16 home games but a 4-over against Big Ten opponents. Their September performance is not strong either, going 2-5 ATS. While Virginia Tech is the favorite, their betting trends suggest a level of caution.
Purdue Boilermakers vs. Virginia Tech Hokies 9/9/23 Betting Picks
Weighing all the provided data, including key player performances, quarterback matchups, betting odds, and trends, my pick would be to bet on Virginia Tech to cover the spread of -3 at -106. Both teams have shown vulnerabilities, but the home-field advantage and slightly better quarterback play tip the scale in favor of Virginia Tech. For more insights, don’t forget to check out our free winning sports picks.
Free Pick and Prediction: Virginia Tech Hokies will win 28-24.