The Tech Lunch Pail is excited to announce the launch of the new TLP Insider subscription. Sign up for an account and get the best news, inside scoops, and analysis on the Hokies! Learn more

Hokies Football: Virginia Tech at Purdue Prediction

The first road gameday has arrived for the Virginia Tech Hokies as they take on the Purdue Boilermakers in West Lafayette, Indiana. The Hokies and Boilermakers are both 1-1, and will look to get above .500 for the first-time this season after both beat FCS opponents at home last weekend. Today, both teams will look to get their first wins against FBS opposition. Now it's time for our weekly prediction for the ACC-Big 10 showdown at Ross-Ade Stadium. Purdue has junior Austin Appleby at quarterback who struggled with 4 interceptions, but bounced back with 4 touchdowns against Indiana State. Appleby also has some mobility, but despite having similar size to Cardale Jones, he is definitely not nearly as good as Jones. Against a tough Virginia Tech secondary, Appleby will have some issues with "DBU" looking to make a statement. Kendall Fuller and Brandon Facyson will have a chip on their shoulder after Fuller's struggles against Ohio State, and Purdue HC Darrell Hazell's comments about the Hokies' DBa getting away with some stuff. Purdue has a solid running game led by D.J. Knox, and will look to go after the undersized Sean Heulskamp in his first career start. However, the Hokies' extremely talented defensive line will step up on containing Knox some and getting plenty of pressure on Appleby led by Dadi Nicolas. Brenden Motley built up some confidence last week and has the playmakers on the outside to help him out. Motley's mobility will make him more dangerous while Bucky Hodges will finally have a breakthrough game after having no catches two weeks ago against Ohio State. The Hokies' offensive line has improved a lot, but Purdue will make some plays to contain the Virginia Tech rushing attack. However, Travon McMillian will be an x-factor in this game that can make a couple big plays with his impressive speed and agility. This should be a fairly close game throughout the day, but the Hokies are the better team and it will show in this matchup against the Boilermakers. Prediction: Virginia Tech 24, Purdue 13
You must login in order to comment on this post.
Loading Indicator