Virginia Tech vs. Purdue: Complete Game Preview

For the first time in school history, the Virginia Tech Hokies (1-1) will face the Purdue Boilermakers (1-1) this Saturday in West Lafayette, Indiana. In fact, it's Tech's first-ever football trip to the state of Indiana. 

After last week's season-opening loss to No. 1 Ohio State, the Hokies responded on a short week with a 42-3 victory over the Furman Paladins. 

Purdue, which lost its season opener against the Marshall Thundering Herd, also bounced back with a 38-14 win over the Indiana State Sycamores on Saturday. 

After last week's win, the Boilermakers improved to 5-21 under third-year head coach Darrell Hazell.

It's Virginia Tech's first road test of the season. That means it is quarterback Brenden Motley's first career road start. Seeing how young quarterbacks respond to adversity is always something to keep an eye on. 

• When: Saturday, September 19
• Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
• Where: Ross-Ade Stadium, West Lafayette, Indiana
• TV: ESPNU
• Radio: Virginia Tech IMG Sports Network. Here is a complete list of stations by area.
• Spread: The Hokies are presently six-point favorites, via Odds Shark. 

Virginia Tech's Keys to Victory

Steve Helber/Associated Press

VT defensive coordinator Bud Foster and cornerback Kendall Fuller

Run the Football

The Hokies ran for 299 yards against Furman as a host of Tech runners got in on the action. Redshirt freshman Travon McMillian led the Hokies with 98 yards on just six carries. He's certainly put himself in the mix to receive more opportunities moving forward. 

Sophomore Shai McKenzie, returning from a torn ACL and in his first game back from a one-game suspension, carried the ball five times. Virginia Tech has a host of talented backs, and with an inexperienced quarterback, the Hokies need to stick with the run to help ease the pressure on Motley. 

Pressure Austin Appleby

Purdue quarterback Austin Appleby has a big arm, but he also has a penchant for turning the ball over. That is right down Virginia Tech's alley.

The Hokies love to get after the passer and make him uncomfortable. Defensive coordinator Bud Foster will send blitzes from all over the place, and the Hokies have the cornerbacks to lock down receivers one-on-one without safety help.

If Tech can get to Appleby a few times and force two or more turnovers, it will be in good shape Saturday. 

Purdue's Keys to Victory

Cory Seward/Getty Images

Purdue running back D.J. Knox

Make Virginia Tech One-Dimensional

Purdue will be facing a quarterback who's never started a road game before. The Boilermakers should pressure him early and also load the box and force Virginia Tech to throw the football more than the Hokies would like. 

By stopping Tech's running game, Purdue increases the probability for Motley to make a mistake with the football. 

Play Fast on Offense

The best way to deal with Foster's aggressive defense is to limit the substitutions Virginia Tech can make. The Hokies often like to play eight to 10 defensive linemen, substituting often to keep their pass-rushers fresh. By the Boilermakers playing at a fast and efficient pace on offense, it will force Tech to have to play more conservatively to avoid getting beaten by the big play. 

Virginia Tech Players to Watch

Michael Shroyer/Getty Images

Virginia Tech linebacker Sean Huelskamp

Quarterback Brenden Motley

Motley started off slowly last weekend in his first career start but began to see the field more clearly as the game progressed. He ended up completing 67 percent of his passes for 233 yards and two scores. He didn't turn the ball over and also ran for 38 yards.

It was certainly a confidence booster for Motley, but things will be a little more difficult on the road at Purdue. While the Boilermakers have struggled in the Big Ten, they do represent a big step up in competition from Furman. 

Also, true freshman Dwayne Lawson received his first taste of playing time last week and impressed. Expect that to be in the back of Motley's head, too.

Linebacker Sean Huelskamp

Losing starting middle linebacker Andrew Motuapuaka for a few weeks, per Andy Bitter of the Roanoke Times, is a blow to Virginia Tech's defense. While he had a rough start against Ohio State, Motuapuaka picked off a Furman pass and returned it for a touchdown to get the scoring party started. He is a smart player and the Hokies' most experienced Mike linebacker for sure.

Stepping in for Motuapuaka is redshirt sophomore Sean Huelskamp. Huelskamp, who is returning from a torn ACL, stepped in for Motuapuaka and made two tackles last week. He now has an opportunity to impress coaches and make things interesting when Motuapuaka returns next month. 

If Huelskamp struggles, it's highly likely the Hokies will burn the redshirt on freshman linebacker Carson Lydon. The coaches are high on Lydon but wanted him to learn from the sidelines this season. Expect to see Lydon get some action this weekend, as Tech doesn't have a lot of depth at middle linebacker. 

Purdue Players to Watch

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Purdue quarterback Austin Appleby

Quarterback Austin Appleby

Appleby has gotten off to a strong start throwing the football in 2015, completing 62 percent of his passes for 559 yards and five touchdowns. Last year, Appleby completed only 52 percent of his passes and finished with more interceptions (11) than touchdowns (10). 

The big stat with Appleby, though, is the interceptions. In just two games this fall, he has four picks already. If that happens against Tech, Purdue will be out of this game early. No team gets to the quarterback and forces turnovers with more regularity than Foster's defense. 

Linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley

The sophomore linebacker started all 12 games as a true freshman last season. In the first two games this season, Bentley leads the Boilermakers with 15 tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss.

Virginia Tech likes to run the ball, and Bentley is going to be one of the better middle linebackers the Hokies will face this fall. If Purdue is going to win this game, it needs to stop Tech's running game. That begins and ends with Bentley, a 6'2", 260-pound downhill thumper. 

What They're Saying

Michael Shroyer/Getty Images

Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer

This weekend will be Virginia Tech's first road game of the season. It will also be Motley's first career start outside the friendly confines of Lane Stadium. Head coach Frank Beamer wants to see how his team—and particularly Motley—handle the pressure, per Mike Barber of the Richmond Times-Dispatch:

"

From the very beginning, we always take our quarterbacks and they’re always there whether they’re redshirting or not, just to experience signaling and crowds and game procedures. So he’s been through a lot of that. And he’s made out of the right stuff. He’s smart. He’s in control. He’s calm. He’s not going to get all crazy on you.

"

Prediction

Michael Shroyer/Getty Images

Virginia Tech defensive end Dadi Nicolas

Purdue will present a strong challenge for Virginia Tech this weekend. Ignore Purdue's recent record for a moment; the Boilermakers improved last season under Hazell and can put points on the board in a hurry. Defeating Virginia Tech would be the signature win Hazell wants and needs for his program.

With that being said, the Hokies' defense will be too much for Appleby and the Boilermakers. Expect Virginia Tech defensive end Dadi Nicolas to finally get into the sack column and help force a few turnovers and make life easier for Motley and the offense.

Prediction: Virginia Tech 31, Purdue 17