Tech to play Virginia Tech on Labor Day

Georgia Tech will open the season at Virginia Tech on Labor Day night, according to a person familiar with the ACC’s scheduling.

The schools and the league had been in discussions trying to organize the game, which will have a national ESPN platform at a time slot with little competition.

The game is a break from Tech’s scheduling pattern, in which the Jackets have opened at home against an FCS-level opponent in each of Paul Johnson’s four seasons. Tech associate athletic director Wayne Hogan had previously indicated concern about playing such a meaningful game in the opener. The winner of the Yellow Jackets-Hokies game has gone on to represent the Coastal Division in the ACC championship game all seven years since the league split into two divisions.

However, the opportunity for national exposure is a considerable temptation. Virginia Tech almost certainly will be ranked in the top 25 in the preseason and Tech could be as well. The ACC is scheduled to release the league schedule by mid-February.