Who: Virginia Tech Hokies (12-8, 1-4 ACC) @ Maryland Terrapins (12-7, 2-3 ACC)

When: Saturday, January 28 @ 2:30 p.m.

TV: ACC Network (Tim Brantt and Mike Gminski)

Where: Comcast Center (17,950), College Park, MD

The Opponent: Fresh off another excruciatingly close loss to a big-name non-conference foe, the Hokies jump back into league play with a trip to Maryland. The Terps are under the direction of first-year head coach Mark Turgeon, who came to UMD after four years (and four NCAA Appearances) at Texas A&M.

Maryland was a rather large question mark in that people don’t really know what to expect after the resignation of Gary Williams after last season. And in some cases, they really are still an unknown. This game can be viewed almost as another non-conference game because the Hokies have never faced a Mark Turgeon-run team. This won’t be the same Maryland team as the last 20 years or so.

The Hive is reporting Georgia Tech will open the season against Virginia Tech.

The Jackets will play their first game on Labor Day at Virginia Tech.

Over the last few weeks we had been hearing rumors that this was a possibility. We've followed-up The Hive's initial report with one our trusted sources who says it is a done deal.

We reached out to the ACC for an official response, and if/when we receive a reply it'll be posted here. Edit: this is the response we received via email from Michael Kelly Associate Commissioner (Broadcasting/Communications/Football), "The 2012 ACC Football Schedule is under development and nothing is confirmed until its official release. Any speculation prior to official release is premature since there are so many factors beyond our control and since dates frequently change."

What does everyone think about the game?

Who: Virginia Tech Hokies (12-7, 1-4 ACC) vs Brigham Young Cougars (17-5, 6-2 West Coast)

When: Wednesday, January 25 @ 7:00 p.m.

TV: ESPN3 (Walter Storholt and Stephen Binder)

Where: Cassell Coliseum (9,847), Blacksburg, VA

The Opponent: The Hokies finally got the ACC monkey off their back with a beautiful (to some eyes) 47-45 win over the Wahoos in Charlottesville on Sunday. Now, Tech looks to end non-conference play on a positive note with a victory over a BYU squad that is in its first year in the West Coast Conference.

BYU made a name for itself over the past couple years thanks to phenom Jimmer Fredette, but he’s since joined the NBA. This year’s Cougars squad has brought about a bit of rebuilding while also banking on some returning talent. That being said, this team hung tough with nationally-ranked Baylor and St. Mary’s before losing and they’re third in the WCC behind St. Mary’s (19-2, 8-0) and Gonzaga (16-3, 6-1). After this game, BYU has St. Mary’s and Gonzaga at home, so this is obviously a pivotal stretch for them.

Andy Bitter interviewed the Frankinator, asked some tough questions, and it seemed a little "chippy" at times. Read the entire thing, but here's what caught my eye: Beamer returned his $75,000 bowl bonus, the staff is focused on recruiting, like everyone else he thought Coale made the catch, and he knows the special teams need to be fixed. Most importantly, he's softened his stance on playing after only five days rest.

Overall, though, would you been opposed to playing that kind of game with such short rest before the following week?

"The one thing that I think that you want is for the game to be at home. When you're the visiting team and you're not getting in here until early the next day and trying to get ready for another game, time-wise it hurts and rest-wise it hurts. And if you're going to do something like that, you want that next game at home."

I've heard nothing factual to back up this claim, but I expect us to play on Labor Day, and then against Austin Peay the following Saturday.

Normally I know who's making the hit, and I have a good idea of the context of the play. This guy, I don't know who this guy is. I don't know who I am. It's appropriate.

Who: Virginia Tech Hokies (11-7, 0-4) @ #15/17 Virginia Cavaliers (15-2, 2-1)

When: Sunday, January 22 @ 6:00 p.m.

TV: ESPNU (Jon Sciambi, Hubert Davis, Allison Williams)

Where: John Paul Jones Arena (15,219), Charlottesville, VA

The Opponent: Well we saw about 22 minutes of good, fun, high-energy basketball on Thursday night. Then UNC went on a 26-2 run. Let’s hope we see more of the first 22 minutes the rest of the season as opposed to the final 18 minutes.

This game, however, is going to be drastically different. UVA’s game plan is to slow the game down to a snail’s pace and play defense for 35 seconds. They don’t want to score 70 points a game. They want to score 55 and hold you to under 50. That’s Tony Bennett’s game plan, and so far this year, it’s worked. The Cavs have held opponents to less than 50 points in seven games, and less than 40 points three times, including last time out in a 70-38 win over Georgia Tech.