Week 1 Games that will Impact Virginia Tech's Post-season Destination

3 big non-conference games to shape early playoff race

Game 1: #14 Clemson at #1 Georgia

Georgia is to Clemson as Virginia Tech is to Vanderbilt? It’s a scary thought, but the numbers bear it out. There are no moral victories in football, but the Hokies would really benefit from Clemson at least keeping things respectable down in Atlanta.

Rooting Interest: Clemson

Game 2: #19 Miami at Florida

Another ACC/SEC matchup, only this time the ACC team is favored to win. On the road no less. This is the kind of game Miami has been losing since…the early Larry Coker era? I know it’s strange, but Tech fans should be rooting for The “U” to actually be back.

Rooting Interest: Miami

Game 3: #7 Notre Dame at #20 Texas A&M

One has to think this game is a bit personal for new Texas A&M Head Coach Mike Elko. Last year, while coaching at Duke, Elko’s Blue Devils let a game they had all but won slip away, losing QB Riley Leonard to injury in the process. As fate would have it, Leonard, who entered transfer portal following the 2023 season, will be Notre Dame’s starting quarterback tonight in College Station.

Remember, a 10-win Notre Dame team is a virtual lock for the playoff, and the Irish would likely be taking a second bid from the ACC.

Rooting Interest: Texas A&M