Virginia Tech football: ACC releases updated schedules for every team

Virginia Tech fans had been looking forward to Penn State coming to Lane Stadium for some time. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic had other ideas and those hopes were dashed earlier this month when the Big Ten announced a conference-only schedule.

Well, on Wednesday, the ACC moved forward with a similar model that allowed every team — including Notre Dame — to have one nonconference opponent on the schedule. However, that opponent must be from the same state.

Yes, you read that correctly. In 2020, if we have football, Notre Dame is a member of the ACC. That means the Fighting Irish could play in the ACC championship game if the season happens.

As a tradeoff, Notre Dame’s TV revenue from NBC will be shared equally among all 15 ACC institutions. While this will upset a lot of traditionalists, it is the best scenario for 2020.

So, how did the Virginia Tech’s schedule look?

Depending on how you view things, this could be a fun schedule for the Hokies. No, it isn’t set up as nicely as the official schedule, but this could be really good for VT.

The Hokies get Boston College, Clemson, Miami, N.C. State and Virginia at home. They travel to North Carolina, Duke, Louisville, Wake Forest and Pitt.

Yes, Clemson is coming back to Blacksburg. Sure, the Hokies will be heavy underdogs, but what do they have to lose? What if Trevor Lawrence or another high-profile Clemson player chooses to bypass this season much like Caleb Farley chose to do?

These are critical games for the Hokies. Play Clemson. Beat them. You don’t think recruits will notice that?

Also, games against N.C. State and Louisville could be fun. The Hokies rarely play either and geographically, these teams should all play more often. Again, these games are important in terms of recruiting.

You can’t make everyone happy. Remember, this is better than no football in 2020. There is lots to like here.

Now, we just need football to happen.