Pat Stevens of the Washington Times just had an interesting entry on his blog concerning this article in the Roanoke Times, which explained how the economy could impact the number the Virginia Tech fans who make the trip down to Tampa, Fla., to watch their Hokies take on Boston College in the ACC Championship.
Let’s expand on that a little. If you use your mouse to scroll down a bit to the last entry on Terrapin Trail, you’ll notice a potential scenario in which if Virginia Tech loses the ACC Championship game, the Champs Sports Bowl could pick the Hokies over another team, more than likely Florida state, opening the door for a possible Maryland-West Virginia meeting in Charlotte at the Meineke Car Care Bowl. But, dismal fan attendance at the ACC Championship could impact the Champs Sports Bowl’s decision, which probably won’t come until Sunday evening.
The bowl, located near the conference championship in Orlando, Fla., is unlikely to invite Boston College, which played there last year, if the Eagles lose, and might not pick the Hokies out of fear that no one will make the trip. Even if Hokie fans do turn out in droves in Tampa, would they do it again in Orlando on Dec. 27? The Seminoles are only a few hours west in Tallahassee, Fla., and common sense says they would have a higher fan-turnout than the Hokies.
But Hokie fans do have a great reputation for traveling in past bowl games, and Champs Sports Bowl has been adamant that it’s highest priority is putting together the best game possible and the game’s selection committee won’t be sitting down to mull over teams until Sunday.
Until then, it’s anyone’s guess, but a betting man would still have his money on the Humanitarian Bowl and that blue turf.
jnewmandbk@umd.edu