Hokies Remain Sixth in the BCS

The BCS released their latest batch of rankings on Monday afternoon at 2:30,
and once again Virginia Tech finds itself ranked sixth. Despite the Hokies
moving up in the Harris Interactive Poll and the USA Today Coaches’ Poll, LSU’s
victory at Alabama vaulted the Tigers past the Hokies to fifth in the BCS. USC
remains at number one, followed by Texas, Miami and Penn State.

Virginia Tech ranks seventh in the Harris Poll and sixth in the Coaches’
Poll, behind Penn State (fifth in both polls) and LSU (fourth in both polls).
The Hokies are able to stay within striking distance because the computer polls
heavily favor them. The Hokies rank fourth in every computer poll except
Anderson & Hester, where they rank fifth. VT ranks ahead of Miami (fifth)
and LSU (eighth) in the overall computer rankings.

If the Hokies want to make a BCS game, they must win out. If Miami loses and
Tech wins out, the Hokies will play Florida State in the ACC Championship game
in Jacksonville. If Miami wins their last two games, VT must hope for an
at-large bid. The Top four teams in the BCS are guaranteed an invitation to the
BCS.

For the full BCS rankings and all information, see the “Related Links” section at the bottom of this News and Notes update.

No Decision on TV Coverage of UNC Game

ABC has exercised their six day option on the Virginia Tech-North Carolina
football game, meaning that they will not decide what time the game starts or
what station will carry the game until Sunday, November 20.

Maryland and NC State will be televised at noon on ESPN on that day. ABC and
ESPN will also carry Georgia-Georgia Tech, North Carolina-Virginia Tech and
Virginia-Miami. The times and networks for these games will be determined after
the games of November 19.

One of the games will be televised by ESPN at 7:45 pm. The other two games
will be carried by ABC, one at 3:30 pm and the other at 8 pm. Georgia, Virginia
Tech and Miami are all battling for a BCS invitation.

Hokies vs. Hoos Competing Off the Field

It’s Tech-UVa week, and while the teams get to duke it out on the field
Saturday, Tech and UVa fans have a couple of head-to-head contests they can
participate in, as well. The first is a Hokies vs. Hoos food drive, and the
second is a Hokies vs. Hoos blood drive. Both are already underway, so pay close
attention and plan on getting involved now!

Hokies vs. Hoos for the Hungry: This is a second annual food drive for
the Central Virginia Food Bank, which took a huge hit from Hurricane Katrina in
New Orleans and needs replenishing. It’s a battle between Hokie fans and Hoo
fans to see who can donate the most food. Here’s the short and sweet:

• The contest runs now through November 19th
• Stop by any Kroger to make a food donation, or pick up a convenient
  pre-packaged “Feed the Hungry” box for donation
• Daily totals will be posted at hokiesvshoos.com,
  and the winning team will be announced on Sunday, Nov. 20th

To keep up to date on the donation totals, click the “Hokies vs. Hoos
for the Hungry” buttons on the TSL home page and message boards.

Hometown Bowl Challenge Blood Drive: The American Red Cross is trying to
direct some of the excitement and energy of the Virginia/Virginia Tech rivalry
towards a positive outcome for the community by urging area fans and alumni from
both schools to join in the Hometown Bowl Challenge Blood Drive, by donating in
the name of their team.

Beginning on Monday, November 14 (today), the challenge is a way to win
highly coveted game tickets and other great prizes while helping to increase the
blood supply before the holiday season approaches.

Drawings will be held for two pairs of tickets to the November 19th game at
Scott Stadium in Charlottesville. Additional drawings will include an
autographed football from each of the schools and a variety of items featuring
team logos and colors.

Donors can enter at the following blood drive sites:

• Roanoke Donor Center, 352 Church Ave — Nov. 14, 15, 16, noon – 6PM
• New River Donor Center, 130 Jackson St. Blacksburg — Nov. 14, 15, noon
  – 6PM
• Lynchburg Donor Center, 1900 Tate Springs Rd. — Nov. 14, 15, noon – 6PM

In addition to the prize drawings, each presenting donor will receive a
commemorative T-shirt.

Fans are encouraged to support their team and show their true color…Red, by
rolling up there sleeve and sharing a pint of life.

Appointments
are strongly encouraged.

Call 1-800-GIVELIFE or visit GiveLife.org
for an appointment or information.

Hurricane Katrina Relief Project Ongoing

On a related note, artist Becky Guynn is offering her “Sugar Bowl
2000″ prints for Hurricane Katrina relief. The concept is simple: Send $100
to the Red Cross, and get this great-looking limited edition 12″x15”
print of a New Orleans street corner where a Virginia Tech flag is being flown.

The painting was inspired by a French Quarter scene in New Orleans during
Virginia Techs’ trip to the national championship game, and there are still
plenty of prints remaining.

For information on how to order, just click the image to the right.