Hokie Fans Get Ready for Season Opener - WSET.com - ABC13

Lynchburg, VA - For Hokie fans that didn't make it to Lane Stadium, the bar was the next best thing. It was a sea of maroon and orange across Lynchburg Monday night. Fans say it's that comradery that gets them pumped up for the big game.

At 8 p.m. Monday, the battle between the Techs was on.

"They're both Techs and we're gonna win just because we're Virginia, Georgia ain't about that life," said Chantz Brown.

Virginia Tech fans packed the house early at Buffalo Wild Wings.

"We're expecting Virginia Tech to beat Georgia Tech tonight so hopefully we'll come out on the winning side," said Teresa Patrick.

It's hard to find a fan that's not hardcore for the Hokies, but there are a few in every crowd.

"I do not want Virginia Tech to win, so yes, I will be rooting for Georgia Tech," said B.J. Johnson.

On the other side of town, the Hokie fans seemed to be hiding. Jim Taylor was the only one at Stoney Badger bar.That didn't seem to stop him from showing off his Virginia Tech t-shirt.

"I mean that's what you think about, you think about eating, you think about sleeping and then you think about Virginia Tech," said Taylor.

Taylor probably would have fit right in at Buffalo Wild Wings. Fans over there say it's all about the hometown heroes.

"Logan Thomas, Quarterback, of course," said Patrick.

"Logan Thomas used to go Brookville and I go to Brookville now so I kinda have to root for him," said Ben Colter.

"Zach McCray, too, starting defense rotation," said Spencer Murray.

Fans also say there's a lot riding on the game. It's the first time since 2005 the Hokies have opened the season with an ACC game.

"They've actually had a bad first game starting season the past couple years, and if they win tonight I actually think they'll have a shot of winning the BCS championship," said Murray.

Of course, fans are putting that hope in one man.

"What is it about the Hokies? We love Frank Beamer! We think he's a great coach," said Patrick.