* Quarterback Matt Ryan revealed that Boston College's coaches script the first 15 to 18 plays of the game. Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer quipped, "Can I see that list?"
* Overheard at the ACC award luncheon: former Oakland Raiders defensive lineman chatting with BC coach Jeff Jagodzinski on topics ranging from the Dallas Cowboys' new offensive scheme, to Long's story of turning down an offer to play at BC because the coaching staff wanted to turn him into the soon-to-be hall-of-fame defender into an offensive guard.
* Low ticket sales - possibly as much as 20,000 below the 77,497-seat capacity - forced ACC officials to cover several sections of Municipal Stadium with giant black seat covers. Earlier this week, BC had sold less than half of its 10,000-seat allotment
* Quote of the day: Jagodzinski explaining the failed chest bump with Matt Ryan following the quarterback's game-winning touchdown against Virginia Tech: "This is what happened on that one. [Ryan] caught me, and one of the things I thought is I still need that guy for the rest of this year, and if I hit that guy flush he'd be sitting down. He's lucky he's still standing."
* Wide receiver Kevin Challenger has taken advertising to a whole new level. Though it won't be visible through his helmet during the game, the senior has shaved the logos for ABC and Dr. Pepper - the game's broadcaster and chief sponsor - into each side of his head [see slideshow].
* After a trying year for the entire Virginia Tech community, Beamer acknowledged that his team and its fan support had reached a new peak since the tragic on-campus shooting in April. "I don't think Hokie Nation has ever been tighter. We're stronger than ever, never forgetting those that were killed," he said
2008 Woodie Awards
