ESPN College GameDay Announces 2007 Debut Setting: Virginia Tech

ESPN announced today that its iconic College GameDay program will mark its 2007 debut Sept. 1 in Blacksburg, Virginia in honor of the Virginia Tech massacre. The Hokies will host East Carolina in what should be a stirring night-time football setting at Lane Stadium.

In doing so, ESPN has chosen somber and sobriety over celebration.

"Virginia Tech is a special place, and the community is one of the most respectful and passionate we have visited," ESPN vice president Norby Williamson said. "Our coverage will be considerate of the emotional day facing the students, faculty, and people of Blacksburg and the country."

I understand why they're doing this and it's not all that serious of a complaint, but it's an awkward way to start the college football season. Virginia Tech will be an outstanding host and I get chills watching night games at Lane Stadium even without the backdrop of the massacre that happened on their campus this April.

Expect somber recollections of the day's events and its impact on the Virginia Tech football/athletics family as well as profiles and interviews if form holds.

There had been some debate about whether GameDay would choose this setting for the opener or head off to Berkeley for the Cal/Tennessee game or South Bend to see Notre Dame host Georgia Tech. Virginia Tech travels to LSU the following weekend and buzz had GameDay heading down to Baton Rouge to play up the Virginia Tech angle at that time.

Cal fans will be upset for a while as they were looking forward to a GameDay visit with Tennessee in town. In fact, they apparently got word that they were the likely hosts several weeks back and are certain to be a little stunned at today's announcement. That said, it's an appropriate if slightly unexpected move and hopefully ESPN handles the tragedy properly while still keeping the focus on college football and its long anticipated opening weekend.