Hokies Ranked #16 in AP Preseason Poll - NBC29 WVIR Charlottesville, VA News, Sports and Weather

The Virginia Tech football team opens the season on Labor Day against Georgia Tech at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg.

The Yellow Jackets are just outside the top 25 in both major polls.

The Associated Press ranked the Hokies #16 in its preseason poll released Saturday.

Tech ranked #21 in the country at the end of last year's 9-3 Sugar Bowl season.

The UVA Today/Coaches poll has the Hokies at #20 in its preseason rankings.

The top ranked ACC team in both polls is Florida State at #7. Clemson comes into the season #14 in both polls. 

Tech hosts the Seminoles Thursday night, November 8, and at Clemson October 20, but the Hokies are preparing for the Yellow Jackets right now.

"When you have a chance to play on Monday night, you're the only game on, national TV, there's a lot of things to consider about playing that game," said VA Tech head coach Frank Beamer. "If you can play well, I think you can really help your program."

USC is the preseason #1. Alabama is #2, and LSU is #3.