Boone and Virgil Not in Starting Lineup

Tight end Greg Boone and boundary cornerback Stephan Virgil are both not listed in the starting line up for when No. 14 Virginia Tech (0-1) takes on Marshall (1-0). Both were listed as doubtful before the game.

André Smith, a fourth-year junior, has replaced Boone and has proven himself capable after seeing regular playing time in two tight end formations. Rashad Carmichael has replaced Virgil at boundary cornerback, moving over from his role at the Hokies' starting field cornerback. Cris Hill has replaced Carmichael at field cornerback.

Carmichael, a fourth-year junior, started at boundary cornerback last season against East Carolina in place of the injured Victor (Macho) Harris. Hill, third-year sophomore, has not started a game; he lost the battle this summer for the starting field cornerback job because coaches said Carmichael played more consistently and made big plays.

Boone and Virgil are two of the Hokies best players on their respective sides of the ball.

Boone sprained his SC joint while making a block last Saturday in a 34-24 loss to Alabama. The sternoclavicular joint, or SC joint, is the connection of the sternum (breastbone) to the clavicle (collarbone).

Virgil said he tweaked his left knee while making a tackle late in the game against the Crimson Tide. He is the most experienced member of the Hokies' secondary.