Tuesday links

Here are some links to start your Tuesday. It feels a little like the calm (empty campus for the holidays) before the a storm (the Chick-fil-A Bowl).

Speaking of Virginia Tech's bowl game, its opponent, Tennessee, is compiling an NFL-caliber coaching staff. The Volunteers brought Kippy Brown, who has done two previous stints with the Volunteers, back to Knoxville as the wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator for about $100,000 a year for three years.

Defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin, another distinguished member of Tennessee's staff and the father of Coach Lane Kiffin, expressed worry over the Hokies' offense. "Well, I'll tell you what I'd like," the elder Kiffin said. "I'd like to have another three weeks. We'd be ready then, you know what I mean? That'd be great."

Meanwhile, Virginia Tech's basketball team hosts University of Maryland-Baltimore County on Tuesday night. Yes, the same UMBC (1-9) team that picked up its first win on Sunday, with a victory over struggling American University in Washington.