As you had better already know, West Virginia’s season-opening game against Virginia Tech was moved last week from the opening Saturday to the opening Sunday night. As you can tell from a sneaky snarky comment, Mountaineers coach Dana Holgorsen knows the value therein.

It’s a time slot college football has sought to commandeer in recent years. It’s a three-day weekend, and the NFL starts the following week, so the schools are all too eager to go long with it. Just last week, the Black Diamond was repositioned, and Texas A&M v. UCLA was moved to compete on Fox. Tennessee and Georgia Tech will play on Labor Day.

This is Virginia Tech’s fourth Labor Day Weekend showcase after playing on Monday in 2010, 2012 and 2015. WVU has played some lofty openers, but this is a new stage and a favorable one. We’ve been waiting a long time for football, and a first and extended look can create lasting impressions.