The conversation about the Virginia Tech football program invariably begins and ends with Lane Stadium. The Hokies' home field advantage invokes so much fear and discussion that it's become almost mythical, transforming a game in Blacksburg, Va. into something of a legendary experience.
Virginia Tech's success, though, is far from guaranteed because of a stadium. The team itself has been a machine for the better part of the 21st century's first generation, a powerhouse that began in the Big East and carried through to the ACC. It's been a model of consistency with 26 consecutive bowl berths and five outright conference championships across the two leagues.