Those who tempered their expectations of the Hokies appeared to be vindicated in Tech's first game of the season, which took place on September 7, a week later than most teams started regular-season play. Tech rose to No. 20 in the country on the basis of other teams losing their season openers. A similar fate befell the Hokies, who lost to Boston College, 20–14.King, Randy. "Hokies stopped short", The Roanoke Times. September 8, 1995. Page B1. The opening-game loss was a "discouraging note" to begin the season in the eyes of at least one commentator.Lipper, Bob. "Hokies' autumn of promise begins on discouraging note", Richmond Times-Dispatch. September 8, 1995. Page D1. Because Tech's opening game was on a Thursday night, the Hokies had an extra two days to prepare for their next opponent, Cincinnati. The extra time did not help, however, and the Hokies were shut out, 16–0 by underdog Cincinnati. The shutout was the first scoreless effort by the Hokies since 1981 and caused sportswriters to call the Hokies "the most overrated team in the country."King, Randy. "Tech looking for answers", The Roanoke Times. September 17, 1995. Page B1.
