In less than 24 hours, the Boston College football team opens its 2016 season nearly 3,000 miles from home . . . but in the “wrong” direction. The Eagles’ initial game is against ACC foe Georgia Tech, in Dublin, Ireland, which is about the same distance east of Chestnut Hill as San Diego is west of campus.

Aviva Stadium, Dublin, site of the BC-Georgia Tech game Saturday, September 3.

There is no BC Alumni San Diego game watch for this contest. Kickoff is at 4:30 am Pacific Time. ‘Nuff said. The game is on ESPN2. Get those DVRs ready!

This is the inaugural Aer Lingus College Football Classic and the first time BC and Georgia Tech have met on neutral ground. (Really, BC in Ireland is on neutral ground?) The Eagles last played the Yellow Jackets in 2012, with Georgia Tech winning 37-17.

Both teams were among the weakest in the ACC last season. BC went winless, 0-8, in conference play, while Georgia Tech was 1-8. BC’s vaunted defense, #1 statistically in the nation last year, will face Georgia Tech’s distinctive “flexbone” option offense. It’s the offense that is of most concern to most BC fans. Coach Steve Addazio says he knows who will start between quarterbacks Darius Wade and Patrick Towles, a grad student who previously started at Kentucky, but has left the announcement of his choice until game day. Here is the depth chart for tomorrow’s game.

Hunh?

There will be at least two chapter members in Dublin for the game. Chapter leader Lissa Tsu ’00, along with husband Brian Tsu ’00 and daughter Margot (honorary chapter member) will represent us at the game and pre-game rally. Maybe they can bring back some of the “unusual” teeshirts promoting the game, as at right. Not always easy to communicate clearly across the pond.

Never fear, there will be game watches during the rest of the season, at The Beer Company, 602 Broadway, San Diego. We know the kickoff times for the next two: UMass, 9 am; Virginia Tech, 12:30 pm.

Go Eagles!