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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) When the new permanent lights go on at old Ohio Stadium, there will be magic - and a hint of tension - in the air.
Even for those who are used to playing before large, adoring crowds dressed head to toe in scarlet and gray, it's an overwhelming sight.
''Nothing's like playing in front of 110,000 people like that,'' said Joey Bosa, the star defensive end of eighth-ranked Ohio State. ''At least nothing I've ever experienced before. I'm excited to get back in there.''
A record crowd is expected at the newly expanded Ohio Stadium when the Buckeyes roll out the red carpet for Virginia Tech, which has never played so many people since picking up the game in 1892.
''You know (it will be) a great atmosphere - largest crowd that we've ever played before. So it's quite a challenge,'' said Hokies coach Frank Beamer. ''We'll see how they respond.''
Here are some things to keep an eye on, starting with a crowd that has all day to get, uh, motivated:
OVERFLOW: Ohio State spent $8.9 million to install permanent lights, add 2,615 seats (capacity: 104,944) and put up a covered tunnel from home locker room to the field.
Virginia Tech LB Chase Williams said the best environment he's ever played in was the Hokies' dramatic 38-35 win over Miami in 2011.
''I don't know if I've heard Lane Stadium be that loud before,'' Williams said. ''I imagine it's going to be about just as loud at this game, though.''
That game had a crowd of 66,233; this one might have 40,000 more fans.
HURRY-UP HOKIES: TB Shai McKenzie ran for 106 yards and a touchdown and QB Michael Brewer completed 23 of 30 passes for 251 yards and two scores with a pick in Tech's 34-9 waltz past FCS William & Mary.
Tech must continue to produce in its new no-huddle attack against the Buckeyes.
''Being able to continuously move the ball forward and not shoot ourselves in the foot and move it backward is going to be a big part of this game for us,'' Brewer said. ''And when there's a chance to make a big play, we've got to make it.''
NEW PASS D: After getting torched in its last three games last season, Ohio State blew up its pass defense and built a new one under the guidance of new co-coordinator Chris Ash.
After a week spent chasing option pitches against Navy in a 34-17 win, the Buckeyes are eager to show how far they've come against the pass.
''I'm sure the D-line's really happy that they get to pass-rush now as opposed to taking on double-teams all day,'' LB Darron Lee said.
S Vonn Bell, whose dad played for Beamer at Tech, said it'll be a big test to hold down Brewer.
''He can really sling it,'' he said. ''He's got a powerful arm. We have to have good breaks on every route we take and we have to be disciplined.''
UNDERDOG: The Buckeyes are favored by a touchdown and a half. That doesn't faze or surprise the Hokies, however.
''I haven't paid any attention to what the line is,'' Williams said. ''I knew they were probably going to be the favorite, just because they are ranked and the prestige of that program.''
THE WAITING IS THE HARDEST PART: College kids love playing in night games. But they don't love everything about them.
''That's one thing I do hate,'' Ohio State WR Devin Smith said. ''I hate waiting for a night game because it takes too long. We need to hurry up and play.''
In due time, Devin, in due time.
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Follow Rusty Miller on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/RustyMillerAP
