To suggest that VT had any power to not play either school and still participate in the 2K Classic would be like saying VT could participate in the Battle at Bristol and play Memphis even though Tenn's name was on the contract.

What isn't unclear is whether VT knew who there 2 home game opponents would be prior to signing the contract or not. It is possible the 2K Classic told VT that it would get 2 guaranteed home games and listed off possible candidates. Then again, I am assuming 2K Classic wanted to get the participants from the power conference schools first before getting the mid-major participants.