ATLANTA -- So far, so good.

That's what Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer said Monday about his team's preparation to this point for Thursday night's Chick-fil-A Bowl matchup against Tennessee.

After nine pre-Christmas practices in Blacksburg before making the trip south, the Hokies moved their workouts to the Georgia Dome on Monday. Tech will conduct another full practice today before a final walk-through session Wednesday at the dome.

"I like the way we've practiced," Beamer said. "You don't know until you get out there and play, but I think our players understand this is a serious ballgame against a quality team, and in order for us to have a chance to win we're going to have to play really well. We've practiced that way so far.

"That's kinda what I go on, how you practice and I think we've been good. The kids have been good around the hotel and doing things the right way, so I think we've prepared right so far. Now we'll see how we finish up."

Tech practiced at the Atlanta Falcons' indoor facility in Flowery Branch, Ga., on Saturday and Sunday. All the inside work should be beneficial for his team in the game, Beamer said.

"I think practicing in a dome helps when it comes to playing in the dome, and there's where we've been," Beamer said. "Back home we were inside, I think, just about every practice and down here we've been inside.

"When we came down here against Alabama [Sept. 5], we went in the Georgia Dome and just worked out just for few minutes. Then, we started punting the ball and having trouble judging the ball a bit. So it kinda hit me that you need to work in a dome here."

Still up for grabs

Redshirt sophomore Cris Hill and freshman Jayron Hosley are still battling for who's going to get the most time at field corner against the Vols. The spot opened when senior Stephan Virgil was declared ineligible for the bowl because he didn't pass the mandatory six credit hours last semester.

"We're going to let Hosley and Hill work at it and see who ends up practicing the best all week," Beamer said. "Hosley was feeling bad [Sunday], so he wasn't able to practice the whole time. It depends on how they practice and we'll make a decision later on. I think Cris Hill has got a lot of ability; he just needs to be more of a consistent player. I think Hosley has a great future, but he just hasn't played a lot."

Asked how concerned he is about the situation, Beamer noted that linebacker Barquell Rivers and guard Jaymes Brooks stepped in and played well in their first college starts in Tech's Orange Bowl win over Cincinnati last season.

"I think it's just one of those things that you wait for your opportunity and step up to the plate," Beamer said. "And that's what I'm hoping these guys can do."

Buyers beware

Bowl officials issued a news release Monday warning fans to beware of purchasing fraudulent tickets for the sold-out game. The Georgia Dome will have a "ticket validation window" at the main box office located between Gate A and Gate D beginning at 2 p.m. on Thursday.

A box office representative will be able to verify the authenticity of any ticket.

An authentic ticket has a perforated stub at both the top and bottom, plus when held at an angle, the trophy on the front of the ducat should shine in the light. If the trophy doesn't reflect light, it's a bogus ticket.

CFA nuggets

Former NFL coach Tony Dungy will be the guest speaker for this morning's Fellowship of Christian Athletes breakfast at the Marriott Marquis, where the Hokies are staying. ... Both teams will have milkshake throwdown parties from 5-7 p.m. today at their respective hotels. The number of shakes consumed by each team will be tracked and the squad that can devour the most will be named the winner. When asked about Tech's odds in the competition, senior linebacker Cody Grimm laughed and said: "We've got Richard Graham [306-pound senior offensive guard], so I like our chances." ... Tech, which opened as a 4 ¹₂-point favorite, is now up to a 6-point chalk at most Las Vegas books.