BLACKSBURG -- When times are good for Virginia Tech's football team, Hokies coach Frank Beamer usually is very hesitant to stray away from the norm in any form or fashion.

Take last season, for instance. When the Hokies embarked on a nine-game winning streak they rode to the ACC title, Beamer wore what he called his "lucky black suit" on the team's bus ride to the stadium before each game.

Because of Beamer's superstitious ways, it surprised some folks this week when he pulled an apparel change-up with his third-ranked team for Thursday's ESPN game with No. 13 Boston College at Lane Stadium.

At the request of Nike, the Hokies wore a new maroon jersey that included a solid orange left sleeve with no number and a maroon right sleeve with the number.

Tech was one of four programs selected by Nike to wear the style of jerseys, joining two-time defending national champion Southern California, Miami and Oregon.

Before the BC game, Beamer was asked if making such a change with his team rolling along was a bit out of character for him.

The coach grinned, then laughed.

"That's what my wife [Cheryl] asked me to," Beamer said before his team's 30-10 victory made the Hokies 8-0. "But for Nike, we change!"

For good reason, too. Beamer's contract includes a $80,000-per-year deal for the Tech coaches and players to wear gear made by the Oregon-based sports apparel giant.

"I really value our association with Nike," Beamer said. "For Virginia Tech to be associated with Nike, it does mean something in the recruiting world. I think kids pay attention to that.

"Plus, I'm sure they're going to put these things on the market and sell a bunch of jerseys. I do think it makes a statement about Virginia Tech that we're one of only four schools to be chosen."

The Hokies won't wear the jerseys again unless they're designated as the home team in whatever bowl game they play in.

All-night player

Tech star cornerback Jimmy Williams got to go the distance this time against BC. In Tech's 34-27 loss to BC in 2003, Williams engaged in a shouting match with Hokies defensive coordinator Bud Foster on the sideline and found himself on the bench for most of the second half.

"That's my memories of that game," Williams said this week. "It's been a long time ago. I still think about it. I do feel like I kind of let the team down. It's in the past now."

"Coach and I talked about it and he said, 'We're not going to have that no more.' "

The run-in occurred after Williams got roasted for an Eagles' touchdown pass. Williams said the incident was one of the turning points in his development as a person and a player.

On Thursday, he had two solo tackles and two assists.

High-tech Humes

Nineteen days after fracturing a bone in his right arm against Marshall, tailback Cedric Humes was in Tech's starting lineup Thursday.

Humes fractured ulna was protected by a prototype composite brace designed for him by Virginia Tech engineering students. The brace Humes used provided stiffer support than the polypropylene molded structure that would have been available.

"It amazes me these days," Beamer said of the advanced technology available today. "What kids can come back from ... but there are things out there."

Hyman sighting

Tech wideout Josh Hyman finally resurfaced in Thursday's first half.

Hyman, who had caught only four passes for 79 yards this season entering the game, had four receptions for 38 yards in the first 30 minutes.

He also threw a key block on Eddie Royal's 15-yard reverse midway through the second quarter that gave the Hokies a 13-7 halftime lead.

Hyman finished with five receptions for 58 yards.

Last season as a redshirt freshman, Hyman had 27 receptions and led the team in receiving yards (491), yards per catch (18.2) and touchdown catches (five).

On deck

By playing on a second straight Thursday, the Hokies will have some extra time to rest before they begin preparations for their Saturday, Nov. 5 clash with No. 6 Miami at Lane Stadium. The 7:45 p.m. contest will be televised by ESPN.

Miami (5-1, 2-1), which plays host to North Carolina on Saturday, has lost on four of its past five trips to Blacksburg. Tech has beaten the Hurricanes the past two years and owns a 7-3 edge in the past 10 game, but Miami leads the all-time series, 15-7.

Tech tidbits

When BC took at 7-6 lead in the second quarter, it marked the first time Tech had trailed since its season opener at North Carolina State. The Hokies trailed the Wolfpack 13-10 at halftime before tying the score on a Brandon Pace field goal in the third quarter. Tech scored a fourth-quarter touchdown and won, 20-16. ... Flanker Eddie Royal's 15-yard touchdown on an end-around was his second career rushing touchdown. The sophomore scored on a 11-yard run last year against Western Michigan. ... Josh Morgan's 3-yard TD reception was his second of the season and fifth of his career.