BLACKSBURG, Va. — Virginia Tech athletic director Whit Babcock chose his words carefully and did not rehash the negotiations that took place before East Carolina decided not to travel for the Sept. 15 game in Blacksburg because of Hurricane Florence, effectively canceling it.



But in announcing Saturday that the Hokies will not travel to Greenville for a game next season, choosing to play what likely will be a second FCS opponent at home instead, and opting out of games with the Pirates in Greenville in 2023 and ’25, Babcock and Virginia Tech spoke loudly.



There also was this comment about Marshall agreeing to a 12th game in December, which the Hokies won to get bowl-eligible for the 26th consecutive season.



“We’re really grateful to Marshall for working with us and being good partners that way,” he said. “Because we didn’t have any other options by the time we got down to Marshall.”



That seems to...