One of the reasons why Virginia Tech was ostensibly chosen to play in the 2012 Sugar Bowl was the Hokies' massive fan base. But so far, that fan base hasn't purchased tickets for Virginia Tech's game against Michigan: the Washington Post reports that the Hokies have sold around 9,500 Sugar Bowl tickets, or just more than half of their 17,500-ticket allotment.

The school has admitted that the secondary market — capable of charging far less than the $120 the school must sell its tickets for — has eroded some demand, though Virginia Tech is still likely to sell more tickets to the 2012 Sugar Bowl than it did for the 2011 and 2009 Orange Bowls combined.

Virginia Tech is also asking fans to consider buying tickets to donate to charitable organizations. And the Post reports that once the Hokies sell 8,000 tickets, the ACC is on the hook for the rest of the unsold allotment.

For more on the Hokies, head to Gobbler Country. For more on the 2011 college football bowl season, visit our dedicated section.