The rivalry between James Madison University (JMU) and Virginia Tech (VT) is one of the most intense and storied in college football. The two teams have been battling it out on the gridiron for decades, with each side having its share of victories and heartbreaking defeats. In this article, we'll explore five key aspects of the JMU vs. Tech football rivalry that make it so unique and compelling.
History of the Rivalry
The JMU vs. Tech rivalry dates back to 1976, when the two teams first met on the field. Since then, they have played each other 14 times, with VT holding a slight edge in the series with an 8-6 record. However, JMU has been gaining ground in recent years, winning two of the last three meetings between the teams.
Key Games in the Rivalry
There have been many memorable games in the JMU vs. Tech rivalry over the years, but a few stand out as particularly notable. One such game was the 2010 matchup, which JMU won 21-16. This victory marked the Dukes' first win over a ranked opponent in school history and marked a turning point in the rivalry.
Another key game was the 2017 matchup, which VT won 31-17. This game was notable for the fact that it was played in front of a record crowd at Lane Stadium, with over 65,000 fans in attendance.
Coaching Rivalry
One of the key aspects of the JMU vs. Tech rivalry is the coaching rivalry between the two teams. JMU's Mike Houston and VT's Justin Fuente have a long history of competing against each other, dating back to their days as assistants in the ACC. The two coaches have a deep respect for each other, but they also have a strong desire to come out on top in their matchups.
Player Rivalry
The JMU vs. Tech rivalry is not just limited to the coaches, however. The players on both teams also have a strong rivalry, with many of them growing up in the same region and competing against each other in high school. One notable example is JMU's quarterback, Ben DiNucci, who grew up in the Hampton Roads area and competed against many of the VT players in high school.
Recruiting Rivalry
The JMU vs. Tech rivalry also extends to the recruiting trail, where the two teams often compete for the same top prospects in the region. VT has traditionally been the more dominant program in the state, but JMU has been gaining ground in recent years, landing several top recruits from the area.
State Pride
The JMU vs. Tech rivalry is also fueled by state pride, with both teams representing different parts of the state. JMU is located in the Shenandoah Valley, while VT is located in the New River Valley. This geographic rivalry adds an extra layer of intensity to the matchup, with both teams looking to prove themselves as the best in the state.
What's at Stake
So what's at stake in the JMU vs. Tech rivalry? For both teams, a win in this matchup is crucial for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it's a matter of bragging rights, with the winner earning the right to claim superiority in the state. Additionally, the winner of this matchup often gains an advantage in terms of recruiting and prestige, which can have long-term implications for the program.
Post-Game Celebration
The post-game celebration is also an important aspect of the JMU vs. Tech rivalry. The winner of the matchup is often greeted with a raucous celebration, complete with chants, cheers, and plenty of social media posts. For JMU, a win over VT is often accompanied by a wild celebration on campus, complete with students rushing the field and celebrating long into the night.
Looking to the Future
So what does the future hold for the JMU vs. Tech rivalry? With both teams continuing to grow and improve, it's likely that this rivalry will only continue to intensify in the years to come. JMU is expected to continue to be a top contender in the FCS, while VT is looking to return to the top of the ACC. With both teams competing at a high level, this rivalry is likely to remain one of the most intense and compelling in college football.
Conclusion
The JMU vs. Tech rivalry is a unique and compelling aspect of college football, with a rich history and plenty of intensity. With both teams competing at a high level, this rivalry is likely to remain one of the most exciting and unpredictable in the sport. Whether you're a fan of JMU or VT, this rivalry is sure to provide plenty of excitement and drama in the years to come.
What is the history of the JMU vs. Tech football rivalry?
+The JMU vs. Tech football rivalry dates back to 1976, when the two teams first met on the field. Since then, they have played each other 14 times, with VT holding a slight edge in the series with an 8-6 record.
What is the coaching rivalry like between JMU and VT?
+The coaching rivalry between JMU's Mike Houston and VT's Justin Fuente is a key aspect of the JMU vs. Tech rivalry. The two coaches have a long history of competing against each other, dating back to their days as assistants in the ACC.
What's at stake in the JMU vs. Tech rivalry?
+For both teams, a win in this matchup is crucial for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it's a matter of bragging rights, with the winner earning the right to claim superiority in the state. Additionally, the winner of this matchup often gains an advantage in terms of recruiting and prestige, which can have long-term implications for the program.