The Penn State vs Virginia Tech football rivalry is a historic and intense matchup between two of the most prestigious programs in college football. While the two teams have only played each other a handful of times, their meetings are always highly anticipated and closely watched. In this article, we'll delve into the history of this rivalry and explore what makes it so special.
The Early Years
Penn State and Virginia Tech first met on the gridiron in 1990, with the Nittany Lions coming out on top 20-13. The two teams wouldn't meet again until 1999, when Penn State again emerged victorious, this time by a score of 48-17. These early meetings set the tone for what would become a competitive and hard-fought rivalry.
The Series Heats Up
The 2000s saw the rivalry between Penn State and Virginia Tech begin to heat up. In 2001, the Hokies traveled to Beaver Stadium and came away with a 22-20 victory, their first win in the series. The Nittany Lions would regain the upper hand in 2002, however, with a 35-17 win in Blacksburg.
The 2010s saw the rivalry reach new heights, with both teams experiencing periods of great success. In 2013, Penn State and Virginia Tech met in the season opener, with the Nittany Lions coming out on top 21-17. The Hokies would exact their revenge in 2015, however, with a 55-51 win in a shootout at Lane Stadium.
Recent Meetings
The most recent meeting between Penn State and Virginia Tech took place in 2020, with the Nittany Lions emerging victorious 39-28. This game was notable for being one of the few matchups between the two teams in which both squads were ranked in the top 25.
What Makes This Rivalry Special?
So, what makes the Penn State vs Virginia Tech football rivalry so special? For one, both teams have a rich history of success, with Penn State claiming two national championships and Virginia Tech winning a conference title as recently as 2010.
Another factor that contributes to the intensity of this rivalry is the geographic proximity between the two schools. Penn State is located in State College, Pennsylvania, while Virginia Tech is situated in Blacksburg, Virginia. This close proximity makes for a natural rivalry, with both teams drawing from the same region for recruits and fans.
Finally, the Penn State vs Virginia Tech rivalry is fueled by a desire to prove oneself as the best team in the region. Both programs have a strong sense of pride and tradition, and their meetings are always highly competitive and closely contested.
Notable Games and Moments
Over the years, the Penn State vs Virginia Tech rivalry has produced some truly memorable games and moments. Here are a few of the most notable:
- 2001: Virginia Tech's 22-20 win over Penn State marked the Hokies' first victory in the series.
- 2013: Penn State's 21-17 win over Virginia Tech in the season opener marked the Nittany Lions' first win under new head coach Bill O'Brien.
- 2015: Virginia Tech's 55-51 win over Penn State was a shootout that saw both teams combine for over 100 points.
Impact on the College Football Landscape
The Penn State vs Virginia Tech rivalry has had a significant impact on the college football landscape. Both teams have been major players in the Big Ten and ACC conferences, respectively, and their meetings have often had implications for the national championship picture.
In addition, the rivalry has helped to fuel the growth of college football in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. The presence of two power programs in the region has helped to attract top recruits and generate interest in the sport.
Future Meetings
While the Penn State vs Virginia Tech rivalry is not currently an annual matchup, the two teams are scheduled to meet again in the future. In 2025, the Hokies will travel to Beaver Stadium for a non-conference matchup, and in 2027, the Nittany Lions will return to Lane Stadium.
Fans of both teams are eagerly anticipating these future meetings, which are sure to be just as intense and competitive as past matchups.
Gallery of Penn State vs Virginia Tech Football Rivalry
FAQs
How many times have Penn State and Virginia Tech played each other?
+Penn State and Virginia Tech have played each other a total of 6 times.
Who has won the most games in the series?
+Penn State has won 4 games in the series, while Virginia Tech has won 2.
What is the most points scored in a single game in the series?
+The most points scored in a single game in the series is 106, which occurred in the 2015 matchup between Penn State and Virginia Tech.
In conclusion, the Penn State vs Virginia Tech football rivalry is a historic and intense matchup between two of the most prestigious programs in college football. With a rich history of competitive games and memorable moments, this rivalry is sure to continue to thrill fans for years to come.