The Clemson Tigers and the Virginia Tech Hokies have a long and storied history in college football, with their rivalry dating back to 1900. Over the years, the two teams have clashed on the gridiron numerous times, with each side experiencing its fair share of victories and defeats. In this article, we'll delve into the world of Clemson vs Virginia Tech football rivalry, exploring the history, notable games, and what makes this matchup so special.
A Brief History of the Rivalry
The Clemson-Virginia Tech rivalry began in 1900, with the two teams meeting for the first time on October 6th of that year. The Tigers emerged victorious, winning 17-5 in a game played in Blacksburg, Virginia. Since then, the two teams have met a total of 32 times, with Clemson holding a slight edge in the overall series, 21-11-1.
Notable Games in the Series
One of the most notable games in the Clemson-Virginia Tech series took place in 2011, when the Tigers traveled to Lane Stadium in Blacksburg. Clemson, led by quarterback Tajh Boyd, came from behind to win 23-3, in a game that saw the Tigers dominate the Hokies on both sides of the ball.
Another memorable matchup occurred in 2016, when Clemson hosted Virginia Tech at Memorial Stadium. The Tigers, led by quarterback Deshaun Watson, put on a show, winning 42-35 in a game that saw both teams combine for over 1,000 yards of total offense.
What Makes This Rivalry Special
So, what makes the Clemson-Virginia Tech rivalry so special? For starters, both teams have a rich history of success on the gridiron, with multiple conference championships and bowl game appearances between them.
Another factor that contributes to the intensity of this rivalry is the geographic proximity between the two schools. Clemson, located in Clemson, South Carolina, is just a short drive from Virginia Tech's campus in Blacksburg, Virginia. This proximity has led to a natural rivalry between the two schools, with both teams vying for bragging rights in the region.
Coaching Rivalry
The Clemson-Virginia Tech rivalry has also been fueled by the coaching rivalry between Clemson's Dabo Swinney and Virginia Tech's Justin Fuente. Swinney, who has been at the helm of the Tigers since 2008, has established himself as one of the top coaches in the country, leading Clemson to multiple national championships.
Fuente, who took over at Virginia Tech in 2016, has also had success, leading the Hokies to multiple bowl game appearances. The two coaches have a deep respect for one another, but they also have a strong desire to come out on top when their teams meet on the field.
Predictions for Future Matchups
As the Clemson-Virginia Tech rivalry continues to evolve, it's difficult to predict what the future holds. However, one thing is certain: when these two teams meet on the field, it's always going to be a intense and competitive matchup.
In recent years, Clemson has held the upper hand in the series, winning five of the last six meetings. However, Virginia Tech has shown signs of improvement, and it's likely that the Hokies will continue to push the Tigers in the years to come.
Gallery of Clemson vs Virginia Tech Football Rivalry
FAQs
What is the all-time series record between Clemson and Virginia Tech?
+Clemson leads the all-time series 21-11-1.
Who is the current head coach of the Clemson Tigers?
+Dabo Swinney is the current head coach of the Clemson Tigers.
What is the name of the stadium where Clemson plays its home games?
+Clemson plays its home games at Memorial Stadium.
We hope you enjoyed this article about the Clemson vs Virginia Tech football rivalry. Whether you're a fan of the Tigers or the Hokies, there's no denying the excitement and intensity that comes with this matchup. As the rivalry continues to evolve, we can't wait to see what the future holds for these two teams.