The Old Dominion University (ODU) Monarchs football team has been making waves in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) since their transition from the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) in 2013. One of the most highly anticipated matchups for the Monarchs is their rivalry game against the Virginia Tech Hokies. The two teams have a long history of competition, with the Hokies holding a significant advantage in the overall series. However, the Monarchs have been working tirelessly to close the gap and make the rivalry more competitive.
History of the Rivalry
The ODU-VT rivalry dates back to 1986, when the two teams first met on the gridiron. At the time, ODU was still a member of the FCS, while Virginia Tech was already an established program in the FBS. Despite the difference in divisions, the Monarchs managed to hold their own against the Hokies, losing by a narrow margin of 24-21. However, it wasn't until 2013 that the rivalry truly began to heat up, as ODU made the transition to the FBS and became eligible to compete against Virginia Tech on a more regular basis.
Notable Games in the Series
One of the most notable games in the series came in 2018, when the Monarchs traveled to Blacksburg to take on the Hokies. Despite being heavy underdogs, ODU managed to keep the game close, ultimately falling by a score of 28-21. The game was marked by a strong defensive performance by the Monarchs, who held the Hokies to just 392 total yards.
Another notable game in the series came in 2019, when the Hokies traveled to Norfolk to take on the Monarchs. In a back-and-forth affair, ODU managed to take an early lead, but ultimately fell by a score of 35-31. The game was marked by a strong performance by the Monarchs' offense, which racked up 446 total yards.
The Current State of the Rivalry
As the rivalry continues to heat up, both teams are looking to make a statement in the series. The Hokies, who have traditionally been the dominant team, are looking to assert their authority and prove that they are still the superior program. Meanwhile, the Monarchs are looking to prove that they belong in the same conversation as the Hokies, and that they are a force to be reckoned with in the FBS.
Key Matchups to Watch
One of the key matchups to watch in the series is the battle between the ODU offense and the Virginia Tech defense. The Monarchs' offense, led by quarterback Hayden Wolff, has been one of the most explosive in the country, averaging over 400 total yards per game. Meanwhile, the Hokies' defense, led by coordinator Justin Hamilton, has been one of the stingiest in the country, allowing just over 300 total yards per game.
Another key matchup to watch is the battle between the Virginia Tech offense and the ODU defense. The Hokies' offense, led by quarterback Braxton Burmeister, has been one of the most consistent in the country, averaging over 350 total yards per game. Meanwhile, the Monarchs' defense, led by coordinator David Blackwell, has been one of the most improved in the country, allowing just over 350 total yards per game.
Predictions for the Future of the Rivalry
As the rivalry continues to heat up, it's clear that both teams are committed to making the series one of the most competitive in the country. The Hokies, who have traditionally been the dominant team, will look to continue their winning ways and assert their authority in the series. Meanwhile, the Monarchs will look to continue their upward trajectory and prove that they are a force to be reckoned with in the FBS.
What to Expect in the Coming Years
In the coming years, fans can expect to see some of the most competitive games in the series. The Monarchs, who have been improving steadily since their transition to the FBS, will look to continue their upward trajectory and make a statement in the series. Meanwhile, the Hokies will look to continue their winning ways and assert their authority in the series.
Ultimately, the future of the ODU-VT rivalry looks bright, with both teams committed to making the series one of the most competitive in the country. As the rivalry continues to heat up, fans can expect to see some of the most exciting games in the series, with both teams giving it their all and leaving everything on the field.
Who has the most wins in the ODU-VT rivalry?
+Virginia Tech has the most wins in the ODU-VT rivalry, with a record of 10-1 against the Monarchs.
What is the longest winning streak in the ODU-VT rivalry?
+Virginia Tech has the longest winning streak in the ODU-VT rivalry, with a streak of 8 consecutive wins from 1991 to 2001.
What is the highest-scoring game in the ODU-VT rivalry?
+The highest-scoring game in the ODU-VT rivalry was in 2018, when the Hokies defeated the Monarchs 28-21 in a game that saw a total of 49 points scored.