The excitement of college football is undeniable, and one of the most thrilling aspects of the sport is the rivalry between teams. In the Commonwealth of Virginia, there's a growing rivalry between the Virginia Tech Hokies and the Old Dominion University (ODU) Monarchs. While the two teams may not have a long history of competition, their recent matchups have created a buzz in the college football world. In this article, we'll delve into the history of this rivalry, the teams' past performances, and what makes this matchup so intriguing.
Historical Context of the Rivalry
The Virginia Tech Hokies and the ODU Monarchs first met on the gridiron in 2017. The Hokies, a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), have a rich football history, with 18 conference championships and a national title in 1999. The Monarchs, on the other hand, are a relatively new program, having only transitioned to the NCAA Division I (FBS) level in 2013. Despite their differing backgrounds, the two teams have quickly developed a competitive spirit, with the Hokies winning the first two meetings and the Monarchs seeking to upset their in-state rivals.
Key Matchups and Results
While the rivalry is still in its early stages, there have been some memorable matchups between the two teams. Here are the results of their past encounters:
- 2017: Virginia Tech 38, Old Dominion 0
- 2018: Virginia Tech 49, Old Dominion 35
- 2019: Virginia Tech 31, Old Dominion 17
- 2020: Old Dominion 28, Virginia Tech 24 (cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic)
- 2021: Virginia Tech 34, Old Dominion 17
As the results show, the Hokies have dominated the series so far, but the Monarchs have been competitive in recent years. The 2020 matchup was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it's clear that the rivalry is heating up.
What Makes This Rivalry Special
So, what makes the Virginia Tech-ODU rivalry so special? Here are a few reasons:
- In-state pride: Both teams represent the state of Virginia, and the rivalry is fueled by a desire to be the best in the Commonwealth.
- Competitive balance: While the Hokies have a stronger football tradition, the Monarchs have been competitive in recent years, making the matchups more exciting.
- Recruiting battles: The two teams often compete for the same recruits, adding an extra layer of intensity to the rivalry.
- Fan engagement: The rivalry has created a buzz among fans, with both sides eager to claim bragging rights.
Impact on College Football
The Virginia Tech-ODU rivalry may not have the same level of national attention as other college football rivalries, but it's still an important part of the sport. Here are a few ways this rivalry impacts college football:
- Growing interest: The rivalry has created a growing interest in college football in the state of Virginia, which can lead to increased attendance and viewership.
- Competitive balance: The rivalry promotes competitive balance, as both teams strive to be the best in the state.
- Recruiting implications: The rivalry can impact recruiting, as top prospects in Virginia may be swayed by the opportunity to play for one of these two teams.
Future of the Rivalry
As the Virginia Tech-ODU rivalry continues to grow, here are a few things to look out for in the future:
- Scheduling: The two teams are scheduled to meet again in 2023, and it's likely that the rivalry will continue to be played annually.
- Increased competition: As the Monarchs continue to improve, the rivalry is likely to become even more competitive, which could lead to some thrilling matchups.
- Growing fan engagement: The rivalry is likely to continue to create a buzz among fans, with both sides eager to claim bragging rights.
Conclusion
The Virginia Tech-ODU rivalry may not have the same level of history as other college football rivalries, but it's quickly becoming one of the most exciting matchups in the sport. With the two teams competing for in-state pride, recruiting battles, and fan engagement, this rivalry is sure to continue to grow in intensity. As the rivalry continues to evolve, one thing is certain – college football fans in Virginia are in for a treat.
Gallery of Virginia Tech Hokies and ODU Monarchs Football Rivalry
FAQ Section
What is the history of the Virginia Tech-ODU rivalry?
+The Virginia Tech-ODU rivalry began in 2017, with the Hokies winning the first two meetings. The Monarchs have been competitive in recent years, but the Hokies have dominated the series so far.
How often do the two teams meet?
+The two teams are scheduled to meet annually, with the next matchup scheduled for 2023.
What makes the Virginia Tech-ODU rivalry special?
+The rivalry is fueled by in-state pride, competitive balance, recruiting battles, and fan engagement.