The world of NCAA football is known for its intense rivalries, and one of the most exciting matchups in recent years has been the battle between Old Dominion University (ODU) and Virginia Tech (VT). The two teams have a long and storied history, with their rivalry dating back to the early 2000s. In this article, we'll delve into the world of ODU vs Tech, exploring the history of the rivalry, the key players and coaches, and what makes this matchup so special.
A Brief History of the Rivalry
The rivalry between ODU and VT began in 1986, when the two teams first met on the gridiron. At the time, ODU was a relatively new program, having only started playing football in 1930. VT, on the other hand, had a long and storied history, dating back to 1892. Despite the difference in experience and tradition, the Monarchs of ODU were able to hold their own against the Hokies of VT, losing by just a touchdown in their first meeting.
Over the years, the rivalry between ODU and VT has ebbed and flowed, with periods of intense competition and periods of relative calm. In the early 2000s, the two teams began to play each other more regularly, with the Hokies dominating the series, winning 10 of the first 12 meetings. However, in recent years, the Monarchs have begun to turn the tide, winning two of the last four meetings and giving the Hokies a scare in the other two.
Key Players and Coaches
One of the key factors in the ODU vs Tech rivalry has been the play of the quarterbacks. In recent years, the Monarchs have had a string of talented signal-callers, including Taylor Heinicke, who set multiple records for passing yards and touchdowns in 2012. The Hokies, on the other hand, have had a mix of experienced veterans and young up-and-comers, including Michael Brewer, who led the team to a bowl game in 2014.
On the coaching side, both teams have had their fair share of experienced and successful leaders. For ODU, head coach Bobby Wilder has been at the helm since 2007, leading the team to multiple winning seasons and a bowl game appearance in 2016. For VT, head coach Justin Fuente has been in charge since 2016, leading the team to multiple bowl game appearances and a division title in 2016.
The 2018 Matchup
The 2018 matchup between ODU and VT was one of the most highly anticipated games of the season. The Monarchs were coming off a strong 2017 campaign, while the Hokies were looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2017 season. The game was played on September 22, 2018, at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, VA, and was attended by a crowd of over 60,000 fans.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading touchdowns and turnovers. In the end, the Hokies emerged victorious, winning 49-35. However, the Monarchs gave the Hokies a scare, leading by as many as 14 points in the second quarter.
What Makes This Matchup So Special
So, what makes the ODU vs Tech matchup so special? For one, it's the history and tradition of the rivalry. The two teams have been playing each other for over 30 years, and the series has been marked by some of the most memorable games in NCAA football history.
Another factor is the geographic rivalry between the two teams. ODU and VT are located just a few hours apart, making the matchup a natural in-state rivalry. The two teams have a long history of competing for recruits and fans, and the rivalry is often seen as a battle for bragging rights in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Finally, the ODU vs Tech matchup is special because of the contrast between the two teams. The Monarchs are a relatively small program, with a student body of just over 24,000. The Hokies, on the other hand, are a large program, with a student body of over 34,000. The contrast between the two teams makes for an interesting dynamic, with the underdog Monarchs often looking to pull off an upset against the more established Hokies.
The Future of the Rivalry
So, what does the future hold for the ODU vs Tech rivalry? With the two teams set to play each other again in 2022, the rivalry is likely to continue for years to come. The Monarchs are expected to be a strong team in the coming years, with a talented young roster and a experienced coaching staff. The Hokies, on the other hand, are looking to rebuild after a disappointing 2020 season.
Regardless of the outcome, the ODU vs Tech matchup is always one of the most highly anticipated games of the season. With its rich history, geographic rivalry, and contrast between the two teams, the matchup is a must-see for fans of NCAA football.
Who has won the most games in the ODU vs Tech rivalry?
+The Hokies have won the most games in the ODU vs Tech rivalry, with a record of 14-6.
What is the highest attendance for an ODU vs Tech game?
+The highest attendance for an ODU vs Tech game was 65,632, set in 2018.
Have the Monarchs ever beaten the Hokies?
+Yes, the Monarchs have beaten the Hokies twice, in 2015 and 2017.
We hope you've enjoyed this article on the ODU vs Tech rivalry. Whether you're a fan of the Monarchs or the Hokies, this matchup is always one of the most exciting games of the season. With its rich history, geographic rivalry, and contrast between the two teams, the ODU vs Tech matchup is a must-see for fans of NCAA football.