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The Commonwealth Clash

A scholarly examination of the storied football rivalry between the University of Virginia Cavaliers and the Virginia Tech Hokies.

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Rivalry Overview

Defining the Rivalry

The Virginia–Virginia Tech football rivalry represents a significant American college football contest between the University of Virginia Cavaliers (UVA) and the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Hokies (VT). This enduring competition first commenced in 1895 and has been an annual fixture on the collegiate sports calendar since 1970. It contributes one point annually to the broader Commonwealth Clash, underscoring its importance within the state's athletic landscape.

Scheduling Evolution

Historically, this rivalry game has predominantly been scheduled for late November, frequently coinciding with Thanksgiving weekend, a tradition established since 1990. This scheduling shift effectively superseded Virginia's long-standing "South's Oldest Rivalry" against North Carolina and the VMI–Virginia Tech rivalry, both of which were traditionally played on Thanksgiving Day. Since 1964, the game has alternated between the home stadiums of the two universities, Scott Stadium in Charlottesville and Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, moving away from earlier neutral sites in Richmond, Norfolk, and Roanoke.

A Legacy of Streaks

The rivalry is notable for its pronounced winning streaks. Virginia initially dominated, securing an 8–0 record in the early series, with a cumulative score of 175–5 against VPI. The Cavaliers also enjoyed an unbeaten run (7–0–1) from 1945 to 1952, outscoring the then-Gobblers 267–47, including four shutouts. Conversely, VPI held a 12–2 advantage from 1953 to 1966. More recently, Virginia Tech established a series record with 15 consecutive victories from 2004 to 2018. Virginia broke this formidable streak in 2019, though the Hokies currently maintain a four-game winning streak since 2020, with the 2022 game having been cancelled.

The Commonwealth Cup

Inception & Custody

The physical embodiment of this intense rivalry is the Commonwealth Cup, a trophy inaugurated in 1996. The victorious team retains possession of this coveted trophy until the subsequent annual encounter. As of the 2024 edition of the contest, the Virginia Tech Hokies football team is the current holder of the Commonwealth Cup, symbolizing their recent triumph in the series.

Physical Attributes

The Commonwealth Cup is a substantial piece, standing four feet tall. It is meticulously crafted from a combination of elegant marble and rich cherry wood, giving it a distinguished appearance. A key feature of the trophy is the comprehensive engraving of the scores from every game played in the series, serving as a permanent historical record of each contest's outcome.

Symbolic Design

The trophy's design incorporates significant symbolic elements. The cup itself is mounted atop a trapezoidal base, which constitutes the majority of its height. The front face of this base features a stylized map of Virginia. On this map, the cities of Blacksburg, home to Virginia Tech, and Charlottesville, home to the University of Virginia, are prominently marked with stars, visually representing the geographic heart of this spirited state rivalry.

Historical Context

Early Rivalry Dynamics

While the Virginia–Virginia Tech rivalry dates back to the 1890s, its prominence as the state's premier football contest did not fully emerge until the 1980s. Historically, the University of Virginia's primary football rival was the North Carolina Tar Heels, a contest famously known as the "South's Oldest Rivalry." Similarly, Virginia Tech (then VPI) maintained a strong rivalry with the Virginia Military Institute (VMI), rooted in shared military traditions and geographic proximity.

The Carpenter Controversy

Even in its nascent stages, the Virginia–VPI rivalry was not without its heated moments. A notable incident involved Hokie player Hunter Carpenter, who had an unusually long collegiate career. The Cavalier Daily, UVA's student newspaper, controversially accused Carpenter of being a paid athlete. Carpenter vehemently denied these allegations, providing an affidavit asserting he had never received payment to play against UVA. Following VPI's victory in that contentious game, Carpenter threatened legal action for libel, leading to an 18-year hiatus in the rivalry, which only resumed in 1923.

Modern Interruptions

The tradition of playing this rivalry game in late November, often on Thanksgiving weekend, has been largely consistent since 2000, with only two exceptions: an early-season game in 1999 and a two-week postponement in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A more somber interruption occurred in 2022, when the scheduled game was tragically cancelled following a shooting incident at the University of Virginia that resulted in the deaths of three Virginia players, underscoring the profound impact external events can have on even the most entrenched traditions.

Coaching Eras & Impact

George Welsh's UVA Legacy

The 1980s and 1990s saw both programs led by College Football Hall of Fame coaches. George Welsh, at the helm for Virginia, guided the Cavaliers to significant achievements, including a three-week stint as the nation's AP No. 1 ranked team in 1990. His tenure also brought shared ACC championships in 1989 and 1995, and he amassed 85 ACC wins, a record second only to Bobby Bowden at the time. Notably, Welsh held an 8–6 record against his rival, Frank Beamer.

Frank Beamer's VT Dynasty

Across the state, Frank Beamer, another College Football Hall of Famer, built a formidable program at Virginia Tech. Under his leadership, the Hokies made an appearance in a BCS National Championship Game (the 2000 Sugar Bowl) and secured sole ACC championships in 2004, 2007, 2008, and 2010, in addition to four Big East Championships. Beamer's dominance in the rivalry was particularly evident against Welsh's successors, Al Groh and Mike London, against whom he compiled an impressive 14–1 record.

Coastal Championship Deciders

On three occasions, this rivalry game has held the heightened stakes of a de facto Coastal Division Championship Game, with the winner advancing to the ACC Championship. Virginia Tech emerged victorious in these high-pressure matchups in 2007 and 2011. However, in 2019, under coach Bronco Mendenhall, the Virginia Cavaliers finally claimed this divisional crown by defeating the Hokies, marking a pivotal moment in the rivalry's recent history.

Memorable Games

1995: Tech's Resurgent Comeback

The 1995 contest saw Virginia, aiming for its ninth regular-season win, holding a commanding 29–14 lead entering the fourth quarter. However, Virginia Tech mounted a stunning comeback. A crucial touchdown pass from quarterback Jim Druckenmiller to Jermaine Holmes gave the Hokies the lead with just 47 seconds remaining. The Cavaliers' final attempt was thwarted by an interception returned for a touchdown by Antonio Banks, who famously evaded a UVA athletic trainer on his way to the endzone. Virginia Tech advanced to the Sugar Bowl, defeating Texas, while Virginia triumphed over Georgia in the Peach Bowl.

1998: Cavalier's Historic Reversal

In 1998, both ranked teams sought their ninth win. Virginia Tech surged to an early 17–0 lead and maintained a significant 29–7 advantage at halftime. The second half, however, belonged entirely to Virginia, who outscored the Hokies 29–3. A legendary touchdown pass from quarterback Aaron Brooks to Ahmad Hawkins put Virginia ahead by four points, and a game-preserving interception by Wali Rainer secured a remarkable comeback victory in Blacksburg. This 22-point second-half deficit overcome by the Cavaliers stands as the greatest comeback in the series' long history. Virginia subsequently lost a close Peach Bowl to Georgia, while Virginia Tech avenged their rivalry loss by decisively defeating Alabama in the Music City Bowl.

2003: Wali Lundy's Dominance

The 2003 Commonwealth Cup saw Virginia determined to end a four-game losing streak against the Hokies. Trailing 14–7 at halftime, Virginia ignited in the second half, outscoring Tech 21–0 by the 14-minute mark of the fourth quarter. With a narrow lead late in the game, Virginia executed a daring fake field goal on fourth down to retain possession. On the very next play, Wali Lundy ran for a touchdown, capping a stellar performance that included three rushing touchdowns and one receiving touchdown. Virginia secured a 35–21 win. Quarterback Matt Schaub also tied Shawn Moore's all-time passing touchdown record for Virginia in this game. The Cavaliers went on to defeat Pittsburgh in the Continental Tire Bowl, while the Hokies lost to California in the Insight Bowl.

2018: The Fumble Touchdown & OT Drama

The 2018 rivalry game delivered the series' first overtime contest and arguably its most dramatic fourth quarter. Virginia harbored strong hopes of breaking their 14-game losing streak against a struggling Tech team. Despite a 14–0 halftime lead for Virginia Tech, they found themselves trailing by a touchdown with only two minutes left. On the ensuing drive, Hokie running back Steven Peoples fumbled inside the five-yard line, but wide receiver Hezekiah Grimsley recovered it in the endzone for a miraculous touchdown. The game proceeded to overtime, where the Hokies managed only a field goal. Virginia's attempt to respond ended when quarterback Bryce Perkins fumbled on the next play, recovered by the defense, sealing an improbable Virginia Tech victory that extended their winning streak to 15 and their bowl streak to 26. Virginia later defeated South Carolina in the Belk Bowl, while Virginia Tech lost to Cincinnati in the Military Bowl.

2019: Virginia Breaks the Streak

The 2019 matchup was a high-stakes affair, with No. 24 Virginia Tech (8–3) and unranked Virginia (8–3) tied for first place in the Coastal Division, making it a *de facto* Coastal Championship Game. The Hokies entered Charlottesville with momentum, led by an undefeated quarterback Hendon Hooker and a dominant defense under Bud Foster in his final season, having won 15 consecutive games in the rivalry. However, Virginia quarterback Bryce Perkins delivered an exceptional performance, completing 20-of-33 passes for 311 yards and rushing for another 164, totaling 475 combined yards. Perkins set the tone with two long first-quarter touchdown runs. In the fourth quarter, Cavalier kicker Brian Delaney's 48-yard field goal gave UVA a 33–30 lead with 1:23 left. On the subsequent drive, Virginia Tech fumbled in their own end zone, which Virginia recovered with 1:01 remaining, effectively ending the game and the Hokies' long winning streak. Virginia fans famously rushed the field in celebration. Virginia concluded its season with a loss to Florida in the Orange Bowl, while Virginia Tech lost to Kentucky in the Belk Bowl.

Game Results

Full Series Record

The comprehensive history of the Virginia–Virginia Tech football rivalry is meticulously documented through its game results. This table provides a chronological listing of every contest, detailing the date, location, winning team, and final score, offering a complete statistical overview of this storied series.

Virginia victories Virginia Tech victories Tie games
No.DateLocationWinnerScore
1 October 5, 1895 Charlottesville Virginia 38–0
2 October 31, 1896 Charlottesville Virginia 44–0
3 November 11, 1899 Charlottesville Virginia 28–0
4 November 14, 1900 Charlottesville Virginia 17–5
5 October 26, 1901 Charlottesville Virginia 16–0
6 November 15, 1902 Charlottesville Virginia 6–0
7 October 24, 1903 Richmond Virginia 21–0
8 November 5, 1904 Richmond Virginia 5–0
9 November 4, 1905 Charlottesville VPI 11–0
10 November 17, 1923 Charlottesville VPI 6–3
11 November 15, 1924 Charlottesville Virginia 6–0
12 November 14, 1925 Charlottesville Virginia 10–0
13 October 23, 1926 Blacksburg VPI 6–0
14 October 22, 1927 Charlottesville Virginia 7–0
15 November 10, 1928 Blacksburg VPI 20–0
16 November 9, 1929 Charlottesville VPI 32–12
17 November 8, 1930 Blacksburg VPI 31–13
18 November 14, 1931 Charlottesville Tie0–0
19 November 12, 1932 Blacksburg VPI 13–0
20 November 18, 1933 Charlottesville Tie6–6
21 November 17, 1934 Blacksburg VPI 19–6
22 November 16, 1935 Charlottesville Tie0–0
23 November 14, 1936 Blacksburg VPI 7–6
24 November 13, 1937 Charlottesville VPI 14–7
25 October 15, 1938 Blacksburg Virginia 14–6
26 November 18, 1939 Charlottesville VPI 13–0
27 November 2, 1940 Norfolk VPI 6–0
28 November 1, 1941 Norfolk Virginia 34–0
29 October 31, 1942 Norfolk VPI 20–14
30 October 27, 1945 Roanoke Virginia 31–13
31 October 5, 1946 Roanoke Tie21–21
32 October 4, 1947 Roanoke Virginia41–7
33 October 2, 1948 Roanoke Virginia 28–0
34 October 8, 1949 Roanoke Virginia 26–0
35 October 7, 1950 Roanoke Virginia 45–6
36 October 6, 1951 Roanoke Virginia 33–0
37 October 4, 1952 Roanoke #16 Virginia 42–0
38 September 26, 1953 Charlottesville VPI 20–6
39 October 23, 1954 Roanoke VPI 6–0
40 October 22, 1955 Roanoke VPI 17–13
41 October 27, 1956 Roanoke VPI 14–7
42 October 19, 1957 Richmond Virginia38–7
43 October 11, 1958 Roanoke VPI 22–13
44 October 17, 1959 Richmond Virginia Tech 40–14
45 October 22, 1960 Roanoke Virginia Tech 40–6
46 October 21, 1961 Roanoke Virginia Tech 20–0
47 October 6, 1962 Roanoke Virginia Tech 20–15
48 October 5, 1963 Roanoke Virginia Tech 10–0
49 October 3, 1964 Charlottesville Virginia 20–17
50 October 23, 1965 Blacksburg Virginia Tech 22–14
51 October 22, 1966 Charlottesville Virginia Tech 24–7
52 September 12, 1970 Blacksburg Virginia 7–0
53 November 6, 1971 Charlottesville Virginia Tech 6–0
54 September 16, 1972 Charlottesville Virginia 24–20
No.DateLocationWinnerScore
55 October 20, 1973 Blacksburg Virginia Tech 27–15
56 October 19, 1974 Charlottesville Virginia 28–27
57 October 18, 1975 Blacksburg Virginia Tech 24–17
58 October 16, 1976 Charlottesville Virginia Tech 14–10
59 October 15, 1977 Blacksburg Tie14–14
60 October 21, 1978 Charlottesville Virginia 17–7
61 November 10, 1979 Charlottesville Virginia 20–18
62 October 18, 1980 Blacksburg Virginia Tech 30–0
63 November 28, 1981 Charlottesville Virginia Tech 20–3
64 November 25, 1982 Blacksburg Virginia Tech 21–14
65 November 19, 1983 Charlottesville Virginia Tech 48–0
66 September 29, 1984 Blacksburg Virginia 26–23
67 October 19, 1985 Charlottesville Virginia Tech 28–10
68 October 25, 1986 Blacksburg Virginia Tech 42–10
69 September 19, 1987 Charlottesville Virginia 14–13
70 October 29, 1988 Blacksburg Virginia 16–10
71 November 11, 1989 Charlottesville #18 Virginia 32–25
72 November 24, 1990 Blacksburg Virginia Tech 38–13
73 November 23, 1991 Charlottesville #20 Virginia 38–0
74 November 21, 1992 Blacksburg #23 Virginia 41–38
75 November 20, 1993 Charlottesville Virginia Tech 20–17
76 November 19, 1994 Blacksburg #16 Virginia 42–23
77 November 18, 1995 Charlottesville #20 Virginia Tech 36–29
78 November 29, 1996 Blacksburg #17 Virginia Tech 26–9
79 November 29, 1997 Charlottesville Virginia 34–20
80 November 28, 1998 Blacksburg #16 Virginia 36–32
81 October 2, 1999 Charlottesville #8 Virginia Tech 31–7
82 November 25, 2000 Blacksburg #6 Virginia Tech 42–21
83 November 17, 2001 Charlottesville #18 Virginia Tech 31–17
84 November 30, 2002 Blacksburg #22 Virginia Tech 21–9
85 November 29, 2003 Charlottesville Virginia 35–21
86 November 27, 2004 Blacksburg #11 Virginia Tech 24–10
87 November 19, 2005 Charlottesville #7 Virginia Tech 52–14
88 November 25, 2006 Blacksburg #17 Virginia Tech 17–0
89 November 24, 2007 Charlottesville #8 Virginia Tech 33–21
90 November 29, 2008 Blacksburg Virginia Tech 17–14
91 November 28, 2009 Charlottesville #14 Virginia Tech 42–13
92 November 27, 2010 Blacksburg #14 Virginia Tech 37–7
93 November 26, 2011 Charlottesville #4 Virginia Tech 38–0
94 November 24, 2012 Blacksburg Virginia Tech 17–14
95 November 30, 2013 Charlottesville Virginia Tech 16–6
96 November 28, 2014 Blacksburg Virginia Tech 24–20
97 November 28, 2015 Charlottesville Virginia Tech 23–20
98 November 26, 2016 Blacksburg Virginia Tech 52–10
99 November 24, 2017 Charlottesville #24 Virginia Tech 10–0
100 November 23, 2018 Blacksburg Virginia Tech 34–31OT
101 November 29, 2019 Charlottesville Virginia 39–30
102 December 12, 2020 Blacksburg Virginia Tech 33–15
103 November 27, 2021 Charlottesville Virginia Tech 29–24
104 November 25, 2023 Charlottesville Virginia Tech 55–17
105 November 30, 2024 Blacksburg Virginia Tech 37–17
Series: Virginia Tech leads 62–38–5
Game scheduled for November 26, 2022, cancelled due to UVA shooting.

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References

References

  1.  in Richmond 1903–1904 and 1957; in Norfolk 1940–1942; and in Roanoke 17 of 19 years from 1945 to 1963
  2.  Hokiesports.com Commonwealth Cup Trophy. Retrieved October 12, 2007.
A full list of references for this article are available at the Virginia–Virginia Tech football rivalry Wikipedia page

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