Virginia vs Virginia Tech football rivalry

The Virginia vs. Virginia Tech football rivalry, also known as the Commonwealth Clash, is one of college football's most intense and storied rivalries. This annual matchup pits the Virginia Cavaliers against the Virginia Tech Hokies. The rivalry dates back to 1895 and has grown in prominence over the decades, with both teams competing for the Commonwealth Cup, the trophy awarded to the winner. The game is traditionally held near the end of the college football season.

Virginia vs Virginia Tech Football Rivalry History

The football rivalry between the Virginia Cavaliers and the Virginia Tech Hokies is one of the oldest and most intense in college football, steeped in history and tradition. The rivalry began on October 5, 1895, in Charlottesville, Virginia, when the Cavaliers defeated the Hokies 38–0 in a dominant inaugural matchup. This marked the start of a fierce competition that has since evolved into an annual tradition known as the "Commonwealth Clash", with the winner claiming the Commonwealth Cup since its introduction in 1996.

Virginia enjoyed early success in the series, but Virginia Tech emerged as a powerhouse in the late 20th century, particularly during the tenure of coach Frank Beamer.

Throughout the rivalry, there have been some memorable match-ups such as, in 1995, Virginia led 29–14 in the fourth quarter, but Virginia Tech made a comeback, with Jim Druckenmiller's late touchdown and an Antonio Banks pick-six sealing a 36–29 Hokies win. Both teams went on to bowl victories.

In 1998, down 29–7 at halftime, Virginia mounted a historic comeback, outscoring Tech 29–3 in the second half. A clutch Aaron Brooks pass to Ahmad Hawkins secured a 36–32 win, the greatest comeback in series history.

In 2003, Virginia ended a losing streak with a 35–21 win, led by Wali Lundy’s four touchdowns. A fake field goal late in the game sealed the victory, and Matt Schaub tied Virginia's career passing touchdown record.

In 2018, Virginia Tech recovered a fumble in the end zone to force overtime, then won 34–31 after another Virginia fumble ended the game. The victory extended Tech’s rivalry streak to 15 games.

In 2019, Virginia snapped a 15-game losing streak to Virginia Tech with a 39–30 victory, securing the Commonwealth Cup and clinching the ACC Coastal Division title.

Virginia vs Virginia Tech Football Rivalry Head-to-Head Stats

As of the 2023 game, Virginia Tech leads the all-time series against Virginia with 61 wins against 38 wins of Virginia and 5 tied games. The rivalry, which began in 1895, is one of the oldest in college football. Virginia Tech has held the upper hand in recent decades, highlighted by a 15-game winning streak from 2004 to 2018.

Here a the head-to-head stats for the Virginia vs. Virginia Tech football rivalry, as of the 2023 game:

Virginia vs Virginia Tech Football Rivalry Winner Year By Year

Here's a list summarizing the year-by-year stats for the Virginia Cavaliers vs. Virginia Tech Hokies football rivalry: