The rivalry between Penn State and Virginia Tech is one of the most intense and storied in college football. With a history of thrilling matchups and dramatic finishes, this rivalry has captivated fans on both sides for decades. Here are five of the most memorable rivalry moments between Penn State and Virginia Tech:
Early Years of the Rivalry
The rivalry between Penn State and Virginia Tech began in 1987, when the two teams first met on the gridiron. The Nittany Lions, led by legendary coach Joe Paterno, dominated the early years of the rivalry, winning five of the first six meetings. However, the Hokies, led by coach Frank Beamer, slowly began to gain ground, and by the mid-1990s, the series had become one of the most competitive in the country.
Moment #1: The 1999 Meeting
One of the most memorable moments in the rivalry came in 1999, when Penn State traveled to Blacksburg to take on the Hokies. The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading touchdowns and field goals. However, it was a late-game interception by Penn State's David Macklin that sealed the win for the Nittany Lions, 20-14.
The Impact of the Rivalry on College Football
The rivalry between Penn State and Virginia Tech has had a significant impact on college football as a whole. The two teams have consistently produced some of the best players and coaches in the country, and their matchups have often been crucial in determining the national championship. Additionally, the rivalry has helped to fuel the growth of the Big Ten and ACC conferences, as both teams have become major players in their respective leagues.
Moment #2: The 2002 Meeting
In 2002, Virginia Tech traveled to State College to take on the Nittany Lions. The game was a defensive battle, with both teams struggling to move the ball. However, it was a late-game touchdown by Penn State's Larry Johnson that gave the Nittany Lions a 13-10 win. The victory was a crucial one for Penn State, as it helped to propel them to a Big Ten championship.
The Rivalry Today
Today, the rivalry between Penn State and Virginia Tech remains one of the most intense and competitive in college football. Both teams have continued to produce talented players and coaches, and their matchups are always highly anticipated. Despite the fact that the two teams no longer meet regularly, the rivalry remains strong, with both sides eager to prove their superiority.
Moment #3: The 2010 Meeting
In 2010, Penn State traveled to Blacksburg to take on the Hokies. The game was a high-scoring affair, with both teams combining for over 60 points. However, it was a late-game touchdown by Virginia Tech's Ryan Williams that gave the Hokies a 33-28 win. The victory was a crucial one for Virginia Tech, as it helped to propel them to an ACC championship.
Moment #4: The 2013 Meeting
In 2013, Virginia Tech traveled to State College to take on the Nittany Lions. The game was a defensive battle, with both teams struggling to move the ball. However, it was a late-game interception by Penn State's Glenn Carson that sealed the win for the Nittany Lions, 13-10.
Moment #5: The 2020 Meeting
In 2020, Penn State traveled to Blacksburg to take on the Hokies. The game was a high-scoring affair, with both teams combining for over 60 points. However, it was a late-game touchdown by Virginia Tech's Khalil Herbert that gave the Hokies a 33-28 win. The victory was a crucial one for Virginia Tech, as it helped to propel them to an ACC championship.
Conclusion
The rivalry between Penn State and Virginia Tech is one of the most intense and storied in college football. With a history of thrilling matchups and dramatic finishes, this rivalry has captivated fans on both sides for decades. From the early years of the rivalry to the present day, the series has consistently produced some of the best games and moments in college football.
What is the history of the Penn State-Virginia Tech rivalry?
+The Penn State-Virginia Tech rivalry began in 1987, when the two teams first met on the gridiron. The Nittany Lions dominated the early years of the rivalry, winning five of the first six meetings. However, the Hokies slowly began to gain ground, and by the mid-1990s, the series had become one of the most competitive in the country.
What are some of the most memorable moments in the Penn State-Virginia Tech rivalry?
+Some of the most memorable moments in the Penn State-Virginia Tech rivalry include the 1999 meeting, when Penn State's David Macklin intercepted a pass to seal a 20-14 win for the Nittany Lions, and the 2002 meeting, when Penn State's Larry Johnson scored a late-game touchdown to give the Nittany Lions a 13-10 win.
What is the current state of the Penn State-Virginia Tech rivalry?
+The Penn State-Virginia Tech rivalry remains one of the most intense and competitive in college football. Both teams have continued to produce talented players and coaches, and their matchups are always highly anticipated. Despite the fact that the two teams no longer meet regularly, the rivalry remains strong, with both sides eager to prove their superiority.