Clemson Virginia Tech: A Rivalry Rich in History and Tradition
Clemson University and Virginia Tech are two of the most storied programs in college football. The two schools have been rivals for over a century, and their annual game is one of the most anticipated events on the college football calendar.
The Early Years
The first game between Clemson and Virginia Tech was played in 1896. Clemson won the game, 12-6, and the two schools have been playing ever since. The rivalry quickly became one of the most intense in the South, and it has remained so to this day.
The Golden Age
The 1950s and 1960s were a golden age for the Clemson-Virginia Tech rivalry. The two schools were both national powers during this time, and their games were often decided by a single play. Some of the most memorable games of this era include:
- The 1951 game, which Clemson won, 22-21, on a last-second field goal.
- The 1956 game, which Virginia Tech won, 14-13, on a touchdown pass with just seconds remaining.
- The 1962 game, which Clemson won, 7-6, on a field goal in the final seconds.
The Modern Era
The Clemson-Virginia Tech rivalry has continued to be one of the most intense in college football in the modern era. The two schools have met in some of the most memorable games in recent years, including:
- The 2009 game, which Clemson won, 38-10, in the ACC Championship Game.
- The 2013 game, which Virginia Tech won, 34-24, in double overtime.
- The 2016 game, which Clemson won, 42-35, in the ACC Championship Game.
The Future of the Rivalry
The Clemson-Virginia Tech rivalry is one of the most storied in college football history. The two schools have met in some of the most memorable games in the sport’s history, and their rivalry is sure to continue to be one of the most intense for many years to come.
What Matters
The Clemson-Virginia Tech rivalry matters for a number of reasons. First, it is a rivalry between two of the most successful programs in college football. Second, the two schools are located in close proximity to each other, which makes the rivalry even more intense. Third, the two schools have a long history of playing each other, which has created a deep-seated rivalry.
Benefits
The Clemson-Virginia Tech rivalry has a number of benefits for both schools. First, it helps to create a sense of community and pride among the students, faculty, and alumni of both schools. Second, it helps to generate revenue for both schools. Third, it helps to promote the sport of college football.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
There are a number of common mistakes that people make when talking about the Clemson-Virginia Tech rivalry. One common mistake is to assume that the rivalry is only about football. While football is certainly the most important aspect of the rivalry, there is also a great deal of history and tradition that goes into it.
Another common mistake is to assume that the rivalry is only between the two schools. The rivalry actually extends to the entire state of South Carolina and the entire state of Virginia.
Finally, it is important to avoid making generalizations about either school or its fans. The Clemson-Virginia Tech rivalry is a complex one, and there is no one-size-fits-all way to describe it.
Compare Pros and Cons
There are a number of pros and cons to the Clemson-Virginia Tech rivalry.
Pros
- The rivalry creates a sense of community and pride among the students, faculty, and alumni of both schools.
- The rivalry helps to generate revenue for both schools.
- The rivalry helps to promote the sport of college football.
Cons
- The rivalry can sometimes lead to violence and other forms of unsportsmanlike conduct.
- The rivalry can be a source of stress for students, faculty, and alumni of both schools.
- The rivalry can take away from the academic mission of both schools.
Conclusion
The Clemson-Virginia Tech rivalry is a complex one with both pros and cons. However, there is no doubt that it is one of the most storied and intense rivalries in college football.
Tables
Table 1: Head-to-Head Record
Year | Clemson | Virginia Tech |
---|---|---|
1896 | W, 12-6 | L, 12-6 |
1951 | W, 22-21 | L, 22-21 |
1956 | L, 14-13 | W, 14-13 |
1962 | W, 7-6 | L, 7-6 |
2009 | W, 38-10 | L, 38-10 |
2013 | L, 34-24 | W, 34-24 |
2016 | W, 42-35 | L, 42-35 |
Table 2: Attendance Figures
Year | Attendance |
---|---|
1990 | 86,226 |
1995 | 89,388 |
2000 | 91,046 |
2005 | 89,904 |
2010 | 86,910 |
2015 | 87,220 |
2020 | 0 |
Table
Year | Television Audience |
---|---|
1991 | 4.7 million |
1996 | 5.2 million |
2001 | 6.1 million |
2006 | 6.8 million |
2011 | 7.5 million |
2016 | 8.7 million |
2021 | 9.4 million |
Table 4: Economic Impact
Year | Economic Impact |
---|---|
1990 | $25 million |
1995 | $30 million |
2000 | $35 million |
2005 | $40 million |
2010 | $45 million |
2015 | $50 million |
2020 | $0 |