Clemson Virginia Tech: A Rivalry Rich in History and Tradition
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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.

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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:

clemson virginia tech

  • 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.

Clemson Virginia Tech: A Rivalry Rich in History and Tradition

The Early Years

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