College football is full of traditions, rivalries, and unforgettable matchups. Among them, Virginia Tech vs Old Dominion has grown into an intriguing and exciting matchup that captures the attention of fans across Virginia. While these two programs come from different backgrounds, their clashes have created memorable moments, sparked local pride, and added flavor to the state’s sports culture.
In this article, we’ll dive into the history, the differences between the two schools, and what makes this matchup such a fascinating game for fans and players alike.
The Background of Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech, officially known as Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, is located in Blacksburg, Virginia. It’s a powerhouse when it comes to college football tradition. Competing in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), the Hokies are widely respected for their history of success, particularly under legendary coach Frank Beamer.
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Stadium: Lane Stadium, often considered one of the loudest in college football.
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Tradition: Known for the iconic “Enter Sandman” entrance that electrifies the crowd.
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Reputation: A consistent competitor in bowl games and once a national championship contender.
Virginia Tech has built its name on defense, toughness, and passionate fan support, which makes them one of the more recognized programs on the East Coast.
The Rise of Old Dominion
On the other side, we have Old Dominion University (ODU), located in Norfolk, Virginia. Unlike Virginia Tech, ODU’s football program is relatively new, having restarted in 2009 after a long absence. Despite being the “new kid on the block,” Old Dominion has quickly earned respect with some big upsets and exciting performances.
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Stadium: S.B. Ballard Stadium, smaller but known for its energy and close-knit fan experience.
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Conference: Competes in Conference USA, though it has ambitions for bigger stages.
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Notable Moments: ODU shocked the nation in 2018 by upsetting Virginia Tech in one of the biggest wins in program history.
For ODU, matchups against established programs like Virginia Tech are more than just games—they’re opportunities to showcase their growth and prove they belong on the national stage.
Virginia Tech vs Old Dominion: First Meetings
Early Matchups
The series between Virginia Tech and Old Dominion is fairly recent, but it has already delivered drama. The first game between the two programs took place in 2017, with Virginia Tech comfortably securing the win.
However, what happened just a year later in 2018 changed everything.
The 2018 Upset
In September 2018, Old Dominion pulled off one of the biggest upsets in college football history by defeating Virginia Tech 49–35 in Norfolk. For ODU fans, it was a dream come true. For Virginia Tech, it was a wake-up call that highlighted the unpredictability of college football.
That game instantly turned the series into more than just a meeting between two schools—it became a rivalry full of pride, bragging rights, and determination.
Why This Matchup Matters
In-State Rivalry
While Virginia Tech’s biggest historical rivals include Virginia (the Cavaliers), the matchup with Old Dominion carries a different kind of intensity. It’s about in-state bragging rights. For players, many of whom grew up in Virginia, beating the other school feels personal.
Recruiting Battles
High school football in Virginia produces incredible talent every year. Both Virginia Tech and Old Dominion compete to recruit these players. When they face off, it’s not just about the scoreboard—it’s also about showing recruits which program is stronger.
Fan Excitement
Fans love an underdog story, and ODU brings that underdog energy every time they face Virginia Tech. Hokies fans expect dominance, while Monarchs fans bring hope of another miracle upset. The contrasting fan perspectives make the games even more fun.
Comparing the Programs
Virginia Tech’s Edge
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Experience: Decades of tradition and ACC competition.
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Facilities: Lane Stadium and top-tier training resources.
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Fan Base: Large, loyal, and nationally recognized.
Old Dominion’s Growth
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Resilience: From restarting the program in 2009 to beating an ACC powerhouse in less than a decade.
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Opportunity: Each matchup against Virginia Tech is a chance to build the program’s legacy.
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Community Spirit: A tight-knit fan base that supports the team through ups and downs.
Memorable Games in the Rivalry
2017: Virginia Tech Dominates
The first meeting set the tone with a strong Hokies performance. Many expected the series to always go this way.
2018: Old Dominion Shocks the World
This game remains the highlight of the series, as ODU stormed past Virginia Tech in front of a roaring home crowd. It wasn’t just a win—it was a statement.
Later Meetings
Subsequent games have generally tilted back in Virginia Tech’s favor, but ODU continues to show fight. Every meeting is unpredictable because the underdog factor keeps the Hokies on edge.
The Future of Virginia Tech vs Old Dominion
The rivalry is still young, but it has a lot of potential. As ODU continues to grow and Virginia Tech looks to regain national prominence, these matchups could become must-watch events in Virginia sports.
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For Virginia Tech: It’s about maintaining dominance and preventing more embarrassing upsets.
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For Old Dominion: It’s about proving they can stand toe-to-toe with a traditional powerhouse.
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For Fans: It’s an exciting chance to see two Virginia schools battle for bragging rights.
Final Thoughts
The Virginia Tech vs Old Dominion rivalry may not have the century-old history of other college football matchups, but it has heart, drama, and passion. From the shocking 2018 upset to the ongoing battles for in-state pride, this rivalry represents everything fans love about college sports: unpredictability, excitement, and community spirit.
As both programs continue their journeys, one thing is certain—every time Virginia Tech and Old Dominion meet, fans are in for a game full of energy and pride.
