In March of 1912, college football would enter a new era. One that would see changes to the rules and gameplay, which would ultimately lead to the modern game of football so many people know and love today.
There would be more value given to a touchdown. Instead of a team receiving five points they would now receive six for each endzone trip. A team would now have four chances to get a first down instead of three. Even the length of the field was reduced from 110 yards to 100 yards.
The game of football would forever be changed and for the next 110 years fans would be able to view this hard-hitting sport in a new light.
This new era of football would be tested out in a brand new rivalry, which for years would spark hatred among fan bases and create some unforgettable moments.
On Nov. 16, 1912, West Virginia took a 251 mile trip to the town of Blacksburg, Virginia, to face Virginia Tech, inciting one of college football’s greatest rivalries. The first matchup in this historic competition didn’t go well for the Mountaineers however, walking away with a 41-0 defeat.Â
Since that first game back in 1912, West Virginia has a 29-22-2 all-time record against Virginia Tech. When playing in Morgantown, they are proven winners with a 17-9 record. On the road it’s a whole different story, with a 9-12-1 record. The Mountaineers’ largest margin of victory in this rivalry was on Oct. 7, 1961 with a score of 28-0. On the other hand, their smallest margin of victory was on Oct. 2, 1993 with a score of 14-13.
In 1997, this rivalry would gain a whole new meaning once the Black Diamond Trophy was introduced. This trophy is meant to symbolize the deep history of the Appalachian region and the impact the mining industry has had on the area.
Since West Virginia raised the first Black Diamond Trophy in 1997, they would go on to win it three more times. The Mountaineers would hold the trophy for two consecutive years in 2002 and 2003 before fans would have to endure three straight games of heartbreak in the 2004, 2005 and 2017 matchups, waiting until Sept. 18, 2021 to have the Black Diamond Trophy once again.
The next installment of this rivalry will be taking place this year on Sept. 22. The West Virginia Mountaineers will travel to Blacksburg once again to play in a high spirited Lane Stadium. This time, the pressure will be on West Virginia’s side to defend their trophy and to keep it in Morgantown.
