Hokie ClubVirginia Tech and West Virginia will meet on the football field for the 54th time on Thursday night, a rivalry that dates back to 1912, and it will mark the final matchup of a two-game series against the Mountaineers in the near future.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET under the lights with ESPN in town. Tickets for this highly-anticipated matchup sold out back in August. However, fans still looking for tickets are encouraged to visit StubHub, the official secondary ticket marketplace of Virginia Tech Athletics. The contest is Tech's annual Hokie Effect game, and fans can order your T-shirt online, although shipping is not guaranteed prior to gameday, or pick one up on Thursday from the Hokie Shop's trailer in Lot 4.
The last time the Hokies faced off against the Mountaineers at home, Tech won a 19-13 contest in Lane Stadium on Oct. 2, 2004. Tech got off to a strong start, taking a 13-0 lead into halftime after an impressive blocked field goal that was returned to the house (74 yards) by defensive back Vincent Fuller right before half. The Hokies would get two more field goals by Brandon Pace (4 on the day) in the third and fourth quarters and Fuller would come up with one more clutch play, sealing the game with an interception on WVU's final drive with 25 seconds left to clinch the win for Tech.
The Mountaineers currently hold a 29-23-1 advantage over the Hokies, but Tech has won three of the last four matchups. The two teams played each other every year from 1973 to 2005 and then took a 12-year hiatus before a neutral-site visit to FedEx Field in 2017 followed by last year's outing in Morgantown and this season's clash for the Black Diamond Trophy in Blacksburg.
For a closer look of the two's history, read below for Series Snapshot, presented by AAA.
Memorable Games
Sept. 3, 2017 – Virginia Tech 30 vs. West Virginia 24
The revival of the "Black Diamond" series was showcased under the bright lights on Sunday, Sept. 3, 2017. The two programs squared off in FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland, which is the home of the now-Washington Commanders. The running game was the key for the Hokies, combining for 234 yards and three touchdowns. Quarterback Josh Jackson shined in this game, passing for 235 yards and one touchdown, while also rushing for 101 yards and one touchdown. A go-ahead touchdown by running back Travon McMillian midway through the fourth quarter gave Tech back the lead, and then Bud Foster's Lunch Pail defense followed suit with shutting the door on West Virginia's offense in the red zone on its final drive to win it.
Quarterback Josh Jackson delivers a pass against West Virginia.
Wide receiver Cam Phillips catches a pass and scores a 32-yard touchdown in the third quarter.
Defensive back Terrell Edmunds (left) and linebacker Tremaine Edmunds pose with the HokieBird following the win.
The Hokies celebrate and raise the Black Diamond Trophy after the game.
Oct. 1, 2005 – Virginia Tech 34 at West Virginia 17
After Tech left the Big East for the ACC in 2003, the "Black Diamond" series was soon to be dissolved. The match between the two programs on Oct. 1, 2005 marked the last game of the multi-decade series until it was revived a little over a decade later. The Hokies showed why they were the No. 3 program in the country, recording 391 total offensive yards and holding West Virginia's offense to only 103 yards through the air. Quarterback Marcus Vick impressed, throwing for 177 yards and two touchdowns, while rushing for 74 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Linebacker Vince Hall led the team in tackles with 11, while defensive lineman Darryl Tapp had a forced fumble, which helped set up Tech's first score of the game.
Linebacker Xavier Adibi tackles running back Steve Slaton in the open field.
Running back George Bell tries to avoid defensive back Thandi Smith.
Offensive tackle Duane Brown stands up defensive lineman Craig Wilson.
Wide receiver Justin Harper gets ready to stiff arm safety Mike Lorello.
Nov. 6, 1999 - Virginia Tech 22 at West Virginia 20
The 1999 bout between the two programs is widely known as the "Miracle in Morgantown", as top recruit Michael Vick orchestrated a game-winning drive with just a little over a minute remaining in the game. Tech came into the game No. 3 nationally and needed a win against West Virginia in order to stay in the race for the national championship. The Hokies were holding on to a 19-7 lead with just under five minutes remaining in the game, until the Mountaineers came back with two touchdowns to take the lead. With just over a minute remaining, the redshirt freshman had the perfect opportunity to prove why he was one of the most highly recruited players in the country. The Hokies didn't have ideal field position, starting on their 15-yard line, but a few passes and a 26-yard scramble later, Vick put Tech in position to win the game. A 44-yard field goal by kicker Shayne Graham gave the Hokies the win, and put them one step closer to the national championship.
The Hokies celebrate after completing the Miracle in Morgantown.
Sept. 22, 1994 – Virginia Tech 34 vs. West Virginia 6
Ironically, the Hokies and Mountaineers will play on Sept. 22 once again, marking the third time in the series (1973, 1994, 2022) and the first time in 28 years. To take it one step further, West Virginia is idle the same day this season as it was in '94, with not playing on Oct. 9. As you can see, history is rich in this matchup and there was some that took place at Lane Stadium in '94. Tech got down 3-0 early, but would outscore WVU 31-3 after getting in a hole to win comfortably, 34-6. The 28-point victory is tied for the third-biggest win against the Mountaineers. Tech had two future NFL Super Bowl champions shine, with receiver Antonio Freeman recording 125 all-purpose yards and a receiving touchdown, while defensive lineman Cornell Brown tallied three sacks on his way to 12 tackles. Then defensively, the Hokies caused absolute havoc, forcing four fumbles (2 recovered), three interceptions and racked up eight sacks.
Wide receiver Antonio Freeman throws his arms up in celebration after scoring a 29-yard touchdown in the first quarter.