Virginia Tech and North Carolina will meet on the field for the 45th time on Saturday afternoon, revisiting a rivalry that dates all the way back to 1895. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and will be aired on ACC Network.
The Hokies currently lead the series 25-13-6 and are 14-4 in the series since joining the ACC back in 2004. For a closer look of the two's history, read below for Tech's Series Snapshot, presented by AAA.
Memorable Games
Sept. 3, 2021 - Virginia Tech 17, North Carolina 10 (Blacksburg, Va.)
In its most recent matchup, Tech took down UNC 17-10. After a 2020 season without fans, the 2021 season opener was filled with anticipation, and it did not disappoint. The Tar Heels came into the season as the No. 10 program in the country, led by Heisman hopeful Sam Howell, but that didn't scare Tech's defense. The Hokies were flying around the field, combining for nine tackles for loss, six sacks, two forced fumbles and three interceptions. The game came down to the final few minutes, when the Tar Heels had the ball with just three minutes left. UNC was driving down the field, until an interception by defensive back Chamarri Conner with 45 seconds left sealed the game for Tech.
Running back Raheem Blackshear avoids UNC defensive back Emery Simmons.
Defensive lineman Mario Kendricks gets ready for UNC to snap the ball.
Receiver Tré Turner climbs the ladder and makes a catch over UNC defensive back Kyler McMichael.
Linebacker Dax Hollifield enjoys the win by standing on a bench and celebrating with Hokie Nation.
Oct. 19, 2019 - Virginia Tech 43, North Carolina 41 (6 OT) (Blacksburg, Va.)
In the 2019 matchup between the two programs, the sold-out crowd was delighted to a back-and-forth battle that lasted six overtimes. The game saw six lead changes, four ties and lasted a total of four hours and six minutes. Due to injuries and situational matchups, the Hokies were forced to go deep into their quarterback room, as Hendon Hooker, Quincy Patterson II and Ryan Willis all played and threw a touchdown. The bulk of the offense that night was the rushing attack, though, which recorded 254 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Down 31-24 with just over five minutes left in regulation, the Hokies needed a score, and Patterson delivered. Coming in for an injured Hooker, the redshirt freshman exploded through the line for a 53-yard touchdown and sent the game into overtime. If regulation wasn't crazy enough, overtime took it to another level, with there being three missed field goals, a blocked field goal and four failed two-point conversions. The game was finally decided in the sixth overtime, when Patterson rushed in for the two-point conversion and gave the Hokies the 43-41 win.
Defensive back Caleb Farley breaks up a pass to UNC wide receiver Antoine Green.
Tight end James Mitchell leaps and makes an acrobatic catch over UNC defensive back Storm Duck.
Defensive lineman Jaylen Griffin corrals UNC running back Michael Carter.
Defensive lineman Norell Pollard sacks UNC quarterback Sam Howell.
Oct. 13, 2018 - Virginia Tech 22, North Carolina 19 (Chapel Hill, N.C.)
The year prior, the two programs faced off in Chapel Hill, which turned out to be yet another nail-biter. Quarterback Ryan Willis showed off his dual-threat ability, throwing for 221 yards and two touchdowns through the air, while rushing for 88 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Down 19-14, Tech got the ball with just over five minutes left in the game, and drove down the field 98 yards on 18 plays. The drive ended with a one-yard receiving touchdown from tight end Dalton Keene and subsequently improved the Hokies record to 4-2 on the season.
Linebacker Rayshard Ashby goes after UNC running back Michael Carter.
A group of Hokies (Divine Deablo, left, and Khalil Ladler) tackle UNC running back Michael Carter.
Tech lines up to block a field goal attempt for UNC.
Quarterback Ryan Willis delivers a throw over the middle.
Oct. 8, 2016 - Virginia Tech 34, North Carolina 3 (Chapel Hill, N.C.)
The 2016 matchup has been regarded as the "Hurricane Game", as they battled in heavy rain and wind due to Hurricane Matthew. The two teams combined for just 133 yards through the air and six turnovers. The running game was key for Tech's offense, as the Hokies ran for 189 yards, with running back Travon McMillian and quarterback Jerod Evans each running in for a touchdown. The Lunch Pail defense shut down the Tar Heels offense, combining for 10 tackles for losses, two sacks and four takeaways.
Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds deflects a pass attempt to UNC tight end Carl Tucker.
Tight end Bucky Hodges makes a touchdown catch against UNC defensive back Patrice Rene.
Quarterback Jerod Evans gets ready for the snap in shotgun.
Running back Sam Rogers falls into the end zone for a 22-yard touchdown.
Sept. 20, 2008 - Virginia Tech 20, North Carolina 17 (Chapel Hill, N.C.)
Coming off an ACC Championship the year prior, expectations were at an all-time high for Frank Beamer's Hokies. Tech came into the game 2-1 on the season and had an important division win already under its belt, but needed a victory in order to have a chance at defending its title. The Hokies were 4-0 against UNC since joining the ACC back in 2004, but that didn't stop the Tar Heels from putting up a fight. Halfway through the third quarter, UNC had the lead 17-3 after a 50-yard run by running back Greg Little. But led by quarterback Tyrod Taylor, Tech completed the comeback by scoring 17 unanswered points, with the deciding score being a 45-yard field goal from Dustin Keys. The win moved the Hokies to 3-1 on the season and 2-0 in the coastal division. The comeback victory also helped propel Tech to the ACC Championship and eventually another ACC title.
Running back Darren Evans tries to break a tackle against UNC linebacker Quan Sturdivant.
Defensive back Cody Grimm tackles UNC quarterback Mike Paulus.
Defensive back Victor "Macho" Harris raises his arms to the crowd in Chapel Hill.
The Hokies' defensive unit celebrates the win with the iconic Luch Pail.
Nov. 6, 2004 - Virginia Tech 27, North Carolina 24 (Chapel Hill, N.C.)
This outing marked the first time the two programs played each other as ACC teams, following a long drought of not facing each other from 1947-2004, besides the Gator Bowl in 1997. Heading into Chapel Hill, the Hokies were 7-2 (4-1 ACC) on the season and No. 18 in the nation, and needed another division win in order to stay in the race for the ACC championship. Running back Mike Imoh was the X-factor in this game, torching the UNC defense for 243 rushing yards and two touchdowns. The win helped keep Tech atop the ACC and its chance of earning the regular-season crown.
Defensive back Jimmy Williams and defensive lineman Jim Davis celebrate after a defensive stand.
Running back Mike Imoh avoids UNC defensive lineman Jonas Seawright.
Running back Cedric Humes lowers his shoulder in preparation for contact with UNC defensive back Kareen Taylor.
Linebacker Xavier Adibi scans the field ahead of UNC's snap.