Our Rivals: A Current Introspection

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Merriam-Webster defines the word rival as:

a : one of two or more striving to reach or obtain something that only one can possess
b : one striving for competitive advantage

Specific to college football, rivals, and rivalries are constantly evolving, growing and shrinking in terms of importance and relevance. What makes an opponent a rival, and what makes a rivalry intense? I think in most cases it goes without saying that teams who play annually, and are in close proximity stand a better chance of developing a rivalry. There are plenty of other qualifiers, both general and distinct, but above all, in my opinion rivals give as good as they take, and the most bitter rivalries develop when the stakes are the highest.

Who are our rivals and how do they rank in terms of current relevance, all-time relevance, loatheability, and must win?

Virginia

All-Time Relevance: 10
Current Relevance: 6
Loatheability: 4
Must Win: 10

The Commonwealth Cup has resided in Blacksburg since November 27, 2004. Through 2009 The Frankinator and Al Groh worked together to turn Virginia Tech-Virginia into one of the most boring, one-sided in-state rivalries. It was supposed to be the opposite. When the Hokies joined the ACC in '04 they were placed in the same division as UVa and the regular season showdown was supposed to have more on the line. However, only once, in 2007, did UVa and Virginia Tech both have a chance to make the ACC Championship Game with a win.

Mike London is doing his best to breathe life into a program in need of resuscitation. Part of me hopes he can turn things around. I'm not saying I want us to lose to UVa, even though that would stoke the fire more than anything else, but having more on the line would make the Commonwealth Cup meaningful again. Although, London's continued recruiting success has upped the ante a bit.

Another part of me thoroughly enjoys how small UVa has become.

Miami

All-Time Relevance: 9.5
Current Relevance: 7
Loatheability: 7
Must Win: 6

Even though Miami and Virginia Tech played their first game in 1950 (26-0 win for The U) it didn't become a regular series until 1992. Miami won the first 12 games, but since then Virginia Tech has gone 11-5. We've definitely turned the series around, and now regularly have our way with a once elite program. But no matter how many times we walk over Miami's back to an ACC Championship I'll still feel like we're basking in the shadow of their national championships.

Miami has the best bandwagon fans in the country. It makes them that much more lovable.

Georgia Tech

All-Time Relevance: 4
Current Relevance: 8
Loatheability: 2
Must Win: 10

One of the the best things to come out of our move to the ACC is our newfound rivalry against Georgia Tech. Each season the Coastal Division has been represented in the ACC Championship Game by the Virginia Tech-Georgia Tech winner.

It's hard for me to despise Georgia Tech. The fans of their's that I've met are rational and loyal to their team regardless of the circumstance. Also, I respect Paul Johnson and his passion for physical football, even if he's arrogant and obnoxious. And like us, the Bees maximize under appreciated talent. The similarities between our two programs doesn't make losing to them any easier though.

Boston College

All-Time Relevance: 6
Current Relevance: 6
Loatheability: 7
Must Win: 5

Whenever we lose to Boston College I feel like we lost to an inferior team. Does anyone else here feel that way?

West Virginia

All-Time Relevance: 10
Current Relevance: 0
Loatheability: 10
Must Win: 5

Our rivalry with West Virginia was hellacious, and produced some epic highs and lows.

It's a shame I have to write "was" instead of "is". That was the game to win each season. As I understand it, West Virginian hospitality combined with our move to the ACC provided a convenient reason to end the battle for the Black Diamond Trophy (which by the way is chillin' in Blacksburg).

I hate the 'Eers, and my feelings were always reciprocated properly, but damn do I miss playing them.

You may have different criteria and rankings altogether. Everyone would like to hear them so leave your thoughts below.

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Virginia Tech '08
Fordham University (NY) '11, '12

Twitter: @duffmanhokie
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