LEXINGTON, Va. – The Virginia Military Institute (VMI) football team is gearing up to face off against the Virginia Tech Hokies this Saturday, marking a significant moment as it is the first meeting between the two teams since 1984. This long-awaited matchup will reignite a rivalry that has been dormant for 42 years, bringing excitement to both fan bases.
The Keydets are looking to rebound after a challenging start to the season, having lost 38-10 to Idaho State in their previous game. VMI struggled to find its footing, trailing 10-0 at halftime before the Bengals surged ahead with four touchdowns in the third quarter, sealing the victory. With an 0-1 record, the Keydets are eager to turn things around against their in-state rivals.
On the other side, Virginia Tech is set to kick off its season under the leadership of first-year head coach James Franklin, who previously led the Penn State Nittany Lions. The Hokies are coming off a disappointing 2022 season, finishing 15th in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) with a 3-9 overall record and a 2-6 mark in conference play. Franklin’s arrival brings a new sense of hope and energy to the program as they aim to improve their standing in the competitive ACC.
Historically, VMI has had a strong presence in this rivalry, boasting 25 wins since the series began in 1894. However, the Hokies have dominated the recent matchups, winning the last three encounters in 1982, 1983, and 1984. The last time VMI emerged victorious against Virginia Tech was on November 21, 1981, when they secured a narrow 6-0 win in Blacksburg.
As the Keydets prepare for this pivotal game, they will be looking to draw on their historical success in the series while also seeking to establish a new chapter against a Virginia Tech team eager to make a statement in its season opener. The game is set to kick off at 7:30 p.m. at Lane Stadium, where both teams will aim to start their seasons on a high note.
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