Would you like to see Virginia Tech become a rivalry?

[UTK]

I'm curious, would anyone like to see VT become a rivalry game? It would be neat to see it become a neutral site rivalry game at Bristol, however I think it should be every three years other than yearly. I like having a different major OOC team to play every couple years. If it was yearly, I'd like it to be setup like this , Play in Knoxville, then Blacksburg, then Bristol, then so on and so on. Would be really unique to have home and home and a neutral site built into the rivalry.

But ultimately I would be against a yearly rivalry, but once every three years at Bristol would be great imo. Though, Bristol may want to host different teams possibly if future games are played there, but not sure why they would as UT and VT are perfect as it is. Curious to hear thoughts on this.

 

[hmhawk]

No where to play in Bristol after Bruton turns the field back in to a race track.

 

[UTK]

No where to play in Bristol after Bruton turns the field back in to a race track.

Thats why I would have it be every three years, because they would not play yearly games at Bristol because of that reason. Maybe even 4 or 5 years.

 

[volfan102455]

I voted no because there are other teams that I would like to see Tennessee play more often.

 

[UTK]

I voted no because there are other teams that I would like to see Tennessee play more often.

Yeah I understand that. Thats why I'm against a yearly rivalry but every three years would be fine with me.

 

[Biopsyman]

I'm curious, would anyone like to see VT become a rivalry game? It would be neat to see it become a neutral site rivalry game at Bristol, however I think it should be every three years other than yearly. I like having a different major OOC team to play every couple years. If it was yearly, I'd like it to be setup like this , Play in Knoxville, then Blacksburg, then Bristol, then so on and so on. Would be really unique to have home and home and a neutral site built into the rivalry.

But ultimately I would be against a yearly rivalry, but once every three years at Bristol would be great imo. Though, Bristol may want to host different teams possibly if future games are played there, but not sure why they would as UT and VT are perfect as it is. Curious to hear thoughts on this.

Gimmicks only work once

 

[Grand Vol]

Thats why I would have it be every three years, because they would not play yearly games at Bristol because of that reason. Maybe even 4 or 5 years.

Depending on how big an event the initial Battle at Bristol is (and I think it's going to be yuuuuuuuuuuge) I can see the owners giving serious consideration to a yearly or maybe every two year event along those lines. It all depends on the $$ at the end of the day and the teams that are invited. Some fan bases travel better than others and say an Alabama-Michigan game or a Georgia-Notre Dame match could be very profitable.

It'd have to be realistic teams in the game. Close enough that the travel wouldn't be difficult. Keep one team in the SEC as a "home" team (excluding Vandy since they just don't travel) and a P5 opponent as the "visiting" team and it could work.

 

[UTK]

Depending on how big an event the initial Battle at Bristol is (and I think it's going to be yuuuuuuuuuuge) I can see the owners giving serious consideration to a yearly or maybe every two year event along those lines. It all depends on the $$ at the end of the day and the teams that are invited. Some fan bases travel better than others and say an Alabama-Michigan game or a Georgia-Notre Dame match could be very profitable.

It'd have to be realistic teams in the game. Close enough that the travel wouldn't be difficult. Keep one team in the SEC as a "home" team (excluding Vandy since they just don't travel) and a P5 opponent as the "visiting" team and it could work.

Yeah, all very true. The selfish part of me hopes the only major programs that will play at Bristol will be UT and VT though.

 

[RollerVol]

Yeah I understand that. Thats why I'm againt a yearly rivalry but every three years would be fine with me.

agree...keeping a strong recruiting presence in Virginia is always good for us.

GO VOLS!

 

[CardiacKid]

Gimmicks only work once

This!

VT fans interest in attending a loss at BMS would dwindle. UT fans would tire of the travel and mess.
Lodging is limited and traffic doesn't flow in and out of BMS like it does Neyland. The one time hassle will be fun. Every 3 years, not so much.

This coming from someone that lives with the races every year and has attended over 100 UT home games. There is no comparison in the hassle of each.

 

[VolBricks]

Maybe we should move Neyland into Bristol MSW. That way we could have 160,000 seats all the time!

 

[Volsfaninva917]

No, VT is nothing more than a regional program. If UT beats them well they were supposed to and no one cares, if UT loses to them then they are the joke of the week on ESPN.

All that being said I am excited about the Battle At Bristol in what promises to be an exciting night for all involved.

Bring Michigan down to Bristol give the pasties an ass whooping and a sunburn

 

[CardiacKid]

Depending on how big an event the initial Battle at Bristol is (and I think it's going to be yuuuuuuuuuuge) I can see the owners giving serious consideration to a yearly or maybe every two year event along those lines. It all depends on the $$ at the end of the day and the teams that are invited. Some fan bases travel better than others and say an Alabama-Michigan game or a Georgia-Notre Dame match could be very profitable.

It'd have to be realistic teams in the game. Close enough that the travel wouldn't be difficult. Keep one team in the SEC as a "home" team (excluding Vandy since they just don't travel) and a P5 opponent as the "visiting" team and it could work.

I agree. If BMS wants to have annual or semi-annual events, they need to spread it out over different, large fan bases.

 

[Grand Vol]

Yeah, all very true. The selfish part of me hopes the only major programs that will play at Bristol will be UT and VT though.

Variety is the spice of life. And while I'd hate for beautiful East Tennessee to be invaded by a bunch of uncouth Bammers, a match with someone like Michigan, Ohio State or Notre Dame could be extremely profitable for both BMS and the local businesses.

 

[VFL-82-JP]

I like the idea of a rivalry with Va Tech, in isolation. They're a border neighbor, they're close, the schools share Appalachian cultural heritage, it all fits really nicely.

Trouble is, once you step back and look at it NOT in isolation, it would just be really tough to fit in yet another rivalry. We already have (including those we haven't seen much lately) Bama, Florida, Auburn, Georgia, Vandy, Kentucky, Ole Miss, Miss State, and Georgia Tech (from their SEC days), maybe even USCe (though not many folks who list our rivalries include them). All historic or current Tennessee rivals.

So adding another would just be a lot to fit in. Otherwise, I'd love to add UNC, too. Another cross-border state flagship university to flagship university rivalry.

But thanks for the interesting idea!

 

[UTK]

No, VT is nothing more than a regional program. If UT beats them well they were supposed to and no one cares, if UT loses to them then they are the joke of the week on ESPN.

All that being said I am excited about the Battle At Bristol in what promises to be an exciting night for all involved.

Bring Michigan down to Bristol give the pasties an ass whooping and a sunburn

Virgina Tech was a pretty damn good program the last decade, they honestly were a championship away from being considered elite I suppose. They have had some down years, but come on UT is just now crawling outta the dumpster. I also believe they will be a top program again in the near future. Just my opinion though.

 

[rtb1983]

I get your point but I don't see a lot to benefit from a reoccurring rivalry. I work at VT. I know the area and the fans and things pretty well. There is not enough upper level recruits in this region that it would help with. Would rather keep rotating the OOC like we do such as Oregon and Oklahoma to get us a bigger national view. Just because they are close doesn't mean they should be a rival.

 

[TAF]

Living here in The Shanendoah Valley now...I voted "Yes" out of selfishness.

VT has excellent history, loyal fans and is set in beautiful surroundings a small drive from K-Vegas.

But, have you been to Lane Stadium? I have...and @ 65K it IS a cute little thing.

 

[mrmax86]

No where to play in Bristol after Bruton turns the field back in to a race track.

It's a race track right now, so...:neener2:

 

[jakez4ut]

I like the idea of a rivalry with Va Tech, in isolation. They're a border neighbor, they're close, the schools share Appalachian cultural heritage, it all fits really nicely.

Trouble is, once you step back and look at it NOT in isolation, it would just be really tough to fit in yet another rivalry. We already have (including those we haven't seen much lately) Bama, Florida, Auburn, Georgia, Vandy, Kentucky, Ole Miss, Miss State, and Georgia Tech (from their SEC days), maybe even USCe (though not many folks who list our rivalries include them). All historic or current Tennessee rivals.

So adding another would just be a lot to fit in. Otherwise, I'd love to add UNC, too. Another cross-border state flagship university to flagship university rivalry.

But thanks for the interesting idea!

not sure why GT is on this list? i can't remember the last time we played. the others are conf games that we either rotate or play ever year, so fitting those...well, they're already "fitted".

from a "fit" standpoint, VT actually fits very well.

 

[UTK]

not sure why GT is on this list? i can't remember the last time we played. the others are conf games that we either rotate or play ever year, so fitting those...well, they're already "fitted".

from a "fit" standpoint, VT actually fits very well.

Yeah even if GT once was a rivalry, it really isn't anymore. Also, I don't even think Ole Miss or MSU would be considered one either. Heck, as much as used to be a great one, is Auburn really even a rivalry anymore? South Carolina has turned into a solid rivalry, all recent games have been crazy close every year. Though that should start to change hopefully. Lol

 

[Grand Vol]

On the OP, I don't think we need a regular OOC rivalry game like Florida has with FSU or Clemson and USCe. As RTB stated above, it's better to rotate that OOC schedule with other P5 teams to mix it up.

 

[TNnative]

For Tn vs VT to become a "true rivalry", both would need to be in the same conference. Some still think the SEC will be adding two more team in the near future. If that happens, Virginia Tech should be at the top of Tennessee's wish list.

With the close proximity and an easy interstate drive between Blacksburg and Knoxville, many fans from both sides who don't travel would make that trip. I am sure a place like Morristown would love it as a prime location for a rest stop. Restaurants, Gas stations & convenience stores, Motels, you name a business that wouldn't love this move.

Someone above mentioned other teams they would rather see the Vols play. I can't think of any other possible rival that has the potential we have here. It would take time and building history, but as conference/division rivals, I see that this has the potential to become the most heated rivalry ever. As storied as Auburn/Alabama, Ole Miss/Ms State, Clemson/Carolina. It would not take very long.

So, for what I perceive as the OP gauging this for his hometown's interest in this happening, I will vote yes. Just to help end the Tennessean's wet dream of making Vols/Vandy the next big thing, which remains far too one sided.

 

[KBVol]

Nah. Just rather beat the ever loving ish out of them in Bristol and be done with them.

 

[VFL-82-JP]

not sure why GT is on this list? i can't remember the last time we played. the others are conf games that we either rotate or play ever year, so fitting those...well, they're already "fitted".

from a "fit" standpoint, VT actually fits very well.

It's called being old, Jake. Which, I am.

Wikipedia, of all places, actually has a nice little write-up on the rivalry: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgia_Tech–Tennessee_football_rivalry ... fun read, I recommend it if you're at all historically inclined. :good!:

I agree with VT being a neat fit, a nice idea. UNC would be as well, the state of Tennessee having evolved from the state of North Carolina and all. Just don't see us adding more rivalries to our already very busy dance card.