West Virginia Football: Biggest Rivalries, New and Old

Some would say that the cross-state team from Huntington, W. Va. is hardly a rival. However, it is hard to deny the hatred for a team that shares the same borders.
Marshall has never beaten West Virginia on the gridiron, but the fans share a mutual hatred for one another, making this the least of, but still a rivalry.

A once proud program, Syracuse has found its way to the bottom of the Big East dumpster—and can't seem to climb out. With greats like Donovan McNabb, Jim Brown, and Ernie Davis it's hard to believe the Orange struggles. However, the Battle for the Shwartzwalder Trophy still has some meaning to those in upstate New York and North Central West Virginia.

Some four years ago, West Virginia and their enemies to the south were only acquaintances. They now know each other well.
The two have met sparingly on the gridiron, but none was better than their first conference game as members of the Big East.
West Virginia completed a 17-point fourth quarter comeback to tie the game, then won in three OTs, stuffing U of L QB Brian Brohm on a two-point conversion attempt. A rivalry was born.

West Virginia and Maryland share borders with another, but that's about it. Terps and Mountaineers alike would rather stick a stake through their foot than lose to the other.
West Virginia finally broke a bitter losing streak to the Terrapins in a thrilling OT win in Morgantown in 2006.

West Virginia and Penn State have played some historic games, and seen some historic plays. For Mountaineer fans, something that remains burned in their memory is Major Harris' run against PSU in 1988, en route to a three touchdown victory. WVU snapped a 25-game and 30-year losing streak in the series in 1984 with a 17-14 victory.

West Virginia played Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va. in 1912. They lost 41-0. WVU would go on to win the next seven meetings, and a rivalry was born.
What is currently known as the Battle for the Black Diamond Trophy, named for the rich coal heritage of the school's regions, has been on hiatus since 2005.
One of the most memorable games in the series' history came in 2003 when 2-4 underdog West Virginia crushed then No. 3 Virginia Tech in Morgantown 28-7 in front of a raucous crowd at Mountaineer Field.

West Virginia and Pittsburgh have met on the gridiron for over a century, and neither has gained any respect or liking for the other in that time. Another log was thrown on the fire of the most heated rivalry in Big East history when Pitt knocked off No. 2 West Virginia in Morgantown in 2007, ruining WVU's chance at a national championship in New Orleans.