West Virginia Football: Biggest Rivalries, New and Old

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COLLEGE PARK, MD - SEPTEMBER 17: Quarterback Pat White #5 of West Virginia celebrates after a touchdown during the second half of the game against Maryland on September 17, 2005 at Byrd Stadium in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Ima

Everyone loves a rivalry, yet hates a rival.

West Virginia fans are no different when it comes to rivalries, new and old, storied or short. WVU fans, and college fans alike know who their rivals are and they know why. Some learn the hatred young, from their parents; others learn to loathe in the their time at their alma mater.

Whatever it may be, rivalries are the best thing in sports.

Now we explore and count down West Virginia football's most hated opponents.................................

No. 7: Marshall Thundering Herd

HOUSTON - NOVEMBER 17: Bernard Morris #14 of the Marshall Thundering Herd calls the play during the game with the Houston Cougars at Robertson Stadium November 17, 2007 in Houston, Texas. Houston won 35-28. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

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.

No. 6: Syracuse Orange

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - SEPTEMBER 25: The Syracue Orangeman mascot supports his team as they were defeated by the Virginia Cavaliers 31-10 at Scott Stadium on September 25, 2004 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

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.

No. 5: Louisville Cardinals

LOUISVILLE, KY - NOVEMBER 14: Bilal Powell #33 of the Louisville Cardinals carries the ball during the Big East Conference game against the Cincinnati Bearcats on November 14, 2008 at Papa John's Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Ge

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.

No. 4: Maryland Terrapins

COLLEGE PARK, MD - NOVEMBER 22: Chris Turner #10 of the Maryland Terrapins looks to pass against the Florida State Seminoles on November 22, 2008 at Byrd Stadium in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

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.

No. 3: Penn State Nittany Lions

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.

No. 2: Virginia Tech Hokies

MIAMI - JANUARY 01: Tyrod Taylor #5 of the Virginia Tech Hokies runs with the ball during the FedEx Orange Bowl against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Dolphin Stadium on January 1, 2009 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

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.

No. 1: Pittsburgh Panthers

MORGANTOWN, WV - DECEMBER 1: A fan of the West Virginia Mountaineers holds up a ESPN sign during the game against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Milan Puskar Stadium on December 1, 2007 in Morgantown, West Virginia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

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.

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