Maryland and Virginia Clash After 10 Years of Separation

It’s been a long-awaited matchup, but after a decade of separation, the University of Virginia (UVA) and the University of Maryland (UMD) football teams are set to face off once again. The last time these border-state schools played each other was in 2013, before Maryland left the ACC for the Big Ten. This game holds significant importance for both teams, and Maryland is going all out for the occasion by donning their “blackout” uniforms with a new black helmet.

Maryland coach Mike Locksley expressed his excitement for the game, stating that these matchups are important for the team. The scheduling of this game aligns perfectly with Maryland’s vision for their schedule. Although the Terrapins have had sporadic matches with West Virginia and annual games against Penn State, the Cavaliers have been absent until now. The schools agreed to a home-and-home series in 2017, setting up this highly anticipated game.

Locksley also acknowledged that UVA is considered a rival game, especially for fans who are excited to compete against their old ACC foes. The proximity of the two schools and the history behind this game make it a compelling matchup. The rivalry dates back to 1919, and the teams played each other every year from 1957 to 2013. With a total of 78 games between them, Virginia is Maryland’s most frequent rival. However, for the current generation of players, who were still in middle school or younger when the teams last met, there is some catching up to do in terms of understanding the significance of this rivalry.

One of Maryland’s players, quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa, was only 13 years old when Maryland secured a comeback win over Virginia ten years ago. When asked about the history of the rivalry, Tagovailoa chuckled and shrugged, highlighting the impact of conference realignment that has disrupted ancestral collegiate ties.

Wide receiver Kaden Prather, who grew up in Montgomery County, has some familiarity with rivalries due to his experience playing in the renewed Backyard Brawl between Pitt and West Virginia. Prather emphasizes the importance of ignoring the noise surrounding rivalries and staying focused on the task of winning the game.

Coach Locksley recognizes that the team hasn’t had much time to delve into the history of the rivalry due to the short turnaround from their previous game. However, he plans to make sure the players understand the significance of this game to many people. The Terrapins hold a 2-0 record so far this season and are determined to make this matchup against UVA a memorable one.

With the return of this long-standing rivalry, both teams have the opportunity to create a new chapter in their shared history. It will be a game filled with intensity, passion, and the desire to come out on top.