Cavaliers quickly learn how big Tech game is

Quarterback Brennan Armstrong grew up looking at Ohio State-Michigan as the big event of college football’s Rivalry Week. For free safety Joey Blount, it was Georgia-Georgia Tech.

But Armstrong and Blount say “rivalry” means Virginia-Virginia Tech to them now, and they are looking forward to Saturday’s Commonwealth Cup game against the Hokies.

“Being a part of this program for five years, the rivalry is a part of my DNA now,” Blount said of the game.

There are four home-state players listed as starters defensively, but wide receiver Billy Kemp is the only Virginia native starting on offense.

Coach Bronco Mendenhall, a Utah native, says Cavalier players get a quick education in the rivalry when they arrive in Charlottesville.

“I think it’s learned over time,” he says. “You might hear a story, or you might have someone talk to you about it.”

He says that once someone plays in the game, they understand.

“Experiences are built with personal involvement,” Mendenhall said. “They learn each year that they’re part of the program, and they kind of frame that as they go.”

The Cavaliers (6-5, 4-3 ACC) and Virginia Tech (5-6, 3-4) will meet for the 103rd time at 3:45 p.m. Saturday in Charlottesville. The game will be aired on the ACC Network.

Armstrong is from Shelby, Ohio. He says he heard about the rivalry when he came to Virginia, but got a real taste of it once he was part of a Commonwealth Cup game.

“Early on, I heard about what a big deal it is,” Armstrong said. “It’s really become a big deal to me now.”

“Ohio State-Michigan used to be my rivalry,” he added. “Now this (Virginia-Virginia Tech) is my rivalry. When I’m gone from here, I’ll still care about this game. Ohio State-Michigan is still big, but this game is the one I’ll care about.”

Blount, a senior who will play his final home game Saturday, is from Georgia.

“The game has gotten more and more important to me over the years,” he said.

Blount says he tells the younger Cavalier players to use some caution Saturday.

“I tell them there’s a lot of emotion, but we have to be disciplined,” he said.

Blount is among several of the so-called “super seniors” who will be playing for the last time at Scott Stadium. They took advantage of an NCAA option and came back for an additional season.

“I’ll be forever indebted, and I’m just so thankful and grateful that they’ve trusted me and our program — and they’ve enjoyed it enough to want to come back,” Mendenhall said.