Exciting memories can fill Commonwealth Cup

Virginia and Virginia Tech meet today for the 103rd time, in what is among the nation’s oldest college football rivalries.

Virginia Tech leads the series 59-38-5, but the Hokies are the underdog in the battle, which starts at 3:45 p.m. on the ACC Network.

Here are some things to know about the Commonwealth Cup:

Virginia won the opener

The first meeting was on Oct. 5, 1895, at Madison Hall Field in Charlottesville. Virginia beat Virginia Agricultural and

Mechanical College (VAMC), as the Hokies were known then, by a 36-0 score.

Quarterback Archie Hoxton ran for the opening touchdown, about five minutes into the game. VAMC never got closer than the Virginia 25.

The Cavaliers, coached by Harry Arista Mackey, finished 9-3 that season. The Hokies went 4-2.

Cavaliers dominated early

Virginia won its first eight games against Virginia Tech and 11 of the first 14.

Virginia Tech’s first victory came in 1905, by an 11-0 score.

Rivalry takes a break

While the rivalry dates back into the 19th century, the two teams haven’t played each other every year. After the Hokies won in 1905, the game went on hiatus through 1922. There also were no games in 1943-44 and 1967-69.

Highest rankings?

Virginia’s highest national ranking entering the game was No. 13, in 1995. But Virginia Tech won that game 36-29.

The Hokies’ highest ranking was No. 6, in 2000. Virginia Tech

won 42-21.

Winningest coaches

George Welsh coached the most

Virginia victories over Virginia Tech — nine. He was 9-10 overall against the Hokies.

And as you might expect, Frank Beamer had the most Virginia Tech victories in the rivalry — 20. His record against the Cavaliers was 20-9.

Biggest victories?

Virginia’s biggest win was 44-0, in 1896. That game drew 600 fans to Charlottesville.

Virginia Tech’s biggest victory came in 1983, when the Hokies prevailed 48-0 before a then-record 44,572 fans in Charlottesville. Some Virginia players complained that the Hokies poured it on and vowed revenge in 1984. Sure enough, the Cavaliers won 26-23 a year later in Blacksburg.

STEVE HELBER/AP FILE Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer is carried off the field with the Commonwealth Cup after the Hokies defeated Virginia 23-20 in Charlottesville in 2015.