Virginia Tech began competing for another prize in 1997 when the West Virginia Mountaineers and the Hokies inaugurated the Black Diamond Trophy to commemorate that series.

The name "Black Diamond" refers to the region's history with the coal industry. The trophy is sponsored by Rish Equipment Company, which provides funding for athletic scholarships at both Tech and West Virginia.

West Virginia will attempt to regain the trophy when the two teams meet again in 2017. West Virginia defeated Virginia Tech the first time the two schools competed for the trophy in 1997 and again in 2002 and 2003. Tech gained the trophy back in 2004 with a 19-13 win at home and held on to it after winning 34-17 in Morgantown in 2005. West Virginia leads the overall series, 28-22-1, while the Hokies have won six of nine games since the Black Diamond Trophy was initiated.