Virginia Tech Hokies vs
South Carolina GamecocksPredictions & Preview

Virginia Tech Set to Face South Carolina in Week 1 Showdown: Can the Hokies Overcome Gamecocks' Advantage?

In Week 1 of the college football season, Virginia Tech will face off against South Carolina in Atlanta. Virginia Tech had a 6-7 record in 2024, while South Carolina finished with a 9-4 record. The Gamecocks have won the last two meetings between the teams and hold an 11-7-2 advantage in the all-time series. Stay tuned for our Virginia Tech vs. South Carolina prediction for this Sunday afternoon matchup.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Hokies +236 | Gamecocks -288
• Spread: Hokies +7 (-110) | Gamecocks -7 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 51.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that South Carolina will win straight-up is 74%.

Virginia Tech Hokies

In the 2024 season, Virginia Tech finished with a 6-6 record under coach Brent Pry, marking a similar result to the previous year. However, the team faced a setback by losing the Duke's Mayo Bowl after winning the Military Bowl in 2023. With only one winning season in the last five years, Pry's performance this season could be crucial for maintaining his job. The Hokies have brought in new coordinators, with Philip Montgomery leading the offense and Sam Siefkis taking on the defense. The team added 30 transfers in an effort to improve their standing in the ACC. In the previous season, Virginia Tech struggled in passing offense but showed strength in rushing, scoring, and defense. The quarterback position features Kyron Drones, backed by Garrett Rangel and William Watson III. Grad transfer Terion Stewart steps in as the starting running back, with support from Marcellous Hawkins and Jeremiah Coney. Jaylin Lane and Benji Gosnell lead the receiving corps, while kickers John Love is expected to continue his strong performance from the previous season.

South Carolina Gamecocks

South Carolina had a successful season under coach Shane Beamer, earning their most wins since the 2017 season. The Gamecocks narrowly missed a spot in the College Football Playoff last year and look to make it this year with the return of star quarterback LaNorris Sellers. Offensive coordinator Mike Shula will need to develop a game plan to help Sellers reach his full potential, as the team looks to improve their offensive performance. South Carolina ranked 70th in passing offense and 38th in rushing last season, while also placing 48th in scoring offense and 12th in scoring defense. Sellers had a productive season last year, with Luke Doty and Air Noland as backup quarterbacks. Rahsul Faison, Oscar Adaway III, and Isaiah Augustave are expected to contribute in the run game, while Mazeo Bennett Jr. leads the receiving corps. The kicking job is undecided between freshmen Mason Love and Max Kelley.

Virginia Tech Bolsters Roster with Transfer Portal Additions, Looks for Success with Key Players like Sellers and Stewart

Virginia Tech strategically utilized the transfer portal during the offseason by bringing in 30 experienced transfers who have a total of 287 previous starts. However, the program also saw a significant number of 31 players depart during the same period. It is anticipated that Sellers will demonstrate improvement this season and contribute significantly to the success of the Gamecocks. Notably, South Carolina boasts talented players like Sellers and linebacker Dylan Stewart on both offense and defense. Ultimately, the Gamecocks emerged victorious in this matchup, securing a win for Coach Beamer against the team his father coached for almost thirty years.

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