Virginia Tech vs South Carolina [2025]: Who Has The Edge? Expert Breakdown
Virginia Tech vs South Carolina kicks off the 2025 college football season with two programs on very different trajectories. The No. 13 Gamecocks enter with sizeable national expectations under coach Shane Beamer, who has accumulated 29 wins in four years—the most by any coach in school history. Meanwhile, Virginia Tech approaches with more tempered optimism following three consecutive losing seasons.
Following their best season under Beamer with a 9-4 record in 2024, Carolina Gamecocks football aims to build on that momentum with star quarterback LaNorris Sellers and sophomore edge rusher Dylan Stewart returning. Virginia Tech football, however, hasn't recorded an eight-win season since 2019, despite having stability at quarterback with Kyron Drones returning as one of just six ACC programs with the same full-time starter. Notably, the South Carolina football coach was named the 2024 Southeastern Conference Coach of the Year by The Associated Press, while the Hokies lost five games by 10 points or fewer last season.
With South Carolina favored by 7.5 points and the SEC projected to produce four College Football Playoff teams this season, this opening matchup carries significant implications for both programs. The historical rivalry adds another layer of intrigue, as South Carolina holds an 11-7-2 advantage against Virginia Tech, including a two-game winning streak with their last encounter resulting in a 28-21 Gamecocks victory in 1991.
Team Momentum and Season Outlook
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The Gamecocks enter 2025 with remarkable momentum after a breakthrough 2024 campaign that exceeded all expectations. Under Shane Beamer's leadership, South Carolina finished with a 9-4 record overall and 5-3 in SEC play, culminating in their highest final ranking (19th) since 2013. The team posted nine regular season wins for just the fifth time in school history and recorded a school-record four wins against ranked opponents.
Conversely, Virginia Tech struggled to a 6-7 finish last season, capped by a disappointing 24-10 loss to Minnesota in the Duke's Mayo Bowl. The Hokies have endured three consecutive losing seasons, with their last eight-win campaign coming in 2019.
Most concerning for Virginia Tech is their 1-12 record under Brent Pry in games decided by seven points or fewer. In response, Pry overhauled his coaching staff with two new coordinators and welcomed over 30 transfer players.
Although ranked 10th in ESPN's ACC preseason power rankings, the Hokies face questions about team chemistry with so many new faces. In contrast, South Carolina aims to build on their six-game winning streak that closed the 2024 regular season, fueling championship aspirations for the first time in over a decade.
Key Players and Matchups to Watch
The quarterback duel takes center stage when Virginia Tech vs South Carolina kicks off in Atlanta. LaNorris Sellers emerged as a star for the Gamecocks in 2024, throwing for 2,534 yards and 18 touchdowns while adding 674 rushing yards and 7 scores on the ground. His counterpart, Kyron Drones, struggled with injuries last season, passing for 1,562 yards with 10 touchdowns and 6 interceptions.
On the defensive front, South Carolina sophomore Dylan Stewart presents a formidable challenge after recording 6.5 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss as a true freshman. His 48 pressures led all freshman pass rushers. Virginia Tech's completely rebuilt offensive line faces a baptism by fire, with Johnny Garrett and Montavious Cunningham making their first starts at tackle.
For the Hokies' defense, containing Sellers' mobility becomes paramount. Edge rushers Ben Bell (10 sacks at Texas State in 2023) and James Djonkam must set the edge effectively.
In the backfield, South Carolina received welcome news with Utah State transfer Rahsul Faison gaining eligibility clearance. The running back rushed for 1,109 yards and eight touchdowns last season. Virginia Tech, furthermore, seeks to replace Bhayshul Tuten, who departed for the NFL.
The trenches ultimately may determine the outcome, as South Carolina looks to capitalize on Stewart's disruptive ability against Virginia Tech's offensive line under new coach Matt Moore.
Expert Predictions and Betting Insights
Betting markets favor the Gamecocks decisively as the Virginia Tech vs South Carolina showdown approaches. Oddsmakers have installed South Carolina as a 6.5-7.5 point favorite, with the over/under hovering around 51.5 points. The moneyline shows South Carolina at -250 to -300, giving them an implied win probability of 72-75%.
Expert predictions predominantly side with the Gamecocks. CBS Sports analysts project a final score of South Carolina 30, Virginia Tech 19, consequently backing the favorite to cover. Additionally, one Fighting Gobbler analyst forecasts South Carolina 31, Virginia Tech 20, noting that "South Carolina has the advantage in star power on both sides of the ball".
Nevertheless, some betting models suggest value with the Hokies. Virginia Tech lost five games by 10 points or fewer last season, indicating their ability to keep contests competitive. According to the Football Power Index, Virginia Tech ranks 32nd nationally with an 8.1-win projection and 9.1% chance to win the ACC.
Regarding betting trends, Virginia Tech is 1-4 against the spread in their last five games but has hit the first-half moneyline in seven of their last nine contests. Ultimately, South Carolina's considerable home-field advantage—selling nearly 25,600 tickets for the neutral-site matchup—could prove decisive in what many expect to be a second-half separation game.
Comparison Table
Category | Virginia Tech | South Carolina |
6-7 | 9-4 | |
Current Head Coach | Brent Pry | Shane Beamer |
Coach Achievement | N/A | 2024 SEC Coach of the Year |
Starting QB | Kyron Drones (1,562 yards, 10 TD, 6 INT) | LaNorris Sellers (2,534 yards, 18 TD) |
Key Defensive Player | Ben Bell (10 sacks in 2023) | Dylan Stewart (6.5 sacks, 10.5 TFL) |
Recent Streak | Three consecutive losing seasons | Six-game winning streak (end of 2024) |
Not ranked | No. 13 | |
Head-to-Head Record | 7 wins | 11 wins (2 ties) |
Last Meeting Result | Lost | Won (28-21 in 1991) |
2025 Game Spread | +7.5 underdog | -7.5 favorite |
Notable 2024 Stat | Lost 5 games by 10 points or fewer | School-record 4 wins vs ranked opponents |
Program Trajectory | Rebuilding (30+ transfer players) | Rising (Best season under Beamer) |
Conclusion
As the Virginia Tech vs South Carolina matchup approaches, a clear favorite emerges based on recent performance and expert analysis. South Carolina stands poised to extend their winning ways under Coach Shane Beamer, who has transformed the program into a legitimate SEC contender. The Gamecocks' six-game winning streak to close 2024, coupled with their No. 13 ranking, certainly provides them significant momentum heading into Atlanta.
Virginia Tech, despite showing competitive fight last season, faces an uphill battle against a team with superior talent on both sides of the ball. The quarterback matchup particularly highlights this disparity, with LaNorris Sellers having established himself as a dual-threat star while Kyron Drones continues seeking consistency. Additionally, Dylan Stewart's disruptive presence on South Carolina's defensive front poses major concerns for a rebuilt Hokies offensive line.
The betting lines reflect this reality, though Virginia Tech's tendency to keep games close deserves consideration. Nevertheless, South Carolina's advantages in coaching stability, returning talent, and recent success make them the logical choice. The historical rivalry adds another compelling layer, with South Carolina looking to extend their all-time series lead.
Therefore, while college football often delivers surprises, particularly in season openers, all signs point to the Gamecocks securing a statement victory to begin their 2025 campaign. The question remains not whether South Carolina will win, but rather if Virginia Tech can keep the margin close enough to build confidence for their ACC schedule ahead.
FAQs
Q1. Who is favored to win the Virginia Tech vs South Carolina game in 2025? South Carolina is favored by 6.5-7.5 points, with oddsmakers giving them an implied win probability of 72-75%. Most expert predictions also side with the Gamecocks to win the game.
Q2. What are the key player matchups to watch in this game? The quarterback duel between South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers and Virginia Tech's Kyron Drones is crucial. On defense, South Carolina's Dylan Stewart will challenge Virginia Tech's rebuilt offensive line, while the Hokies' edge rushers must contain Sellers' mobility.
Q3. How have these teams performed in recent seasons? South Carolina finished 2024 with a 9-4 record and a No. 19 ranking, their best season under coach Shane Beamer. Virginia Tech, on the other hand, has struggled with three consecutive losing seasons, including a 6-7 record in 2024.
Q4. What is the historical record between Virginia Tech and South Carolina? South Carolina holds an 11-7-2 advantage in the all-time series against Virginia Tech. Their last meeting was in 1991, which resulted in a 28-21 victory for the Gamecocks.
Q5. How might the neutral site location affect the game? While the game is being played at a neutral site in Atlanta, South Carolina is expected to have a significant crowd advantage. They've sold nearly 25,600 tickets for the matchup, which could create a home-field atmosphere for the Gamecocks.
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