UNC’s Breakdown: Virginia Tech vs. South Carolina

Two schools that have not played since 1991 are about to meet again under the bright lights in Atlanta. The storyline writes itself. Shane Beamer, son of Hokie legend Frank Beamer, now leads South Carolina into battle against the program where he grew up. It is family ties colliding with playoff hopes, and the stakes could not be bigger.

Program Check-In

South Carolina: The Beamer Boom

The No. 13 Gamecocks are carrying more hype than we have seen since the Spurrier years.

• LaNorris Sellers at quarterback is already drawing Heisman talk.
• Dylan Stewart on the edge looks like an All-American.
• They are coming off a nine-win season, their best since 2017.
• With a brutal back half of the schedule, a hot start here is critical.

They are not aiming for just another bowl game. They are aiming to crash the playoff picture.

Virginia Tech: Searching for a Spark

The Hokies are fighting to get back to their Beamer Ball glory days.

• Four losing seasons in the last five years.
• Back-to-back bowl appearances, but barely above water.
• Kyron Drones is finally healthy, which matters.
• Transfer additions like Donavon Greene could change the offense.

The schedule is favorable with only Miami ranked outside of South Carolina. A statement win here could flip the perception of their season.

Keys to the Game

1. Quarterback Duel: Drones vs. Sellers

Both quarterbacks can punish defenses with their legs.

• Drones ran for more than 800 yards two years ago but needs consistent passing weapons. He threw for 300 against Vanderbilt last year, but his top four targets are gone.
• Sellers rushed for over 600 yards last season, including 166 against Clemson. He lost his top receiver but Nyck Harbor could be the breakout option.

The quarterback who shows more consistency through the air could tilt the game.

2. Running Back Rooms Reset

Both programs lost their lead backs and need new faces to step up.

• Virginia Tech is replacing Bhayshul Tuten with Terion Stewart from Bowling Green and Marcellous Hawkins from Central Missouri. Both are stepping up in class against an SEC front.
• South Carolina lost Rocket Sanders, but Rahsul Faison from Utah State is now eligible after running for over 1,100 yards last season. Oscar Adaway III provides depth behind him.

This matchup could look like a quarterback plus running back tag team contest.

3. Third Down Battles

• South Carolina was one of the best in the country last season at converting on third down offensively and shutting opponents down defensively. That success allowed them to control time of possession.
• Virginia Tech struggled on both sides of the ball. They could not extend drives and they could not get off the field. That problem left them chasing the clock in most games.

If the Hokies cannot turn that around, the upset will be out of reach.

Vegas Board

• Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, GA)
• Kickoff: Sunday, Aug. 31 at 3 PM ET
• TV: ESPN
• Spread: South Carolina -8
• Total: 52.5
• Announcers: Bob Wischusen, Louis Riddick, Kris Budden

UNC’s Pick

South Carolina has the difference makers. A quarterback who can win awards and a pass rusher who can decide games. Virginia Tech has heart but not enough depth.

Final Score: South Carolina 34, Virginia Tech 23

• Against the spread: South Carolina -8
• Total: Over 52.5

It will feel familiar for Virginia Tech, another season opener against an SEC quarterback that proves too much to handle.