South Carolina Gamecocks vs Virginia Tech Hokies Picks and Predictions August 31st 2025

No. 13 South Carolina Carries CFP Ambitions into Virginia Tech Opener

The 2025 college football season launches with a marquee matchup between the No. 13 South Carolina Gamecocks and the Virginia Tech Hokies in the Aflac Kickoff Game on August 31 in Atlanta’s Mercedes‑Benz Stadium. This contest transcends typical season openers—it’s a collision of narrative arcs with playoff implications, personal stories, and conference pride all rolled into one.

South Carolina enters the season with renewed optimism. Last year, the Gamecocks flirted with their first-ever College Football Playoff berth, closing strong with six straight wins including four over ranked opponents. They ultimately landed 15th in the final CFP poll—so close yet so far from history. This year, expectations are higher. Key contributors return, including standout quarterback LaNorris Sellers, and they now stand at No. 13 in the AP preseason poll as they begin their quest toward playoff redemption.

Their season kicks off in a bonding reunion with Virginia Tech, a program deeply connected to South Carolina’s head coach Shane Beamer. Beamer spent his playing and early coaching years at VT under his legendary father, Frank Beamer. This is the first matchup between the two schools since 1991, and carries special meaning for both fanbases.

Gamecock Offense Bolstered by Heisman Buzz and Transfer Talent

At the center of South Carolina’s hopes is sophomore quarterback LaNorris Sellers. Following a breakout freshman campaign—over 2,500 passing yards, 674 rushing yards, and 25 total touchdowns—he enters 2025 with Heisman buzz and draft intrigue. His dual-threat skill set gives South Carolina a dynamic edge.

Adding to the offensive firepower is Utah State transfer running back Rahsul Faison. Deemed eligible after a waiver battle, he rushed for nearly 1,850 yards and 13 touchdowns in the past two seasons while sitting behind a rival QB on the national stage. His presence immediately upgrades the Gamecocks’ rushing attack and gives them options in short-yardage and burst situations.

Offensive consistency and depth will be vital. Readers can track offensive stats, depth charts, and playmakers on the College Football Picks page, which also features analysis for betting markets tied to offensive outputs.

Shadow of Tragedy: Robertson’s Absence Weighs Heavy on Gamecock Defense

Behind the scenes, South Carolina’s staff suffered a frightening injury when defensive line coach Travian Robertson was hospitalized following a serious car accident. While he remains in stable condition and is expected to make a full recovery, his absence against Virginia Tech leaves a leadership and scheme gap on the defensive front. The Gamecocks will need others to step into vocal and tactical roles as they try to mitigate the emotional and schematic effects of his absence.

Hokies Face Existential Season Under Pry with Return of QB Drones

Virginia Tech, under fourth-year coach Brent Pry, is greeting 2025 at an inflection point. Two straight 6-6 seasons with mixed bowl results have raised questions about the program’s direction. A win over South Carolina wouldn’t just shake off the rust of a mediocre precedent—it could signal a return to ACC competitiveness and buy Pry a stronger hand heading into contract talks.

Central to that turnaround is quarterback Kyron Drones. Plagued by injuries over the past year, he looks to reclaim his 2023 form when he threw for over 2,000 yards and rushed for more than 800. His health and mobility will be key in opening up tempo and creating playmaking options on offense.

In addition to Drones, the Hokies have retooled, integrating transfers on both sides of the ball and debuting a new offensive staff. Confidence in their offseason rebuild remains cautious. For a full view of Virginia Tech’s roster, schedule, and team structure, check out the updated Virginia Tech Football page.

Game Day Domination

Get Expert NCAAF Picks

Get Free Trial

Legacy, Momentum, and Milestones Intertwined in Atlanta Clash

The Aflac Kickoff Game itself has become a launchpad for seasons and statements. Since its inception, it’s offered high stakes and national exposure. This edition adds weight with the Shane Beamer return narrative, CFP implications for South Carolina, and a make-or-break season opener for the Hokies.

Virginia Tech’s wider season outlook also hangs in the balance. Analysts peg their ACC championship odds as long shots and place their CFP chances as even longer. As reported, they currently face +1800 odds for CFP entry and +4500 odds to win the ACC. A neutral-site upset on Day 1 could reshape the season’s trajectory for them. In contrast, South Carolina’s CFP aspirations now come with an early test of legitimacy outside the SEC.

Betting Landscape and Gameflow Projections

As of pickup time, South Carolina is listed as a 7.5-point favorite in neutral-site markets, with an over/under around 52.5 points. That kind of scoring expectation reflects both Sellers’ offense and perception of Virginia Tech’s offensive vulnerability. Most industry analysts lean toward South Carolina in early projections, with predicted scores ranging from 31–13 to 35–21 reflecting both offensive superiority and program directionality.

That said, storyline-driven games can always deviate. Virginia Tech has physicality up front and can answer back through special teams, motivated players, and disruptive defensive fronts. Each team will rely heavily on narrative and efficiency more than raw momentum.

ScoresAndStats visitors can follow line movements, props, and public betting percentages via the NCAAF Scores & Odds page, while deeper strategic breakdowns appear on the Expert Betting Guide.

A Glimpse into the Game: Key Matchup Tables