South Carolina Covers Against Virginia Tech in Week 1, 24-11

The South Carolina Gamecocks beat the Virginia Tech Hokies, 24-11 in a defensive battle in their Week 1 matchup. Gamecocks head coach Shane Beamer bested his dad’s former team in what was a game closer than what the score says. South Carolina covered both the opening spread of 9.5, as well as the closing line of 6.5. Let’s dive into this Week 1 showdown at Mercedes-Benz Stadium between South Carolina and Virginia Tech.

Virginia Tech vs. South Carolina: Week 1 Recap

A Dual-Threat Duel

Despite both teams having returning, experienced quarterbacks, most of this game was won on the defensive end. The Virginia Tech defensive line was all over Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers, getting a handful of sacks that greatly impaired South Carolina’s rhythm.

South Carolina had pressure of their own, but only a couple of sacks came from it as Hokies quarterback Kyron Drones was phenomenal at breaking tackles in the pocket. Drones legs were a constant threat and the Hokies ran the read-option a number of times because of this. The read-option was also a tool for the Gamecocks and Sellers, as both quarterbacks ran it well.

Drones had a good game, but did throw two interceptions that cost his team. The first was on the goal line, and although the Hokie defense bailed him out with a safety, it’s still an uncharacteristic mistake. However, he wasn’t alone in that regard.

Virginia Tech wide receivers dropped a handful of passes in a crucial late drive. It forced the Hokies to go for it on fourth down, which resulted in Drones’ second interception after being forced out of the pocket. It was clear the quarterback was just trying to make a play when he knew his team needed one. It’s still a mistake, but one that is more acceptable when you understand the circumstances. His interceptions should not shadow his skills, however.

Drones had a few incredible deep balls that his wide-outs went up and snagged. Beautiful ball placement by Drones made it almost impossible for anyone but his receiver to come down with the ball.  If you’re a Hokie fan, you have to be excited about this receiver room continuing to build rapport with Drones.

Speaking of his pass-catchers, Donovan Greene and Ayden Greene both had over 70 yards receiving. Drones loved throwing at the Greene boys, and it was obvious why when both of them went up to snag deep 50-50 balls. Expect the Drones to Greene connection to continue to grow throughout the season.

The Heisman Contender

LaNorris Sellers showed up in a big way for South Carolina. The sophomore was a constant force in the run game, and had Virginia Tech defenders running circles in the backfield. Sellers did take a number of sacks, but that’s just a testament to how hard the Hokies’ defensive line played.

The Gamecocks also found a ton of success from their running back, Oscar Adaway II. Adaway was used in all facets of the game. Meanwhile, Utah State transfer Rahsul Faison also displayed his power, running through linebackers to extend South Carolina drives.

Closer Than Expected

What needs to be said is the fact that this was a one-score game until the Gamecocks returned a punt for a touchdown. Not to mention, it was a punt that was re-kicked after a Virginia Tech penalty on the initial boot.

That touchdown seemed to clearly deflate the Hokies late in the game. And in the following drive for South Carolina, Sellers delivered the deep bomb to seal it.

Looking Ahead: Week 2 vs Vanderbilt

Virginia Tech will face the SEC’s Vanderbilt next week, at home. Vandy won their first game of the season in a 45-3 beatdown on Charleston Southern.

Quarterback Diego Pavia went 20-of-25 for 275 yards and three passing touchdowns. Although Pavia looked sharp, he will be facing a whole new breed of defensive line next week. And if Week 1 was an indicator as to how good the Virginia Tech defensive line will be, Pavia is in for a long night.