Defense and special teams play key roles as South Carolina defeats Virginia Tech in the opening game
Virginia Tech Falls to South Carolina in Season Opener
In a closely contested game, the South Carolina Gamecocks emerged victorious against the Virginia Tech Hokies with a score of 24-11.
The Hokies' defense played a pivotal role in keeping their offense in the game, as USC's offense struggled, managing only three points on their ensuing seven possessions. Virginia Tech's defense held strong, particularly in the second half, where they prevented the Gamecocks from scoring a single point.
However, Virginia Tech was held without a touchdown for the first time since a 34-3 loss at Louisville in 2023. The Hokies' offense struggled to find their rhythm, with starting quarterback Kyron Drones completing 15 of 35 passes for 221 yards with two interceptions.
Virginia Tech's scoring came from a safety on a sack of Sellers and a pair of field goals from John Love, including a 56-yarder as time expired in the first half, making the score 10-8. Love added a 39-yarder in the fourth quarter, finishing the season opener 3-for-3.
South Carolina scored their touchdown on a seven-play, 75-yard drive in the opening minutes of the game. A 64-yard touchdown pass from LaNorris Sellers to Nyck Harbor put the game out of reach for Virginia Tech. Sellers completed 12 of 19 passes for 209 yards with a passing and rushing touchdown in the game. However, Sellers managed just 25 rushing yards on 13 carries and was sacked four times.
The defender who sacked Sellers four times was not specified. Untimely drops and penalties also helped the Gamecocks' cause.
Vicari Swain returned a punt 80 yards for South Carolina's first punt-return touchdown since 2013. Donavon Greene and Ayden Greene combined for 75 percent of Virginia Tech's receiving yards, with 94 and 71 yards respectively.
The Hokies allowed USC to pick up 30 yards on a second-and-33 carry that set up a second-quarter field goal. Despite the setback, the Hokies fought hard, but ultimately came up short against the Gamecocks.
As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on this game and improve their performance in future matches.
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