On Sunday, Aug. 31, two rivals will take on one another at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta for Week 1 of the new 2025 college football season. The Virginia Tech Hokies and South Carolina Gamecocks reignite their storied rivalry, and the question is, who would likely win that contest?
Sunday’s big game will be aired on ABC, with the two teams aiming for a Week 1 win to start their season strong. So who will it be?
South Carolina vs Virginia Tech: Key Players to Watch
For the South Carolina Gamecocks, it is pretty clear who the player to watch is, and that is LaNorris Sellers. The Gamecocks QB exploded onto the scene last season and is now considered a candidate to win the Heisman Trophy this year. Many believe it is the reason why the Gamecocks are a contender in one of the strongest conferences out there, the SEC, and he is looking to impress again this year.
Quarterback Kyron Drones and wide receiver Ayden Greene are two players to look out for with the Hokies, as Greene is coming in with an impressive campaign from last year, as he certainly knows how to catch a ball, getting six passes for a team-high 115 yards during the Mayo Bowl.
As for Drones, he is returning as a redshirt senior and has plenty to prove after spending much of the 2024 season on the injured list. He will be responsible for handing Ayden Greene that ball as Virginia Tech will be seen to implement the passing game against the Gamecocks.
Odds and Betting Lines for South Carolina vs Virginia Tech
As for which team to bet on, South Carolina is a 7.5-point favorite according to BetMGM Sportsbook. The team is currently -325 on the moneyline, as compared to Virginia Tech, which is at +260.
Meanwhile, ESPN has predicted that South Carolina has a 70.9% chance of beating Virginia Tech, which will have a 29.1% chance of beating the Gamecocks.
Picks and Predictions for South Carolina vs Virginia Tech
Coming into the game, South Carolina, a school which has been improving as of late, is projected to win this Week 1 matchup, especially as LaNorris Sellers has been red-hot last season and is possibly winning the Heisman trophy.
South Carolina came up short in making the College Football Playoffs last year, making the GameCocks even more hungry to prove themselves, and the Week 1 matchup against Virginia Tech will be an excellent way to start with that goal of reaching the playoffs.
Related:
‘Big Mistake’ — Fans Hit LaNorris Sellers With Brutal Verdict for Snubbing $8,000,000 NIL Deal
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