Virginia Tech and No. 13 South Carolina play in one of the two main attractions on the college football slate today.
My Virginia Tech vs. South Carolina predictions explain why there's value in taking the underdogs to cover this afternoon at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Here are my college football picks for Sunday, August 31.
Virginia Tech vs South Carolina prediction
Virginia Tech vs South Carolina best bet: Virginia Tech +7.5 (-110 at FanDuel)
Rust, new coordinators on both sides, and a battle in the trenches point to a tight matchup. With that in mind, grabbing either team at more than a touchdown feels like value. I’m backing the Hokies to cover.
Virginia Tech’s offensive line is still a question mark against South Carolina’s disruptive front, but that very struggle could help keep the game close. The Hokies will try to control the ball, bleed the clock, and lean on QB Kyron Drones to extend plays on the edge. The line has been reworked, with a couple of returners but enough new pieces that consistency may come slowly.
South Carolina’s offense has upside, but not right away. The Gamecocks lost three starters from the offensive line, and while they may hold a physical edge, it will take time to gel. Pair that with a transition to new offensive coordinator Mike Shula’s system, and a slow start is likely.
Continuity leans Virginia Tech’s way. South Carolina’s long-term potential is clear, but in this opener the Hokies are better positioned to hang around and keep it close.
Virginia Tech vs South Carolina same-game parlay
For large portions of the game, both offenses struggle to get going as Virginia Tech’s offensive line faces physical issues and South Carolina’s offense adjusts to a new system.
Eventually, though, South Carolina’s talented backfield takes over, and the attrition war tilts in the Gamecocks’ favor.
We paired that angle with Rahsul Faison to score. The talented tailback ran for eight touchdowns last season, and behind an offensive line that should generate more push as the game wears on, he’s well-positioned to open his account here.
Bet this Virginia Tech vs. South Carolina SGP now at FanDuel!
Our deep-ball SGP: Keeping It On the Ground
- Kryon Drones Under 186.5 passing yards
I don’t expect much from Drones through the air, largely because volume won’t be on his side. Pressure is one factor, but Virginia Tech will also look to shorten the game with plenty of designed runs for their quarterback.
Virginia Tech vs South Carolina game predictions
Virginia Tech vs South Carolina moneyline prediction
An outsized advantage at the quarterback spot will be the difference in this one for the Gamecocks.
Virginia Tech vs South Carolina spread prediction
I expect offense to be hard to come by for a variety of reasons. Naturally that gives us value on a spread that exceeds a touchdown.
Virginia Tech vs South Carolina Over/Under prediction
I suspect we will see a few rusty moments for each offense. I also think we have an elite defense in South Carolina and an underrated one in the Hokies.
Virginia Tech vs South Carolina odds
- Spread: Virginia Tech +7.5 (-110) | South Carolina -7.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Virginia Tech +230 | South Carolina -285
- Over/Under: Over 51.5 (-115) | Under 51.5 (-105)
Virginia Tech vs South Carolina trend to know
Virginia Tech has hit the 1H Moneyline in 7 of their last 9 games (+8.35 Units / 53% ROI). Find more college football betting trends for Virginia Tech vs South Carolina.
How to watch Virginia Tech vs South Carolina
| Location | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA |
| Date | Sunday, August 31, 2025 |
| Kickoff | 3:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN |
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Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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