The South Carolina Gamecocks will look to start strong after nearly making the College Football Playoff last year as they take on the Virginia Tech Hokies at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The Gamecocks are the better team, but I like the Hokies to cover the spread in my early Virginia Tech vs. South Carolina predictions.
Read on to see the full early preview of this high-profile opener in my college football picks for Sunday, August 31.
Virginia Tech vs South Carolina predictions
Here are our early thoughts on the spread and total for this week’s game. We will have a full game preview (with a best bet and SGP) later in the week.
Early Virginia Tech vs South Carolina spread pick: Virginia Tech +7.5 (-105 at FanDuel)
South Carolina improved to a 9-4 record in its fourth year under head coach Shane Beamer, and a great regular season left Gamecocks fans hungry for more in 2025. Meanwhile, Virginia Tech went 6-6 in the regular season for the third time in four seasons before losing in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl.
Both teams are expected to rise in the ranks this season. The already strong Hokies defense — which allowed an average of just 22.9 ppg last year — should get more support on the other side of the ball from Kyron Drones, a dual-threat quarterback who will be looking to put up a signature season in his senior year.
Will that be enough to beat a talented SEC opponent? Probably not, as the Gamecocks are slightly more talented on both sides of the ball, and in particular, boast a roster with much more depth. However, Virginia Tech head coach Brent Pry likes to call a disciplined game, which should keep the Hokies in the game.
Whenever a line goes over seven points, I need to be certain there’s a significant talent gap to take the favorite. That’s not the case here, so I’m taking the Hokies and the points.
Early Virginia Tech vs South Carolina total pick: Under 52.5 (-110 at FanDuel)
I’ve already mentioned the fact that Virginia Tech relied heavily on its defense last year, while its offense was a bit shakier, finishing middle of the pack at 28.2 ppg. But South Carolina was truly elite on the defensive side of the ball, as the Gamecocks allowed opponents to score just 18.1 ppg last season. That number dropped to 14.8 ppg against non-SEC opponents.
South Carolina is aiming to have a more explosive offense under new offensive coordinator Mike Shula. He’s working with redshirt sophomore quarterback LaNorris Sellers, and that’s a combination that will probably produce great results — eventually. But there’s bound to be a learning curve, and while Sellers was productive last year (he threw for 18 touchdowns and ran for seven more scores), the Gamecocks were merely good on offense, not elite.
The Hokies improved on defense down the stretch last year, holding six of their last eight opponents to 24 points or less. Virginia Tech has a strong defensive line and has brought in Sam Siefkes as defensive coordinator to improve its scheming.
Both teams feature plenty of new faces on defense, but should be able to build on last year’s success. I’m taking the Under.
Virginia Tech vs South Carolina odds
- Virginia Tech vs. South Carolina spread: South Carolina -7.5
- Virginia Tech vs. South Carolina moneyline: Virginia Tech +290, South Carolina -380
- Virginia Tech vs. South Carolina Over/Under: 56.5
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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