Virginia Tech @ South Carolina Picks & Props

After throwing for 322 yards in the opener against Vanderbilt, Kyron Drones only topped 200 yards in one other game. And he failed to top 170 yards in five contests, including each of his last three. That’s not going to change here, especially with Philip Montgomery now calling plays on offense. He’s going to rotate running backs and give them all plenty of carries, building on an offense that ranked 43rd in rushing yards per game last year. 

Nyck Harbor had 48+ yards in his final four games, and topped the 50-yard mark in three of those outings. He finished the season with four catches for 61 yards against Illinois and is expected to take a big step forward with the offense this season. After splitting his focus between football and track the last two seasons, he’s now solely a gridiron star. With his size and speed, he will always be a threat for a big play downfield, and this might be one of the lower totals we see for him this season.

LaNorris Sellers is playing behind an offensive line that lost three starters and has a new coordinator in Mike Shula. It’s likely he relies on his legs a bit more here if things break down, as he looks to limit mistakes and keep drives alive. 

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.

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 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.