Virginia Tech vs. South Carolina Prediction | CFB Best Bets, Picks Today

The Virginia Tech Hokies are set to take on the South Carolina Gamecocks in a rare Sunday afternoon college football showdown. Virginia Tech heads into Week 1 looking to make a statement and prove that they deserve to be in the conversation of a top-heavy ACC conference. Meanwhile, the Gamecocks enter the season with high expectations, ranked in the Preseason AP Top 25 for the first time since 2014. Both teams understand the importance of a Week 1 win, and with their matchup set at a neutral site, it will truly come down to which team can execute when it’s time to play.

Virginia Tech vs. South Carolina

• Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, Georgia)
• Time: 3:00 PM ET | Where to Watch: ESPN
• Spread: South Carolina -7.5 | Moneyline: South Carolina -275 | Total: 50.5

Virginia Tech vs. South Carolina Best Bet: South Carolina -7.5

South Carolina heads into Sunday’s battle as 7.5-point favorites, and it’s easy to see why. The Gamecocks’ offense is set to be led by Heisman candidate

, who’s entering his second season as the team’s full-time starter in an offense that’s designed to suit his strengths. Shane Beamer’s defense has multiple questions to answer following the turnover on the roster with numerous key pieces departing in the NFL Draft.

If this game were to turn into a shootout, it’s hard to imagine that the Hokies’ defense could slow down the explosive Gamecocks. In contrast, South Carolina’s defense should be able to secure enough stops against a Virginia Tech offense that struggled last season, for the SEC program to pull away. Give me the Gamecocks to win this matchup by a margin of 8+ points.

Virginia Tech vs. South Carolina Best Total Bet: Under 50.5

In Week 1, it’s rare for a team to come out firing on all cylinders, unless it’s against an opponent who’s just a schedule filler. In this matchup between Virginia Tech and South Carolina, both teams should experience some ups and downs offensively. Assuming both teams start somewhat slow and get things clicking in the second half, I like the odds that this game finishes under the 50.5-point set total, with a final score of 31-17 seeming like a realistic outcome. 

Virginia Tech Best Player Bet: Kyron Drones Any Time Touchdown +100

All eyes will be on Kyron Drones in Sunday’s matchup as he’ll be heavily relied on to keep the Hokies in this matchup. The dual-threat quarterback showed plenty of promise last season. If Virginia Tech has any hope in knocking off its SEC opponent in Week 1, it’ll need its starting QB to lead by example and get things going early with his ability to extend plays and create extra yards for himself on the ground, especially as the Hokies look to score in the red zone. Expect the playmaking QB to use his legs to find the endzone at some point in this matchup.

South Carolina Best Player Bet: Rahsul Faison 60+ Rushing Yards +124

With LaNorris Sellers under center for the Gamecocks, plenty of attention will be on the shifty quarterback as the Hokies look to limit his impact as much as possible. South Carolina will take advantage of that attention and get the ball to their new RB1, Rahsul Faison. With his dynamic rushing style, the transfer is poised for a big debut. Following a 1,000-yard season at Utah State, the first-year Gamecock will make a statement. He’ll likely play with a chip on his shoulder after the way the NCAA handled his eligibility status for the 2025 season. Playing alongside Sellers will open up plenty of opportunities for Faison to get going, and expect the Gamecocks to feed their newest weapon.