South Carolina Football Set for Home Opener Against S.C. State After Season-Opening Win
Fresh off a 24-11 victory over Virginia Tech in the Aflac Kickoff Game, South Carolina football is ready to return home to Williams-Brice Stadium for its 2025 home opener. The Gamecocks will face in-state opponent S.C. State on Saturday in a matchup of two 1-0 teams.
Game Details
- When: Saturday, Sept. 6, 7 p.m.
- Where: Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia
- Watch: SEC Network Plus, ESPN+
- Series History: South Carolina holds a 3-0 all-time record over the Bulldogs, dating back to their first meeting in 2007. The Gamecocks cruised to a 50-10 win in their most recent clash in 2022.
Scouting South Carolina
The Gamecocks enter the contest 1-0 following their season-opening win over Virginia Tech in Atlanta. While the scoreboard favored USC, the game itself was closer than it appeared. South Carolina led just 10-8 heading into the fourth quarter, punting on five of its eight offensive possessions.
The breakthrough came when freshman defensive back Vicari Swain turned momentum with an 80-yard punt return touchdown, energizing the Gamecocks and sealing the win.
Scouting South Carolina State
S.C. State also comes in undefeated after a nail-biting 16-15 victory over Wofford. Quarterback Ryan Stubblefield led a dramatic 74-yard drive in the final minutes, capped off with a touchdown strike to Shamonte Burgess with just 1:28 remaining.
The Bulldogs dominated in total yardage (414-142) but nearly let the game slip after a blocked punt and a late safety. Second-year head coach Chennis Berry has his team coming off a 2024 MEAC championship and a Celebration Bowl appearance, making this year’s squad a dangerous challenge.
Key Players to Watch
South Carolina
- Nyck Harbor, WR: The sophomore speedster showed off his track-star speed against Virginia Tech, hauling in three passes for 99 yards, including a 64-yard touchdown. He led all receivers with seven targets and nearly had a second score before it was overturned. Harbor will look to notch his first career multi-touchdown game against S.C. State.
- Dylan Stewart, EDGE: The Gamecocks’ pass rush was anchored by Stewart, who pressured the pocket all game and eventually sacked Hokies QB Kyron Drones. He’ll be looking to wreak havoc against the Bulldogs’ offensive line.
S.C. State
- Ryan Stubblefield, QB: Coming off the bench, Stubblefield sparked the Bulldogs’ comeback with a poised 124-yard passing performance, including the game-winning touchdown. Whether he or transfer Billy Atkins starts against South Carolina remains to be seen.
- Michael Lunz, DE: The Tulane transfer had a strong debut for S.C. State, tallying three tackles and two sacks. He’ll test a South Carolina offensive line that surrendered four sacks in Week 1.
South Carolina’s 2025 Schedule
- Aug. 31: USC 24, Virginia Tech 11
- Sept. 6: vs. S.C. State, 7 p.m. (SEC Network Plus/ESPN+)
- Sept. 13: vs. Vanderbilt, 7 or 7:45 p.m. (ESPN/SEC Network)
- Sept. 20: at Missouri – TBD
- Sept. 27: vs. Kentucky – TBD
- Oct. 11: at No. 9 LSU – TBD
- Oct. 18: vs. No. 18 Oklahoma – TBD
- Oct. 25: vs. No. 8 Alabama – TBD
- Nov. 1: at No. 21 Ole Miss – TBD
- Nov. 15: at No. 19 Texas A&M – TBD
- Nov. 22: vs. Coastal Carolina – TBD
- Nov. 29: vs. No. 4 Clemson, Noon (ABC/ESPN)
