One Week Out: South Carolina and Virginia Tech Zero In on Aflac Kickoff Classic
With just seven days until South Carolina and Virginia Tech officially launch the 2025 season, both programs have shifted fully into game-week preparation for Sunday’s Aflac Kickoff Classic at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
At ACC Media Days back in July, Hokies head coach Brent Pry made it clear which Gamecocks concern him the most — Dylan Stewart and LaNorris Sellers, both named to the Walter Camp 2025 Player of the Year Preseason Watch List.
“It’s challenging. South Carolina is a hell of a football team,” Pry admitted. “They’ve recruited well, they’ve got a ton of momentum, they’ve got a dynamic edge guy, they’ve got an ultra-talented quarterback. We’ve got our hands full.”
Pry praised how South Carolina closed the 2024 season, rolling off six consecutive victories, including four against ranked opponents.
“I think the way they responded to adversity early in their season (is) a testament to Shane and to that group of coaches and players, to rally back and finish the way they did,” Pry said.
While Shane Beamer’s Gamecocks have delivered statement wins during his tenure, Pry acknowledged that in his four seasons at Virginia Tech, he has yet to notch what he would call a “big game” victory. That, he believes, could change on Sunday.
“They’re arguably a top 10 group. They’re talented on both fronts,” Pry said of South Carolina. “Their defensive line is productive, they’re athletic, they’re tenacious. They’ve got a great plan defensively.”
Of course, the spotlight will be on LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina’s breakout quarterback who Pry considers one of the nation’s best.
“I think the quarterback is one of the best in the country,” Pry said. “And he’s only going to get better. I think the pieces around him — the offensive line, down the stretch, played as well as any group out there.”
But Beamer knows his defense will face its own challenge from Hokies quarterback Kyron Drones, a proven veteran with a knack for making plays. The Hokies will also unveil new offensive coordinator Philip Murphy, adding an extra wrinkle to their attack.
“He’s a weapon back there, that’s an experienced guy that can make a lot of plays with his feet,” Beamer said Tuesday. “We’re going to need to do a great job of stopping the run, putting pressure on him, keeping him corralled, and then allowing our guys to go out there and do what we want to do defensively.”
As kickoff approaches, Pry emphasized that his team won’t back down from the challenge of facing a surging South Carolina squad.
“It’s going to be a dogfight,” Pry promised. “We’re going to give them everything that we’ve got, that’s for sure.”
