With just four days left until kickoff, South Carolina football is gearing up for its season opener against Virginia Tech. The highly anticipated matchup will be played at a neutral site, and while the Gamecocks enter as the betting favorite, the game will act as an early litmus test for two teams breaking in plenty of new faces.
Odds and Projections
According to ESPN’s SP+ analytics model, South Carolina is not only expected to win, but could also cover the spread. Betting outlets have largely placed the Gamecocks as a 7.5-to-8.5-point favorite, with BetMGM listing the line at 7.5 points. ESPN’s projection calls for a 30-21 victory for USC, and the model gives Shane Beamer’s squad a 72% chance of winning.
The expected point total hovers near the over/under mark. While some sportsbooks have set the total as low as 49.5 points, ESPN’s 51-point projection would slightly favor the over. However, BetMGM’s line sits at 52.5 points, meaning a 51-point total would instead fall just short of the over, hitting the under.
Rankings Breakdown
In the final SP+ preseason rankings, South Carolina checked in at No. 17 nationally, while Virginia Tech was slotted at No. 42. The advanced metrics paint a clear picture of where the Gamecocks have the edge.
- Offense: South Carolina ranks 26th in offensive efficiency, compared to Virginia Tech’s 49th.
- Defense: The Gamecocks sit at 18th nationally, while the Hokies are 39th.
- Special Teams: Virginia Tech gets the nod here, ranking 37th, while USC comes in at 50th.
South Carolina enters the season with an SP+ rating of 16.0, good for 10th in the SEC. That rating has since ticked slightly upward to 16.1, though their overall ranking has remained the same. With a potential quality win opportunity right out of the gate, plus several SEC teams ahead of them facing tough openers, the Gamecocks could climb the rankings early if they handle business against the Hokies.
Game Details
South Carolina and Virginia Tech are set to kick off at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, with the game broadcast on ESPN and available for streaming on the ESPN app.
For Shane Beamer and the Gamecocks, this isn’t just about starting the year on the right foot—it’s about making a statement. A convincing win could validate preseason optimism, set the tone for SEC play, and prove South Carolina is ready to build on last year’s strong finish.
