The Shadow
ATLANTA, Ga. (VR) – Virginia Tech’s defense set the early tone with a first-quarter safety, but the offense never found rhythm as the Hokies dropped their season opener to South Carolina, 24-11, Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta Georgia.
South Carolina (1-0) answered the early setback with a pair of touchdowns before halftime and carried a 14-10 lead into the break. From there, the Gamecocks leaned on a balanced attack and opportunistic defense, holding Virginia Tech (0-1) without a touchdown while pulling away in the second half.
Quarterback Kyron Drones shouldered the load offensively for the Hokies but struggled against South Carolina’s pressure. Drones completed 15 of 35 passes for 221 yards but was intercepted twice and finished without a touchdown. His favorite targets were Da’Quan Greene, who hauled in three passes for a team-high 94 yards, and Ali Jennings Greene, who added five receptions for 71 yards.
On the ground, running back Malachi Hawkins led Virginia Tech with 15 carries for 58 yards, while Drones added 26 rushing yards. Despite generating 81 rushing yards total, the Hokies averaged just 3.0 yards per carry, never breaking free for a run longer than 11 yards.
The Hokies’ only points came from special teams and the kicking game. Defensive linemen Ethan Laws and Kemari Gilliam Jr. combined for a safety late in the first quarter, and kicker John Love provided the rest. Love connected on field goals from 29, 56, and 39 yards, with his booming 56-yarder just before halftime pulling Tech within two at the break.
Defensively, Virginia Tech found ways to disrupt in spots but couldn’t contain South Carolina’s playmakers consistently. Safety Quinton Reddish led the team with eight tackles, while defensive linemen Ethan Laws, Karon Gilliam Jr., and E.J. Fall each contributed a sack. The Hokies produced seven tackles for loss but failed to generate a turnover.
Special teams gave the Hokies brief sparks, with Tajae Holloway adding a pair of punt returns and Jalen Prioleau leading the way on kickoffs with 34 return yards.
Ultimately, Virginia Tech’s missed opportunities proved costly. The Hokies went just 8-of-24 through the air after halftime and were held to three points in the final 30 minutes, while South Carolina closed strong to seal the 13-point win.
Virginia Tech (0-1) returns home next Saturday for its Lane Stadium opener, looking to regroup against a non-conference opponent before ACC play begins
