News Summary
The Virginia Tech Hokies will renew their rivalry with the South Carolina Gamecocks in an anticipated matchup at Lane Stadium. Set for a prime-time kickoff, this game will not only revive a historic rivalry but also provide a chance for both teams to improve their standings. After challenging seasons, Virginia Tech hopes to capitalize on recent performances, while South Carolina looks to bounce back after a disappointing record. Fans are eagerly awaiting this thrilling encounter that has not taken place since the early 90s.
Blacksburg
The Virginia Tech Hokies are set to renew their longstanding rivalry with the South Carolina Gamecocks on Saturday, September 13, 2025. The match will take place at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg and is scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m. ET, with coverage available on the ACC Network.
Last season, South Carolina wrapped up their 2024 campaign with a 5-7 overall record and a 4-4 performance in the Sun Belt conference, finishing tied for third in the Eastern Division. The Gamecocks are helmed by coach Ricky Rahne, who holds a 20-30 record after five seasons at Old Dominion University. In the latest SP+ rankings for 2025, South Carolina is projected to land at 103rd.
Virginia Tech is navigating a challenging period after encountering four losing seasons out of the last five, a trend not seen since the early 1970s. Last season, they ended with a 6-7 record under head coach Brent Pry as they strive to rebuild the football program. The Hokies just recently snapped a losing streak against Old Dominion with a decisive 37-17 victory, marking the end of what fans dubbed the “Norfolk curse.” That game was highlighted by an impressive first quarter where Hokies’ receiver Jaylin Lane recorded 103 yards and a touchdown to give VT an early 14-0 lead.
Recent Performance and Expectations
In their matchup against Old Dominion, the Hokies managed to maintain control throughout the game, despite the Monarchs narrowing the gap to ten points at halftime. The victory was secured mainly due to strong efforts from running backs Kyron Drones and Bhayshul Tuten, both exceeding 100 rushing yards, with Drones tallying 117 yards and Tuten adding 115 yards. Notably, the Hokies’ defense showcased their resilience as they accomplished six sacks during the game, with Antwaun Powell-Ryland leading with four sacks. This high level of defensive performance offers some hope for Hokies fans that the team can build on their strengths heading into the 2025 season.
Despite recent struggles, Virginia Tech continues to receive robust support from fans, particularly during high-stakes games against opponents like Clemson. The fans are eager for the team to regain its competitive edge, especially after numerous close losses last season—five of their six defeats were by a single score.
Historical Context of the Rivalry
The upcoming face-off against South Carolina also marks a significant moment in a historical rivalry, which has seen both teams clash 20 times in the past. South Carolina currently leads the all-time series with 11-7-2. The last meeting occurred back in 1991, making this 2025 matchup a highly anticipated event for fans and players alike.
Virginia Tech, traditionally known for a formidable home-field advantage, has faced criticism after being overlooked on EA Sports’ recent list of the top 25 toughest venues in college football. This scrutiny, combined with the Hokies’ recent performance, adds an extra layer of pressure as they aim to revitalize their program.
As the Virginia Tech Hokies prepare for the 2025 season, the anticipation for the revitalized rivalry against South Carolina grows, setting the stage for a potentially exciting matchup that may define the teams’ trajectories going forward.
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Additional Resources
- SI: Is the Hokies Football Fanbase Underrated?
- College Football News: Virginia Tech Football Preview 2025
- Gobbler Country: Virginia Tech Football’s Recent Challenges
- Rivals: Top 5 Virginia Tech Wins
- WDBJ7: Virginia Tech Football Player Charged with DWI
- Wikipedia: Virginia Tech Hokies Football
- Google Search: Virginia Tech Hokies Football
- Google Scholar: Virginia Tech Hokies
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Virginia Tech Hokies
- Google News: Virginia Tech Hokies
