ATLANTA (AP) — Vicari Swain returned a punt 80 yards for a touchdown to break open a close game, LaNorris Sellers threw a 64-yard touchdown pass to Nyck Harbor, and No. 13 South Carolina beat Virginia Tech 24-11 on Sunday in the opener for both teams.
Gamecocks coach Shane Beamer used his brand of “Beamerball” to pull away from the school where his dad, Frank Beamer, originated the style of play that emphasizes turnovers and big plays on special teams. Frank was in attendance at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, wearing South Carolina black .
South Carolina intercepted Virginia Tech's Kyron Drones twice — once in the red zone to halt a first-quarter drive, and again in the fourth quarter to help seal the win.
The Gamecocks led 10-8 early in the fourth when Swain fielded a punt by Nick Veltsistas