South Carolina plays 'Beamerball' to perfection to beat Virginia Tech in opener

ATLANTA- 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. The elder Beamer was in attendance at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, wearing South Carolina black.

"Thought you'd like a special teams touchdown," Shane Beamer told his dad as they shared a post-game hug.

South Carolina intercepted two passes by Virginia Tech's Kyron Drones. Fred Johnson made a pick in the red zone to halt a first-quarter drive, and Peyton Williams' interception in the fourth quarter helped seal the win.

The Gamecocks led 10-8 early in the fourth when Swain fielded a punt by Nick Veltsistas, turned upfield and made several would-be tacklers miss on the way to the end zone. After a Virginia Tech field goal, Sellers found Harbor wide open on a deep post route to restore South Carolina's two-score advantage.

Swain muffed a punt earlier in the game and narrowly avoided disaster by recovering the ball. Beamer comforted the sophomore on the sideline after that play.

"Coach Beamer was like, 'This is going to happen,'" Swain said. "'It's your first time being out there. Just make sure on the next one, just take it to the house.' So I took it to the house, and my thought process was like, 'I messed up the first time, can't mess up again. This is my only shot.'"

Beamer's faith in Swain, a defensive back and part-time return man, was rewarded.

"So proud of Vicari Swain," Beamer said. "He's a weapon, and it was really neat for him to do that, and how fitting that is playing Virginia Tech with their history, my dad's history at special teams."

Sellers scored South Carolina's first touchdown on a 15-yard rush and was 12 of 19 passing for 209 yards and the TD to Harbor, who had three catches for 99 yards. Harbor had another potential touchdown taken away by a replay review.

Virginia Tech's offense was held without a touchdown. John Love kicked three field goals, including a 56-yarder, and the Hokies' defense contributed a safety in the first quarter when Kelvin Gilliam Jr. and Kody Huisman took down Sellers in the end zone.

Drones went 15 of 35 for 221 yards and two interceptions.

"Just self-inflicted wounds," Drones said. "You can't shoot yourselves in the foot against a good opponent like that. We got to be better next week. We will be."

LOCAL STARS

Former Lakewood star Brandon Cisse made his first start for the Gamecocks after transferring from North Carolina State.

The versatile defensive back moved around quite a bit throughout the game, splitting time between outside corner and nickel. The former Gator broke up the first pass in his direction to force a Virginia Tech punt on the opening possession. He finished with two pass breakups, an assisted tackle for a loss and four total tackles.

Former South Carolina stars were buzzing with excitement about his play on social media.

"15 not going !! Stop looking that way," Carolina Panthers corner Jaycee Horn posted on X with the lock emoji. Stephon Gilmore, the former USC corner who went on to win the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year in 2019 added, "Hey Nice next one up."

Nick Emmanwori, who was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the second round of the NFL draft in April chimed in with, "@BrandonCisse seatbelt committee, was straps all day!"

Former Sumter High standout Anthony Addison dressed for the game as a freshman but didn't see any playing time in the opener. He did take some time after the game to sign autographs for young fans as the team celebrated its win.

TAKEAWAYS

Virginia Tech: In addition to the safety, the Hokies' defense had four sacks and five tackles for loss.

South Carolina: The sacks taken by Sellers showed a weakness in the Gamecocks' offensive line and, at times, his lack of awareness in the pocket.

UP NEXT

Virginia Tech hosts Vanderbilt on Saturday.

South Carolina hosts South Carolina State on Saturday.