(BCSNN) — LaNorris Sellers accounted for two touchdowns and No. 13 South Carolina leaned on explosive special teams and timely defense to defeat Virginia Tech 24–11 on Sunday in the Aflac Kickoff Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The win marked a successful start to the season for head coach Shane Beamer against the program where his father, Frank Beamer, built a legacy around the very style of play that defined the Gamecocks’ victory.

Sellers completed 12 of 19 passes for 209 yards and a touchdown, adding a 15-yard rushing score on South Carolina’s opening drive. His fourth-quarter strike to Nyck Harbor — a 64-yard deep post — sealed the win and capped a balanced offensive performance. Harbor finished with three catches for 99 yards, while Sellers showed poise despite taking four sacks and absorbing a safety in the first quarter.

Virginia Tech quarterback Kyron Drones struggled to find rhythm against a fast and physical South Carolina defense. He completed just 15 of 35 passes for 178 yards and threw two interceptions, including one in the red zone that halted a promising first-quarter drive. The Hokies failed to reach the end zone, settling for three field goals from kicker John Love, including a 56-yarder to close the first half.

The Gamecocks’ ground game was led by Juju McDowell, who rushed for 58 yards on 11 carries. Sellers added 32 yards on the ground, while Mario Anderson chipped in 27. Virginia Tech’s Bhayshul Tuten led all rushers with 67 yards on 14 carries, but the Hokies averaged just 3.2 yards per rush and couldn’t sustain drives in the second half.

The turning point came early in the fourth quarter when Vicari Swain returned a punt 80 yards for a touchdown, breaking open a tight 10–8 contest. The play was a nod to the Beamerball tradition of scoring in all three phases, and it gave South Carolina the momentum it needed to close out the game.

“So proud of Vicari Swain,” said Beamer. “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.”

South Carolina’s defense intercepted Drones twice and recorded five tackles for loss. Fred Johnson’s first-quarter pick at the goal line prevented an early Hokies lead, and Rueben Bain Jr. added a fourth-quarter interception to snuff out a late comeback attempt. The Gamecocks held Virginia Tech to 336 total yards and just 11 points despite losing the time-of-possession battle.

Virginia Tech (0–1) will look to regroup when it hosts Vanderbilt on Saturday in Blacksburg. Head coach Brent Pry acknowledged the offensive struggles but praised his defense’s effort. South Carolina (1–0) returns home to face South Carolina State next Saturday, aiming to build on a performance that showcased its depth and versatility.