When the clock struck triple zeros at Mercedes-Benz Stadium late Sunday afternoon, the No. 13 South Carolina football team walked off the field with a 24-11 victory over Virginia Tech in the Aflac Kickoff Game. It just wasn't a win for Gamecocks coach Shane Beamer; it was a win over a program that he grew up around for decades.
His father Frank, is the legendary coach of the Hokies who brought the program to the national stage behind some talented players who went on to have great NFL careers. He also surrounded himself with outstanding assistant coaches, from Bud Foster to his son Shane.
If there is anyone who understands how passionate the Virginia Tech fanbase is, just how bad they want a winner year after year, it's Shane Beamer. The problem is, since his father left, the program has been stuck spinning its wheels in mud, and now, after three years under Brent Pry, the Hokies are just 16-22. After the game on Sunday, Shane gave his full support to Pry, who is undoubtedly on the hot seat entering Year 4 in Blacksburg.
South Carolina coach Shane Beamer offers full support of Brent Pry at Virginia Tech
After his team's 13-point win to open the 2025 season, Shane Beamer opened his postgame comments with full support of Pry and the job he's doing at Virginia Tech, despite what the numbers say and just how hot the seat might be beginning his fourth season.
"First of all, best of luck to Virginia Tech,'' said Beamer. "Obviously, I've got a lot of respect for that program. Brent Pry is doing a heck of a job. He's the right guy for that job. They're a good team. They're going to win a lot of football games this year."
It's all well and good that Shane Beamer offers full support of Pry, and it isn't surprising that he did, but with each passing game, the frustration is growing with the fanbase. This weekend's home opener against Vanderbilt is a rather big one early in the season, and it feels like a must-win in Week 2. Some good came out of that game for Virginia Tech, but they'll need more good against the Commodores to take the heat off of Pry early this season.