4. Defensive line could be a special one this year
Not only was Virginia Tech breaking in a new defensive coordinator, but they were replacing a lot of talent from their defensive line from last year that they lost to the NFL. After the first drive, the d-line got some great push, which led to a safety, and they racked up sacks as a unit.
Emmett Laws, Kemari Copeland, Elhadj Fall, and company made things difficult at times for Sellers and the Gamecocks' offense. Was it perfect? No, but there is no way that you don't come away from the game feeling better about that group for the rest of the season.
5. Simple avoidable mistakes continue to haunt Virginia Tech
If there is another team in the country that seems to hurt themselves with simple, avoidable mistakes each week, I'd like to meet them. It's the little things that can make a difference in a game, and that was the case against the Gamecocks.
Early in the fourth quarter, and South Carolina clinging to a 10-8 lead, Virginia Tech was forced to punt, and the ball went out of bounds at the Gamecocks' 26-yard line. Perfect. However, the Hokies were flagged for an illegal formation on the kick, and Shane Beamer made them rekick. Smart move. Vicari Swain fielded the ensuing punt at the South Carolina 20-yard line and returned it 80 yards to the house for a backbreaking score. Two punts in a row never lead to good results, and a simple formation penalty basically sealed the game. Virginia Tech football.