The Verdict: Winning ugly is still winning

Carolina won the ball game.

Virginia tech outgained Carolina.

Carolina won the ball game.

Virginia Tech won the time of possession battle.

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Carolina won the ball game.

Virginia Tech sacked Sellers four times including one in the endzone for a safety.

Carolina won the ball game.

Carolina had more penalties than Virginia Tech.

Carolina won the ball game.

Carolina won the ball game because we got some dang dudes on this team.

Even in a week one contest that at times was messy, and at times was sloppy, and at times saw points taken off the board because college football referees still cannot agree on what is a catch and what is not a catch – even with all of that, Carolina’s playmakers made plays.

How about LaNorris Sellers being Houdini/Superman on multiple runs?

How about Dylan Stewart taking over in the second half despite being held almost every
play?

How about Nyck Harbor finally being able to get behind the opposing defense’s secondary for a long touchdown reception?

But how about all the guys that popped for the first time in their Gamecock careers?

Brandon Cisse was wildly impressive in his Gamecock debut. Fred Johnson ooked like the most impressive linebacker Carolina has had in years if not decades, and this program had three NFL linebackers on its roster last season.

Oscar Adaway averaged over four yards per carry. Peyton Williams had the game-clinching interception. Vicari Swain’s punt return almost caused a Chris Paschal Achilles tendon
injury.

All that being said, there is a lot for this team to clean up heading into the heart of
the schedule.

Yet again, Carolina’s offensive line was a massive liability with inadequate pass protection and self-inflicted, drive-killing mistakes. Carolina defensive backs, despite blanketing Hokie receivers, lost multiple one-on-one battles giving up big pass plays.

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And there were some key drops by Carolina pass catchers throughout the game
that could have extended drives.

All those things I mentioned in the first paragraph happened and Carolina still won by two touchdowns. There is a lot of hope for this team heading into 2025 and winning ugly in a neutral site stadium in late August did nothing to dampen those hopes and expectations.

For the first time since 2013, Carolina is ranked inside the AP Top 10.

LaNorris Sellers has soared to the top of the list as one of the early season favorites to
win the Heisman Trophy.

Coming to town this weekend is our in-state brethren from Orangeburg. Watching South Carolina State win the Celebration Bowl a few years back over Coach Prime and Jackson State was epic. But here’s to hoping this Saturday’s game is over by halftime.

Carolina needs to clean some things up but even more importantly get and stay healthy.

While winning ugly is still winning, and it was great to see some new faces play at a high level, Carolina is going to need to play cleaner and sharper heading into SEC play. That starts with a good showing this Saturday.

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