The Alabama Crimson Tide faced the South Carolina Gamecocks in Tuscaloosa on October 12th, 2024. Alabama was coming into this game off a stunning 40-35 upset loss against Vanderbilt last week that shocked the college football world. Alabama was the AP Number 1 ranked team and after the loss, they dropped down to seven. Some people even thought Alabama’s season was over at that point. On the other hand, South Carolina had lost to Ole Miss, but the Gamecocks have shown throughout the season that they can make plays and compete with other SEC football teams. They showed that against Alabama.
Game Breakdown
Alabama:
Offensively, the Crimson Tide was stagnant in the first quarter only scoring seven points, but in the second quarter, things seemed to improve. Particularly in the run game, with a touchdown by running back Justice Haynes that put Alabama up 14-0. Alabama didn’t score another touchdown until the fourth quarter.
There was a plethora of missed opportunities in the passing game for a large part of the contest. The offense was 5/11 on third down conversions which gave the Gamecocks more chances with the ball. Bama receivers weren’t as productive as they normally are, and the offensive line play lacked a bit. Quarterback Jalen Milroe was 16/23 for 209 yards and a touchdown to two interceptions. He also carried the ball 18 times for 36 yards and 2 rushing touchdowns. Jalen played a decent game, but the turnovers were a hindrance. But in spite of the turnovers, Jalen’s playmaking on the ground especially kept them in the game.
Defensively, Alabama was playing well at the beginning of the game, holding South Carolina to seven points for more than a quarter and a half. Penalties were a negative factor during the game for the defense. Things started breaking for the defense in third and fourth quarter when they gave up two big touchdowns and of them could have cost them game in hindsight. The Gamecocks got the ball back due to an onside kick, but Alabama’s defense prevailed with a game sealing interception by Domani Jackson.
South Carolina
Offensively, South Carolina was deficient in the first half, only scoring seven offensive points. In the second half, the Gamecocks offense was orchestrating a comeback with two big touchdowns. Quarterback LaNorris Sellers was exceptional, going 23/31 for 238 yards and two touchdowns through the air to one interception. LaNorris did a good job of making defenders miss on what would be sacks and escaping the pocket to extend plays. Gamecock Running Raheim Sanders helped tremendously in the run game with 16 carries for 78 yards and a touchdown. Receiver Nyck Harbor put them back in the game with a toe-tap touchdown catch to increase South Carolina’s score to 25 but they failed to convert on the two-point try.
Defensively, the Gamecocks caused multiple turnovers including a safety. They only gave up 104 rushing yards but still struggled against the ground game as it pertained to relinquishing rushing touchdowns. Their secondary held Bama pass catchers to only one receiving touchdown, which occurred in the 4th quarter due to a blown coverage. Overall, their defense played well.
South Carolina outgained Alabama in passing, rushing, and yards per play. The Gamecock offense had 23 first downs to the Tide’s 20. South Carolina played well enough to win but Alabama won the game 27-25 in dramatic fashion, increasing their record to 5-1 while South Carolina fell to 3-3.
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