No. 4 Alabama staged a remarkable comeback against South Carolina, winning 29-22 on Saturday. The Crimson Tide’s victory marked their seventh consecutive win under head coach Kalen DeBoer, elevating their record to 7-1 overall and 5-0 in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). This victory solidifies their position as strong contenders for both the SEC championship and the College Football Playoff (CFP).
Game Recap
Alabama faced challenges early in the game, notably struggling in the third quarter. On a crucial fourth-and-1 play, Heisman Trophy candidate Ty Simpson targeted standout receiver Ryan Williams, who failed to make the catch. Following this missed opportunity, South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers connected with Nyck Harbor for a 54-yard touchdown, narrowing Alabama’s lead to 14-12.
South Carolina, with a record of 3-5 and 1-5 in the SEC, took control momentarily after scoring a field goal. A mishap on special teams led to a critical fumble. Alabama’s Keon Sabb inadvertently deflected a punt, allowing Harbor to recover in Alabama territory. This set the stage for Sellers to dash into the end zone on a 10-yard run, giving South Carolina a 22-14 lead with 10 minutes remaining.
Alabama’s Resilience
Alabama responded with urgency. They orchestrated a meticulous 14-play drive spanning 79 yards, capped by Simpson’s touchdown pass to Germie Bernard. Simpson also succeeded on a two-point conversion, throwing to Josh Cuevas to tie the score at 22-22.
In a pivotal moment, Alabama’s Deontae Lawson forced a fumble from Sellers late in the game, and Tim Keenan III recovered inside South Carolina’s 40-yard line. Just 34 seconds before the final whistle, Bernard rushed for a decisive 25-yard touchdown, securing the win for Alabama.
Performance Stats
| Player | Passing Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|
| Ty Simpson | 252 | 2 |
Looking Ahead
Coach DeBoer and the Crimson Tide are set to face significant challenges ahead. They have a break next week before competing against ranked opponents LSU and Oklahoma. Alabama has previously faced a challenging road, losing four consecutive games against unranked teams, including one earlier this season against Florida State.
As of now, Alabama is one of only two undefeated teams in SEC play, alongside Texas A&M. This latest win boosts their chances to make it to the SEC championship. Alabama also holds tiebreakers against other one-loss teams like Georgia and Vanderbilt.
Implications for SEC and CFP
This victory is crucial for Alabama’s standing in the playoff race. They join four other SEC teams with one or no losses, creating a competitive environment for the CFP. Alabama’s next few games will be critical, but their current momentum places them in a strong position for postseason play.
