COLUMBIA — South Carolina football has lost four of its last five games and now faces its toughest test yet.
No. 4 Alabama comes to Williams-Brice Stadium on Oct. 25 (3:30 p.m., ABC) riding a six-game win streak. The Crimson Tide (6-1, 4-0 SEC) have taken down four consecutive ranked opponents. The Gamecocks (3-4, 1-4) need three more wins to become bowl eligible.
The last time these two teams met, LaNorris Sellers threw for 238 yards (74.2%) but a failed two-point conversion gave Alabama the 27-25 win. It was the last loss of the 2024 regular season for coach Shane Beamer, who then saw his team finish on a six-game win streak.
South Carolina vs. Alabama prediction
Oklahoma ran the ball through South Carolina’s defense and stopped the Gamecocks in the red zone, but Beamer’s squad only trailed by seven at halftime.
The Gamecocks can’t afford empty trips or leaky defense against Alabama so it’s not a matter of punching first, but remaining consistent with discipline through four quarters.
Last year South Carolina’s talent kept it in the game but what’s on tape for the Gamecocks so far doesn’t mirror the situation in 2024. If South Carolina capitalizes on any Alabama mistakes, it might be closer than expected.
It’s more likely that Alabama pulls away in the second half.
South Carolina vs. Alabama scouting report
Why South Carolina has an advantage: Only 21 FBS teams have more interceptions than South Carolina, and 10 of those have just one more (Gamecocks have eight). Turnovers have been a staple, and against LSU, two came in the red zone, one a fumble forced on the goal line and the other an interception at the 1-yard line.
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson has 18 touchdowns to just one interception (tied for second best in nation) but has been sacked 12 times. South Carolina edge rusher Dylan Stewart has 3.5 sacks and Brian Thomas Jr has four.
South Carolina is tied for the third-most defensive touchdowns in the FBS, which doesn’t include its three special teams scores. While the offense is struggling, that’s an advantage the Gamecocks might have to lean into.
Why Alabama has an advantage: The Crimson Tide are performing better in most major categories.
They are averaging 422.7 total yards compared to South Carolina’s 297.7 (last in SEC), more passing yards (297.1 to 191.1) and more rushing yards (125.6 to 106.6) per game. Alabama is averaging 35.1 points and South Carolina is averaging 20.1.
Alabama allows 309.1 yards per game, while South Carolina is allowing 336.6.
Simpson is one of the most prolific passers in the nation. Beamer recruited him to South Carolina but didn’t get him. Beamer texted Simpson’s father while watching Alabama tape a few nights ago, he revealed on the SEC teleconference Oct. 22, saying Simpson’s throws are some of the best he’s seen in a long time.
South Carolina’s secondary has to deal with Ryan Williams and Germie Bernard, who both have over 400 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Williams averages 7.5 yards after the catch.
Bernard averages 14.3 yards per reception and has caught a pass over 25 yards in five games.
South Carolina football injury report vs Alabama
South Carolina
- OL Cason Henry: Out
- OL Jatavius Shivers: Questionable
- OL Nolan Hay: Probable
- DL Monkell Goodwine: Probable
Alabama
- LB Qua Russaw: Out
- LB Jah-Marien Latham: Out
- LB Cayden Jones: Out
- DL Jeremiah Beaman: Out
South Carolina vs. Alabama score prediction
Alabama 31, South Carolina 14
Lulu Kesin covers South Carolina athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email her at lkesin@gannett.com. Follow her on X@Lulukesin and Bluesky@bylulukesin.bsky.social