Alabama Football: 2019 season week 3 preview South Carolina

In week three, Alabama football faces a difficult, challenging SEC East opponent in South Carolina. The last time, the Crimson Tide strolled into Columbia, they lost their swagger due to overconfidence.

Alabama football are the rightful kings of the Southeastern Conference. South Carolina joined the SEC with Arkansas in 1992 bringing much-needed depth and competitive blood to a growing conference. The Gamecocks were an independent school after leaving the ACC in 1970. A few milestones for the Palmetto State school are:

• One Heisman Trophy Winner (George Rogers)
• 200 NFL draft picks
• 13 NFL first rounders (last drafted 2018: TE Hayden Hurst, 25th overall)
• One National Coach of the Year (Joe Morrison)
• Three SEC coaches of the Year (Lou Holtz, 2000 and Steve Spurrier 2005,2010)
• One ACC title (1969)
• Won SEC East (2010)
• Zero weeks as an AP number one

Now, Alabama football possesses a 10-4 record over South Carolina. The most significant margin of victory between the two programs belongs to the Tide as they curb stomped the Gamecocks 55-0 in 1945.

The last two contests occurred in 2009 and 2010. In 2009, bulldozer Mark Ingram’s career-high 246 rushing yards against the Gamecocks defense vaulted him into the Heisman race. A one-person show on the final drive, Ingram gained 68 yards (including rushes of 24 and 22 yards) to lead the Tide to victory. He finished with the fourth-best rushing game in Alabama history behind Shaun Alexander (291), Bobby Humphrey (284) and Derrick Henry (271).

The defending national champions entered the contest on a 18 game winning streak. Revenge powered the nineteenth ranked Gamecocks in the rematch in Columbia as South Carolina demolished the number one ranked Crimson Tide, 35-21. Quarterback Stephen Garcia’s efficient passing attack, Marcus Lattimore’s rugged running, an unstoppable, determined Alshon Jeffrey and the relentless, swarming defense producing seven sacks led to a three-loss season for Alabama.

Afterward, a contrite Saban explained the loss at the postgame presser,

"“It’s not like we just lost. They beat us,” said Alabama coach Nick Saban, now 1-3 against Spurrier. “They outexecuted us. They played better than we played. They played with more intensity. They played physical.”"

Since the devasting loss, Alabama is 17-0 against the SEC East.

Nine years later, the Tide return to the scene of the horrific crime. College Hall of Fame coach Steve Spurrier no longer paces the sidelines. Saban’s former LSU defensive coordinator, Will Muschamp, inherited the gig four years ago.

The former Florida Gators head coach must have a big season to keep the Gamecocks faithful content. Their schedule is Deontay Wilder brutal. Contests against national powers Clemson, Alabama, Georgia, Texas A&M, and Florida is demanding.

His first year, the team finished 6-7. The second season concluded with a promising 9-4. Last season, the Gamecocks took a step backward, closing at 7-5. Sadly, South Carolina fared far better against in-state rival, Clemson, than Alabama did.

Although the records are not stellar, Muschamp’s 22 wins through his first three seasons are the most among Gamecock head coaches.

During the spring postgame press conference, Muschamp declared,

"“I thought we culminated a very good spring, we’ve got a deeper team than we have had, more competitive depth at every position. When guys come to practice every day knowing they have to strain to maintain their position, that helps your football team.”"

Senior Jake Bentley is one of the top returning quarterbacks in the SEC. Against ranked teams, Bentley is 1-10. The senior has posted enormous numbers (7,385 yards and 54 TDs) during his time in Columbia. Against the national champions, he doused the Tigers secondary for 510 yards and five scores. Turnovers (30 career interceptions) will keep opposing teams in the game. If Bentley finds consistency this season, the Gamecocks are a tough out.

The departure of star receiver Deebo Samuel leaves a massive hole at playmaker. Inexperience at wide receiver and running back will give offensive coordinator Bryan Mcclendon a lengthy challenge.

Defensive coordinator Travaris Robinson attempts to fix a unit riddled with injuries last season. There is plenty of exceptional talent on campus, but staying healthy plus on the field is an encounter. Players to watch are long, wiry corners Jaycee Horn (6’1) and Israel Mukuamu (6’4). Senior defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw is a potential first-round draft pick if he plays up to his potential.

The most robust schedule in the country could create significant harm for Muschamp’s tenure in Columbia. However, if the Gamecocks can beat those dangerous opponents, they could propel themselves right into the College Football Playoff.

Alabama football will have to play an ‘A’ game at a raucous William Brice Stadium to leave as victors. Nick Saban will have the team ready to dominate.