Alabama Football: Tide vs. South Carolina game predictions
By Ronald Evans
As Alabama football opens its SEC regular season schedule the Bama Hammer staff drills down on some South Carolina game predictions.
After cruising to two early victories, an SEC road game awaits Alabama football. Will the Crimson Tide cruise again as the oddsmakers predict or will the task prove tough in Columbia, SC?
Every week one of our staff contributors, Zachary Mangum runs a numbers spin prediction. This week Zach concluded the numbers say another Crimson Tide blowout. Zach’s prediction was 59-14 in favor of Alabama football.
That is a bold prediction. The rest of the Bama Hammer team has some different takes, starting with one that is not nearly so rosy (or should we say crimson.)
Bama Hammer Contributor, Ronald Moody
Alabama faces a dogfight in Columbia. The Gamecocks defense keeps Tua and the offense at bay. Hilinski doesn’t fare well against the Crimson Tide veteran secondary giving Alabama the win.
Alabama 24 – South Carolina 10
Bama Hammer Contributor, Chris Dodson
Having seen this show between Alabama/S.C. back in 2010, the feel of this game is eerily similar. However, I think Nick Saban knows that too. This isn’t the same South Carolina team either with Will Muschamp instead of Steve Spurrier. I think it won’t be close and Bama comes out with a big win.
Alabama 38 – South Carolina 6
Bama Hammer Contributor, Lauri Springer
The South Carolina offense will find some success early in moving the ball exploiting the weakness in the Bama linebackers. The Alabama Crimson Tide will make necessary adjustments to limit offensive production in the second half forcing South Carolina to rely on a few field goals. The Gamecocks defense will struggle to contain Tua who will have to rely on the passing game early. The run game will finally open up in the second half as the Crimson Tide puts the game away. Special tip – Reichard nails a 50-plus yard field goal in the half.
Alabama 45 – South Carolina 20
Bama Hammer Lead Writer, Ronald Evans
Alabama football will notch up win No. 3 for the 2019 season. Beyond that, I am not sure the Crimson Tide is three touchdowns better on the road. South Carolina is better than its loss to North Carolina showed. It may not happen Saturday but Hilinski is going to be sensational.
Who will wear down first in the heat – the thin Crimson Tide d-line or the South Carolina O-line? If Muschamp is smart, he will try what Spurrier achieved in 2010 – slow down the game.
The Gamecocks have enough athletes to make it interesting for a couple of quarters, maybe even three. My best guess is the Tide pulls away late.
Alabama 38 – South Carolina 17
Check in with us each week Crimson Tide fans. The Bama Hammer staff ‘calls it as we see it’ with our game predictions.