In the earlier posts in this series that began with the Auburn game, I have Alabama with six wins and one loss. A presumption is that the Crimson Tide will finish the regular season at 10-2. A nagging thought is that the second loss will be Kalen DeBoer losing against an underdog.
My hunch is the second loss will come while the Alabama offense is still finding itself early in the season.
Alabama Football - South Carolina Game Prediction
The 2026 season will likely be make or break for Shane Beamer. In five head coaching seasons, Beamer's record is 33-30. From a 9-4 2024 season, the Gamecocks plummeted to 4-0 last season. South Carolina has been a tough out for the Crimson Tide in the last two seasons. In 2024, Alabama squeaked by, winning 27-25 in Tuscaloosa.
If South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers returns to his form in the 2024 season, the Gamecocks will be improved. Arguably the SEC's best defensive player is Edge Dylan Stewart. He has been held in check by Alabama in the past, but South Carolina's front seven could be equal to the Crimson Tide's. They can cause problems for the new Alabama offensive line. If South Carolina is frequently disruptive with quarterback pressure - and Alabama isn't - LaNorrus Sellers could outduel Keelon Russell or Austin Mack.
South Carolina is not good enough to win without Alabama doing things to beat itself. My prediction is South Carolina steals a narrow win, or Alabama wins by double digits. Forced to call it one way: South Carolina 28 - Alabama 27
Alabama vs. Florida State Game Prediction
Even though his buyout is considerable, FSU's Mike Norvell is another hot-seat coach. Another win over Alabama would boost his job security. The Noles should be better than last season, when the upset of Alabama was one of only five wins.
Gus Malzahn is gone. Norvell will call plays again. Auburn transfer quarterback Ashton Daniels rushed for 108 yards in last season's Iron Bowl. His completion percentage for the game was a dreadful 46.2%. In Daniels' four-season college career, he has 24 touchdown passes and 22 interceptions. Daniels will add to his interception count in Tuscaloosa.
The Crimson Tide is a heavy favorite for sound reasons: Alabama 31 - Florida State 17
Note: Stats provided by Sports Reference
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