The definition of what a difference a year makes was seen in real time Saturday evening in Columbia, South Carolina for the Alabama Football program. Many forecasted that despite the recent struggles that the Gamecocks were going through before their homecoming game against the Tide was going to be anything but easy. That South Carolina defense is nasty with a lot of NFL talent, which gave the Crimson Tide offensive line fits all day. LaNorris Sellers is the prototype QB who gives the Alabama defense fits, which we saw on display, as well as when things are going right, that crowd at Williams-Brice Stadium is one of the best environments in America.
The same adversity that Ty Simpson and his offensive cast overcame yesterday would have done this team in last year. We even saw when punched in the mouth in Tallahassee this year, the lack of overall team response. But, on Saturday, there was a different feeling I had when watching this team having to fight for their lives, that they were going to counterpunch. That they were going to tie the game up, and in the biggest of moments, this offense hummed like it had the majority of the season. There was no back down, there was no head hanging, or signs of not believing in the comeback.
This team still has a tricky month of football with home games against an LSU team that has hit rock bottom, an up-and-down Oklahoma team where revenge is needed, and then, of course, the Iron Bowl where some of the weirdest things ever happen in Jordan-Hare Stadium no matter what Auburn's record is going into the game. Getting a gritty win in a hostile environment did a lot to get this team ready for the November stretch run. The bye week comes at a good time after an amazing five-game run to allow players to get as healthy as they can this late in the season. Just like last year, everything is in front of this Alabama Football team, but this year, there is a confidence that what is in front of this team will be achieved, and at least some of the big expectations met at a minimum.