Alabama vs. South Carolina: final odds and prediction
Alabama football is hoping for a get right game today with South Carolina in town. The Crimson Tide is coming off a humbling defeat at Vanderbilt that dropped them from No. 1 to No. 7 in the AP Poll. Alabama was riding the highest of highs after beating Georgia, and is now stuck squarely in the valley hoping to dig itself out.
South Carolina enters the game coming off a loss as well, its second of the season. The Gamecocks were soundly beaten 27-3 at home by Ole Miss. South Carolina is in need of a win as bad as Alabama, which should create some tense moments at Bryant-Denny.
Alabama will be welcoming back former head coach and quarterback Mike Shula, making his first return to Bryant-Denny Stadium since he was let go following the 2006 regular season. Shula is a senior offensive analyst for the Gamecocks.
For better or worse, we're going to find out a lot about Kalen DeBoer and the Crimson Tide team today.
Betting Odds
Odds courtesy of FanDuel
Spread: Alabama -21.5
Over/Under: 50.5
Vegas hasn't lost its confidence in the Crimson Tide unlike most fans. South Carolina is a quality opponent already and are battle tested, but Alabama is still a three touchdown home favorite.
Prediction:
I think Alabama bounces back in a big way on Saturday afternoon. I think the Crimson Tide is in the right state of mind coming in and are looking to get back to the standard we saw in the first half against Georgia.
Look for the defense to play a much better game, getting back to the aggressiveness we saw early against the Bulldogs.
While South Carolina's pass rush can cause problems, a mobile quarterback like Jalen Milroe can be kryptonite for edge rushers.