Alabama is off to an impressive 3-0 start and is one of just eight teams in college football that already have two wins over Power Four opponents. After a tune-up game in the season opener against East Carolina, the Crimson Tide steamrolled Kentucky in the second half on the way to a 45-17 win.
Last week against Florida State, Alabama fell behind 21-6 before outscoring the Seminoles 44-15 the rest of the way to win 50-36.
For the second week in a row, the Crimson Tide will be inside the friendly confines of Bryant-Denny Stadium. For the third straight year, they'll face South Carolina, and Kalen DeBoer hopes this game isn't as hotly contested as the previous two.
The last two years against the Gamecocks followed a similar script: Alabama takes an early lead, South Carolina goes on a huge run to push Alabama to the brink, and then the Tide scores late to rip their hearts out.
The key for Alabama this week will be to get off to a quicker start. With the schedule that is coming over the next five games, DeBoer and company have to work out the remaining kinks.
Betting odds for Alabama vs. South Carolina
Odds courtesy of FanDuel as of 5am ET on Saturday.
Spread: Alabama -12.5
Over/Under: 54.5
Moneyline: Alabama -530/South Carolina +390
Alabama vs. South Carolina game predictions
LaNorris Sellers is the type of QB that can keep a defensive coordinator up at night. He's difficult to gameplan for with his ability as a runner. The Gamecocks have plenty of skill-position talent that can cause problems down the field, too.
Alabama's defense should be pretty motivated this week, though. Kane Wommack's group was embarrassed last week against Florida State, allowing 450+ yards and 36 points against a QB who has been pretty limited as a passer his entire career. I expect a bounce-back performance from the defense this week.
If that's the case, and if the Alabama offense continues clicking the way we saw over the final 33 minutes of game time against Florida State, then the Crimson Tide should ultimately win and cover. But South Carolina's defense will be the biggest test to date for sophomore QB Keelon Russell. He'll need to remain poised and take care of the football to prevent this game from being the same nail-biter we've watched the last two seasons.
Picks:
John Mitchell: Alabama 30, South Carolina 20
Ron Evans: pending
Trevion Ware: Alabama 35, South Carolina 17
Jaleel Grandberry: Alabama 48, South Carolina 21
Dominic Giacobazzi: Alabama 45, South Carolina 28
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
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