Late in Saturday's 4th quarter, after the Alabama Crimson Tide stood at a dead and done threshold, Alabama found a way to win. South Carolina took a 22-14 lead with ten minutes left in the contest. Luck had favored the Gamecocks when 90 seconds into the 4th quarter, a punted, bouncing ball nicked the leg of Jaylen Mbakwe. South Carolina recovered, and their 30-yard touchdown drive gave the Gamecocks what felt like a commanding lead.
Alabama had plenty of time to recover. But until the 9:54 4th quarter mark, the Gamecocks' second-half defense had dominated the Crimson Tide. At the 9:54 point, Alabama had run 17 second-half plays and gained a total of 20 yards. A Crimson Tide 14-play, 79-yard, touchdown drive, plus a two-point conversion, tied the game at 22.
The Gamecocks had a chance to respond and win. Tim Keenan III and Deontae Lawson denied South Carolina that chance. A blow by Kennan, a strip by Lawson, and a Lawson-aided Keenan fumble recovery was the game-changer.
Alabama only had to play for a field goal to win. The Crimson Tide didn't need Conor Talty to win. A well-designed and clever play put the ball in Germie Bernard's hands. His 25-yard sprint around end, and tip-toe down the sideline into the endzone was the final exclamation point in the 29-22 victory.
Don't argue with any South Carolina claim that they should have won the game. As the better team for much of the game, they deserved to win. Alabama could have, and maybe should have, lost for five reasons: no effective running game, could not connect on deep passes, too many missed tackles, inconsistent pass protection, and bad luck. Despite all the flaws, Alabama ultimately deserved the win.
Alabama Crimson Tide refused to lose
Hats off to Kalen DeBoer and his staff for molding a never-quit team that believes in each other. Many SEC football teams would have lost to South Carolina on Saturday. Alabama refused to accept that outcome.
DeBoer has created an Alabama culture that perseveres because of belief and effort. For weeks, DeBoer's most used word to describe his team has been resiliency. He used it again Saturday night, "I think the story of the game is resiliency."
Not giving in to adversity, not giving up to defeat; Alabama has had past teams that refused to lose. Kalen DeBoer might be crafting another one.
Note: Stats provided by statbroadcast.com