Alabama Avoids Upset, Bigger Concerns Lie Ahead in Victory over South Carolina

Whatever the opposite of "Joyless Murderball" is, that's what Alabama is playing right now.

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This football team looks nothing like the unit that defeated the Georgia Bulldogs two weeks ago. This team looks the exact opposite of the team that held a 30-7 first-half lead over Georgia.

And yet, Alabama survived on Saturday, avoiding a second straight loss to an unranked team. The Crimson Tide defeated the South Carolina Gamecocks, 27-25.

It was an ugly game. Alabama took a 14-0 lead early, and it looked like the Crimson Tide had found a rhythm following an embarrassing loss to Vanderbilt. As Lee Corso says, "Not so fast."

Alabama was held scoreless in the third quarter, with South Carolina taking a 19-14 lead over the Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa. Alabama rebounded, taking a slim one-point lead over the Gamecocks following a Jalen Milroe seven-yard rushing touchdown.

Alabama immediately let South Carolina drive down the field. Thankfully for the Crimson Tide, a penalty slowed down South Carolina's offensive possession, setting up third down and 18.

South Carolina only got three yards and missed the field goal. Alabama responded by scoring the eventual game-winning touchdown on a pass from Jalen Milroe to Germie Bernard. Alabama took a 27-19 lead. South Carolina marched down the field and true freshman Nyck Harbor gave the Gamecocks life. Alabama held, with Domani Jackson sealing the game with a pick of LaNorris Sellers in the endzone as time expired.

Alabama has its work cut out for them this week, preparing for the Tennessee Volunteers and a road trip to Knoxville.

Stat Leaders

Passing - Jalen Milroe - 16/23, 209 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
Rushing - Jam Miller - 12 carries, 42 yards
Receiving - Germie Bernard - 4 catches, 89 yards, 1 TD
Defensive - Keon Sabb -12 tackles

Alabama's next game will come Saturday, October 19,  in Knoxville, Tennessee, for the Third Saturday in October rivalry with the Tennessee Volunteers.