Alabama 14 South Carolina 12

South Carolina did the Crimson Tide a favor by adjourning until the second half after winning the coin toss. It felt like Alabama really needed to get the ball first. Jalen Milroe took the first possession 75 yards and scored on a sneak from one yard out.

Following the Vanderbilt playbook, the Gamecocks mixed in a lot of targeted QB runs and short passes from LaNorris Sellers and got the ball to RB Raheim Sanders in a variety of ways. The Tide defense was more intense, but also had a few near sacks that they had to deal with.

Things were looking good for the home team as Alabama scored a second touchdown on a long drive that ended in a two-yard score by Justice Haynes. But then things start to fall apart once again, as Alabama gave up a fourth-and-long touchdown for the second straight game.

On the ensuing kickoff, a stupid personal foul by Bama on Caleb Odom brought the Crimson Tide back to their own 18-yard line. Further blocking errors forced Milroe back into the end zone, where he intentionally landed in the end zone for a safety.

A defensive offside call from Malachi Moore on the free kick gave the Gamecocks life, but fortunately for the Tide, a fumble near midfield gave them new life. However, under pressure, Milroe threw a silly interception that SC was able to return 31 yards and turn into a field goal as time expired.

During the halftime interview, Kalen DeBoer espoused his “don’t panic” mantra, but damn, it’s time to start SHOUTING! Get angry!

CB Domani Jackson left the game on a cart with what appeared to be a non-contact injury.

Of note: South Carolina’s roughing-the-punter flag was raised because the defender fell below James Burnip’s landing zone. But try explaining that to the idiots on Twitter.