Alabama's Late Game Magic Keeps Them Unbeaten

In a thrilling SEC showdown, Alabama found a way to escape with a win against South Carolina. The Crimson Tide, ranked fourth, faced a tough challenge on the road against an unranked opponent. South Carolina, known for their strong running game, kept the pressure on Alabama throughout the game. The Gamecocks even led for most of the second half, showing they were not intimidated by Alabama's reputation. Alabama's offense struggled early, with three straight possessions ending in punts or a fumble. But their defense stepped up, scoring a touchdown after a South Carolina fumble. The Gamecocks' defense also played well, holding Alabama to just 205 yards in the first three quarters. South Carolina's offense, led by quarterback LaNorris Sellers, moved the ball effectively, including a 74-yard drive that resulted in a field goal. The turning point came late in the game. With the score tied at 22, Alabama's defense made a crucial play. Linebacker Deontae Lawson stripped the ball from Sellers, giving Alabama the ball back with a chance to win. Ty Simpson then connected with Josh Cuevas for a two-point conversion to take the lead. But the real hero was Germie Bernard, who scored the game-sealing touchdown with just 34 seconds left. South Carolina played with confidence, converting two fourth downs and using a play from Steve Spurrier's old playbook for a big touchdown. Their offense, led by first-year offensive coordinator Shula, showed improvement, especially in the red zone. But in the end, Alabama's experience and clutch plays made the difference. The win keeps Alabama's SEC title hopes alive, extending their winning streak to seven games. They are now 5-0 in conference play, showing resilience in close games. South Carolina, despite the loss, showed they can compete with the best in the SEC. Their offense, ranked last in several categories, showed flashes of potential that could make them a dangerous team in the future.