Alabama 14 South Carolina 12

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

Taking a page from the Vanderbilt playbook, the Gamecocks mixed a lot of designed 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 needed to finish off.

Things were looking good for the home team when Alabama scored a second touchdown on a long drive that ended in Judge Haynes’ two-yard score. But then things start to erode again when Alabama gave up a fourth-and-long touchdown for the second week in a row.

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

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

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

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

It should be noted that South Carolina threw the punter’s flag because the defender fell under James Burnip’s landing zone. But try explaining that to the idiots on Twitter.