It wasn’t pretty. In fact, it was ugly, and No. 7 Alabama continued to give South Carolina new lift Saturday before the Crimson Tide pulled off a 27-25 win in what turned out to be a wild game in Tuscaloosa.

“So often we talk about finding a way to win,” Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer said immediately after the game. “The ball didn’t bounce our way. But when you find a way to win with your back against the wall, like on the last trip there, I’m proud of these guys.

The Tide suffered a shocking 40-35 loss to Vanderbilt in Nashville a week ago.

“It was a week of them really hanging out, the attitude, and coming out,” DeBoer said of the Tide. “I think South Carolina is a very good football team. Through the ups and downs of the game we just stayed the course.”

Jalen Milroe, who ran for two scores but also threw two interceptions, hit Geramie Bernar for a 33-yard touchdown with 1:54 left in the game to give the Tide a 27-19.

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However, the Gamecocks scored a touchdown with less than a minute left, but they failed to get the 2-point conversion. Shane Beamer’s side managed to breathe new life with the onside kick, but a final heave was intercepted.

DeBoer said he was proud of his leader, but also of his defense.

“They also caused some turnovers,” he said of the defense. “These are crucial. Short field right after we threw the interception. There are five points they didn’t have on the scoreboard. They kept fighting. I am proud of them.”

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard daily on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile app from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.