Could South Carolina Shock Alabama in Week 9? Roll Tide Wire Staff Weighs In

After rattling off six consecutive wins, the Alabama Crimson Tide are gearing up to face the South Carolina Gamecocks this Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina. It’s quite the setting given last year’s nail-biter when Alabama eked out a slim 27-25 victory at home, barely dodging an upset that still lingers in the memory. But this time around, the Gamecocks come into the fray a bit reshaped—with a 3-4 overall record and 1-4 in SEC play—and carrying some familiar names from Alabama’s own roster, including former transfers Justin Okoronkwo, Monkell Goodwine, and none other than Mike Shula now calling the plays on offense. This clash promises intensity, and as always, we’re turning to the experts at Roll Tide Wire for their takes on how this Week 9 showdown might shake out. LEARN MORE

Having won six-straight, the Alabama Crimson Tide are set to return to action Saturday afternoon against the South Carolina Gamecocks.

Taking place from Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina is a team that gave Alabama major troubles a year ago, with the Crimson Tide narrowly escaping a potential upset in Tuscaloosa, 27-25.

This season though, South Carolina is a different team you could argue, as the Gamecocks currently own a record of 3-4 overall this season, while also 1-4 in SEC play. South Carolina is also a team with many familiar faces to Alabama such as former transfers Justin Okoronkwo and Monkell Goodwine, as well as former head coach Mike Shula as the Gamecocks offensive coordinator.

Following are Roll Tide Wire’s staff predictions for the Alabama vs. South Carolina showdown in Week 9.

Matt Melton’s prediction: Alabama Crimson Tide 33, South Carolina Gamecocks 16

While the Gamecocks have certainly struggled at times this season, especially offensively, make no mistake that the Crimson Tide are going to get South Carolina’s best Saturday in front of what will be a raucous road environment at Williams-Brice Stadium. This is a game where Alabama should leave with a victory though, as the Crimson Tide are the better team, especially offensively, and should pull away from the Gamecocks in the second half.

Steve Holley’s prediction: Alabama Crimson Tide 28, South Carolina Gamecocks 17

South Carolina has totaled just 17 points over its last two games (against LSU and Oklahoma). The Gamecocks’ offensive line in that stretch yielded 11 sacks combined. Alabama, which hasn’t been a great pass-rushing team — 81st nationally in sacks — can make things a little easier on itself if Kane Wommack’s unit can get after LaNorris Sellers. I’ve been so impressed with sophomore Yhonzae Pierre. He may be Alabama’s best pass rush threat.

On offense, it starts in the trenches because Ty Simpson is making NFL throws for Alabama this season when the O-line gives him time and protection. Jam Miller is one of my favorite players, but Daniel Hill looks like the Tide’s best option right now at running back. His running style reminds me a bit of Brian Robinson; they’re both very physical and tough to bring down. Plus, Hill looks healthier than Jam, who has shouldered the load a lot this season.

I think this game will be closer than expected, just because of a road game atmosphere and that South Carolina probably isn’t quite as bad as their offense has looked this season (127th nationally, or eighth from last in all of FBS) at 297.7 yards per game), but I have Alabama by two scores.

Rob King’s prediction: Alabama Crimson Tide 35, South Carolina Gamecocks 19

Alabama wins convincingly in this game. Alabama never trails in this game. South Carolina defensive backs are unable to cover Bama wide receivers, another big game from Isaiah Horton at intermediate level (2 TD). Passing game opens up for running. Hill, Reilly, Jam all chip in. Overton and Pierre tee off. Collectively, Alabama defense gets 4 sacks. Alabama leads 2-3 scores most of the game.

Jake Boico’s prediction: Alabama Crimson Tide 28, South Carolina Gamecocks 17

South Carolina is not a team to be taken lightly despite their current record. I believe the matchup will be much closer than expected, but ultimately Ty Simpson will play at an extremely high level once again and the Tide will leave Williams-Brice Stadium with a 28-17 victory.

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