On Saturday, No. 7 Alabama (4-1, 1-1 SEC) will host South Carolina (3-2. 1-2 SEC) inside Bryant-Denny Stadium for just the 17th time in program history.
The Crimson Tide will look to bounce back after suffering a disappointing 40-35 loss to Vanderbilt last week.
Here are a few things to watch for this Saturday as the Crimson Tide plays host to South Carolina.
Will Alabama Bounce Back?
After knocking off Georgia and gaining the No. 1 ranking in the nation, Alabama fell victim to the trap game and lost to Vanderbilt for the first time in 40 years. Kalen DeBoer suffered the first loss of his Alabama career, and it was an embarrassing one. How will the Crimson Tide respond on Saturday? Throughout the week, coaches and players have claimed that they are focused, but we will find out when the Crimson Tide take the field for an early 11 a.m. kickoff time.
Protecting Milroe
Ever since the offensive line got healthy, it has been one of the best units in college football. The unit will have its hands full against a South Carolina team that has one of the best pass rushes in the conference. The Gamecocks are extremely athletic on the defensive line. As a result of pressuring the quarterback, it has allowed just four passing touchdowns and forced six interceptions on the year. Giving Jalen Milroe time to hit the big plays downfield will be crucial.
Limiting the Quarterback Runs
Last week, Alabama struggled with a mobile quarterback, and it cost them the game. This week the Crimson Tide defense will have another chance to defend a dual-threat quarterback. LaNorris Sellers, who has battled injury early in the season, is expected to be the starter, but the backup is Robby Ashford, another mobile quarterback. On the season, Sellers has 300 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
Can Williams Make it Six Straight?
Ryan Williams has been absolutely electric in his freshman season. Williams leads the team in catches, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns this year. His explosiveness has led to him having five plays of 50 or more yards, and he has scored a touchdown in all five of Alabama’s games this season.
Get Jam and Justice Some Touches
Jam Miller and Justice Haynes are averaging over seven yards per carry this season. The problem is they aren’t getting enough touches, as the running back duo has a combined 70 carries compared to Milroe’s 59 carries. Explosive plays in the passing game have also caused a lack of running back carries. Getting the running backs involved early should help eat up some time of possession to give the defense a rest and slow down the South Carolina pass rush.
Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. CT. The game will be televised by ABC.
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