Alabama got an early scare Saturday, escaping South Carolina 29-22 in a fourth-quarter thriller that felt more like a horror movie than a football game.
The Crimson Tide, who have struggled on the road under coach Kalen DeBoer, improved to 1-4 against unranked opponents away from home with the win. Quarterback Ty Simpson led the offense, completing 24 of 43 passes for 253 yards and two touchdowns.
The first half was a back-and-forth battle. South Carolina opened with a field goal before Alabama answered quickly. Both teams traded punts, turnovers and missed chances, with the Tide holding a 14-6 lead at halftime.
The Gamecocks surged ahead in the third quarter, taking a 15-14 lead that kept the crowd on edge. Alabama’s offense sputtered until the fourth quarter, when South Carolina stretched its advantage to 22-14 and appeared set for an upset.
Linebacker Deontae Lawson sparked the comeback with a crushing hit that forced a fumble, which Tim Keenan III recovered. The turnover ignited a 14-play, 79-yard drive capped by a game-tying touchdown. After Alabama’s defense forced a punt, the Tide marched 38 yards in five plays to score the go-ahead touchdown and seal the victory.
South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers threw for 213 yards with one touchdown and one interception, adding 67 rushing yards and another score. Freshman receiver Nyck Harbor caught a touchdown, while Bryan Thomas Jr. Notched a sack and solo tackle to keep the Gamecocks within striking distance.
Alabama finished with 325 total yards to South Carolina’s 333. Both teams committed two turnovers. The Gamecocks edged Alabama in first downs, 18-17, but the Tide converted 8 of 16 third downs to fuel their late-game rally.
Alabama will host LSU after a bye week on Nov. 8.
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