Takeaways from Alabama's football win over South Carolina

(This story has been updated because an earlier version contained an inaccuracy in correcting Alabama's total turnovers and third-down defense conversion rate.)

After suffering its first loss to Vanderbilt since 1984 last week, Alabama football looked to get back on the winning streak Saturday against South Carolina.

She did, perhaps not the way she wanted, defeating the Gamecocks 27-25 at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Crimson Tide had a 14-12 lead entering the half, while South Carolina took its first lead of the game at 19-14 after halftime.

Jalen Milroe finally took the lead back for Alabama in the fourth quarter after a 7-yard touchdown run and added a 34-yard touchdown pass to Germie Bernard later in the quarter to further extend Alabama's lead. The Gamecocks weren't done yet and responded with a touchdown drive of their own, followed by a successful onside kick attempt to regain possession with 0:34 left. It was unsuccessful as Domani Jackson singled out LaNorris Sellers on the final play of the game as Alabama held on for the win.

Here are three takeaways from No. 7 Alabama (5-1, 2-1 SEC) vs. South Carolina (3-3, 1-3):

Alabama football starts fast and struggles to finish the first half

Behind rushing touchdowns from Milroe and Jam Miller, Alabama had a 14-0 lead midway through the second quarter. However, South Carolina scored 12 points in the final two minutes of the first half to cut the deficit to two.

The Gamecocks' first score came on a 36-yard touchdown pass from Sellers to Mazeo Bennett Jr., who converted on fourth-and-9. On Alabama's ensuing drive, Milroe threw the ball away in the end zone after facing pressure, resulting in an intentional grounding penalty and a South Carolina safety.

Alabama then forced a fumble on South Carolina's next drive, bringing it to its own 47 with 0:48 left. Two plays later, Milroe was picked off by Jalon Kilgore, who returned the ball to the Alabama 19-yard line to set up a 37-yard field goal by Alex Herrera to end the half.

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The defense is capable of getting third-down stops and forcing turnovers

Last week against Vanderbilt, Alabama had a difficult time stopping third downs, as the Commodores converted 12 of their 18 third-down attempts (66.7%). Things were very different on Saturday against South Carolina, at least in the first half.

The Crimson Tide held the Gamecocks to 0 of 5 on third down conversion attempts in the first two quarters. The second half was a little different: Gamecocks opened the half converting five of five third down attempts. They finished the game making 7 of 15 attempts on third down (46.7%).

Turnovers and sacks were also difficult for Alabama to come by last week against Vanderbilt, as the Crimson Tide failed to record a single one. On Saturday, the Crimson Tide forced four turnovers and caused four sacks for -36 yards.

Alabama's offense held to a season-low 313 total yards and was outpaced by USC

Alabama's offense had yet to finish a game with less than 393 yards of total offense this season. Against the Gamecocks, the Crimson Tide offense totaled 313 yards of offense, compared to South Carolina's 372 yards.

Saturday marked the first time Milroe threw multiple interceptions, only being intercepted twice beforehand. Milroe finished the day with two rushing touchdowns while completing 16 of 23 passes for 209 yards and a touchdown.

Jam Miller led the Alabama backfield with 42 yards on 12 carries, while Bernard led the Alabama receiving corps with four receptions for 89 yards and a touchdown.

Anna Snyder covers high school sports and softball and football recruiting at the University of Alabama for The Tuscaloosa News. Reach them at [email protected]. Follow her on X @annaesnyder2.

Takeaways from Alabama's football win over South Carolina

ByVanessa

Alabama football starts fast and struggles to finish the first half

The defense is capable of getting third-down stops and forcing turnovers

Alabama's offense held to a season-low 313 total yards and was outpaced by USC

By Vanessa

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