Alabama linebacker Deontae Lawson came up with the play of the night, forcing a critical fumble from South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers to help seal the Crimson Tide’s 29-22 comeback win over the Gamecocks.
The momentum-shifting moment came with just 1:39 left on the clock, as South Carolina looked poised for a potential game-winning drive. Lawson’s perfectly timed hit not only stopped the Gamecocks in their tracks but also gave Alabama prime field position at the South Carolina 38-yard line.
“I just try to do everything I can to help these guys win,” Lawson said after the game. “I love these guys.”
Moments later, Alabama’s offense capitalized on the turnover. Wide receiver Germie Bernard took a direct snap and dashed 25 yards for a touchdown, giving the Tide their first lead of the fourth quarter with only 34 seconds remaining.
It was a statement win for Alabama, which had struggled against unranked opponents in recent years under head coach Kalen DeBoer. The team had already dropped four such games during his tenure and nearly faltered again against the unranked Gamecocks—one of the SEC’s most unpredictable spoilers.
Williams-Brice Stadium once again proved a dangerous venue for visiting powers. South Carolina previously stunned No. 10 Texas A&M 44–20 in 2023 and famously upset No. 1 Alabama 35–21 back in 2010.
“We knew it was going to be a hostile environment, a tough game for us,” Lawson said. “We were talking about it all week. We were going to find a way to win.”
For Lawson, the performance was especially meaningful. The redshirt senior missed the final two games of 2024 with a serious knee injury but has steadily regained top form this season.
“I’m so proud of that guy,” said DeBoer. “He’s getting better, too. In practice, you can see it. It’s awesome to see him come through.”
With the victory, Alabama heads into a much-needed bye week after surviving a brutal stretch of four consecutive ranked matchups and a tense road trip to Columbia. The Crimson Tide will return to action on November 8, hosting LSU at Bryant-Denny Stadium in a pivotal rivalry clash.
