This Saturday afternoon inside Williams-Brice Stadium, all eyes will be on Columbia as South Carolina hosts No. 4 Alabama in a nationally televised SEC clash on ABC at 3:30 p.m.
It’s a matchup between two programs heading in opposite directions — one desperate for a turnaround and the other surging toward championship form.
Game Preview: South Carolina vs. No. 4 Alabama
When: Saturday, 3:30 p.m.
Where: Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, S.C.
TV/Stream: ABC
Series History: Alabama leads 12-4, having won the last two meetings — a 47-23 rout in 2019 and a 27-25 thriller last year. This will be the first time since 2009–10 that the two programs meet in consecutive seasons.
Betting Outlook
South Carolina enters the matchup as a 13.5-point underdog, per the VegasInsider consensus line. The spread opened at just 7.5 but ballooned to nearly two touchdowns as Alabama continued its dominant stretch. The over/under is set at 46.5 points.
About South Carolina
The Gamecocks’ 2025 campaign has spiraled far from expectations. After firing offensive line coach Lonnie Teasley ahead of last week’s matchup with Oklahoma, the team showed little improvement. In a 26-7 loss to the Sooners, South Carolina’s offense struggled to find rhythm, managing only 226 total yards — nearly 90 of which came in garbage time.
The defense, meanwhile, allowed Oklahoma to move the ball almost at will. With a 3-4 overall record (1-4 SEC), the Gamecocks now find themselves fighting to stay in the postseason conversation.
About Alabama
Alabama, on the other hand, looks every bit like a national contender under second-year head coach Kalen DeBoer. After a disappointing season-opening loss to Florida State, the Crimson Tide have rattled off five straight wins, including three against ranked teams.
Their latest victory — a 37-20 statement win over No. 11 Tennessee — showcased a balanced, explosive attack. Alabama now sits at 6-1 overall and remains undefeated in SEC play.
Players to Watch
South Carolina
- Nyck Harbor (WR): Once projected as USC’s breakout receiver, Harbor has had a quieter year but found the end zone last week for his second touchdown of the season. He’ll aim for his first 100-yard performance against the Tide’s physical secondary.
- Dylan Stewart (EDGE): The freshman star’s health is a key storyline after exiting last week’s game twice with a hip injury. His availability could significantly impact South Carolina’s pass rush.
Alabama
- Ty Simpson (QB): The redshirt junior has blossomed into one of the SEC’s most efficient quarterbacks, completing 70.9% of his passes for 1,678 yards, 16 TDs, and just one interception. Simpson’s poise and precision have sparked early Heisman Trophy buzz.
- Yhonzae Pierre (LB): The sophomore linebacker has been a revelation lately, posting back-to-back six-tackle games and totaling 2.5 sacks against Tennessee. His recent surge could create major problems for USC’s struggling offensive line.
South Carolina’s Remaining Schedule
- Aug. 31: W, 24-11 vs. Virginia Tech
- Sept. 6: W, 38-10 vs. SC State
- Sept. 13: L, 31-7 at Vanderbilt
- Sept. 20: L, 29-20 vs. Missouri
- Sept. 27: W, 35-13 vs. Kentucky
- Oct. 11: L, 20-10 vs. LSU
- Oct. 18: L, 26-7 vs. Oklahoma
- Oct. 25: vs. No. 4 Alabama – 3:30 p.m. (ABC)
- Nov. 1: at Ole Miss – TBD
- Nov. 15: at Texas A&M – TBD
- Nov. 22: vs. Coastal Carolina – TBD
- Nov. 29: vs. Clemson – Noon (ABC or ESPN)
What’s at Stake
For South Carolina, this game represents more than just another SEC matchup — it’s a chance to salvage pride and prove the program still has fight left. For Alabama, it’s another stepping stone toward the College Football Playoff.
As head coach Shane Beamer tries to steady a faltering season, the Gamecocks will need their best football yet to avoid being the latest victim of Alabama’s resurgence.
