The No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide have been unstoppable since their Week 1 stumble against Florida State, and they’ll aim to extend their winning streak to seven when they visit South Carolina this weekend.
While Alabama enters as a heavy favorite, former Crimson Tide quarterback Greg McElroy knows from experience that a trip to Columbia can be tricky — especially for a team riding high.
“I know all too well what it’s like to walk in as a favorite to South Carolina and just how hard it is to get a win,” McElroy said on his Always College Football podcast. “The Gamecocks are struggling right now, with offensive futility, they have some injuries that need to be taken account for as well. And second-year (Alabama) head coach Kalen DeBoer, this is another massive step for him in showing progress.”
McElroy noted that despite South Carolina’s recent struggles, DeBoer’s team can’t afford to take this game lightly, adding that the Gamecocks are capable of turning things around quickly if given the chance.
Still, the ESPN analyst believes Alabama will ultimately get the job done.
“I’m taking Alabama,” McElroy said, “but I would not be surprised if this is a low-scoring, close, competitive football game for three-plus quarters. I think it will be a close game, but I do think that Alabama prevails in what will be a gutsy win on the road at Williams-Brice.”
The Crimson Tide and Gamecocks are set to kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC, with Alabama currently listed as a 12-point favorite, according to bet365.
