The South Carolina Gamecocks and the Alabama Crimson Tide meet Saturday in college football action from Bryant-Denny in Tuscaloosa. Here’s an Alabama vs South Carolina prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Alabama vs South Carolina pick.
South Carolina Gamecocks Betting Preview
This year, the Gamecocks opened up their season with a pretty easy matchup versus Kent State. South Carolina was dominant in that one, bagging 22 points in the second quarter alone on the way to a 57-0 win. In game two it was another victory, this time over Towson. South Carolina scored points in every quarter (and 28 in the second half) during a 45-9 blowout win.
Last weekend versus Mississippi State, the Gamecocks jumped out to a 23-14 halftime lead. South Carolina gave up 17 unanswered points in the third quarter however, and ended up losing 41-34 as the game came to a close. QB LaNorris Sellers was 25-of-40 for 282 yards, two scores and two picks. Matt Fuller led the rush on 17 carries for 73 yards and a TD.
Alabama Crimson Tide Betting Preview
Over on the Alabama side, they took on East Carolina in their opener this season. The Tide jumped out to a 38-7 edge by the end of the first half, then cruised the rest of the way towards a 48-10 victory. In game two, it was a road matchup versus Kentucky. Alabama was actually down in that one 17-13 by halftime, but woke up in the second half with 32 unanswered points in a 45-17 win.
Matched up against Florida State last Saturday the Tide started slowly. Alabama was trailing 14-3 after the first quarter but then found their groove with 37 points over the next two quarters. The game ended up a 50-36 home win. QB Keelon Russell was 23-of-30 for 320 yards and three scores. Trae’shawn Brown had 12 carries for 86 yards and a TD.
South Carolina Gamecocks @ Alabama Crimson Tide Betting Trends: Week 4
Alabama Crimson Tide Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 4, Conor Talty ranks 2nd amongst FBS players for made field goals (8) this season.
South Carolina Gamecocks Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 4, Matthew Fuller ranks T1st amongst qualified players for catch rate (100.0%) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- Alabama ranks T1st among FBS teams for 4th down conversion percentage this season (100.0).
- Alabama ranks T1st among FBS teams for red zone percentage this season (100.0).
- South Carolina ranks T1st among FBS teams for Q1 opponent points per game this season (0.0).
- South Carolina ranks 3rd among FBS teams for rushing yards per game this season (341.5).
Alabama vs South Carolina Prediction
Give me South Carolina. The Gamecocks struggled in a couple of areas during their loss to Mississippi State. The offense had a couple of interceptions and went just 6-of-18 on third downs. The nine team penalties didn’t help either. South Carolina’s defense gave up 393 yards (258 passing) with 6.4 yards per play and 5-of-11 on third downs. There’s a lot to clean up and this matchup is only going to get harder, but I think the Gamecocks have the goods to cover if all goes well.
As for Alabama, they gave up points in every quarter but the offense was humming along so well that it didn’t matter. The Tide posted 567 yards (247 rushing) with 8.6 yards per play and 26 first downs but went just 4-of-12 on third downs. The defense gave up 377 pass yards and 8-of-15 on third downs but also had three picks. Alabama should be in charge again for this one.