As the Tide rolls into Columbia this weekend, Alabama will look every bit like a national contender again under Kalen DeBoer. But Shane Beamer's South Carolina squad, battered inconsistent, and still clawing for a breakthrough game, will have the chance to rewrite the narriative inside Williams-Brice Stadium. Here's what to watch for when the Gamecocks host the Crimson Tide in one of the SEC's most intriguing Week 9 matchups.
1. Quarterback Duel: Ty Simpson vs. LaNorris Sellers
This game will start and finish with the quarterbacks. Ty Simpson has silenced offseason doubts about whether he was ready to lead Alabama. Through seven games, he has thrown for 1,931 yards, 18 touchdowns, and just one interception. His pocket composure and precision have commanded the offense so far this year. So good that even Gamecocks head coach Shane Beamer himself couldn't help but admire it on film. “I was watching their offense on tape,” Beamer said this week. “Some of the throws Ty has made this season are as good as any I’ve seen in a long time… literally perfect throws while he’s under duress.”
Meanwhile, LaNorris Sellers continues to grow into his role as South Carolina's offensive heartbeat. He may not have Simpson's stat line, but his mobility and physicality give the Gamecocks a fighting chance when plays break down.
What to watch: Can South Carolina generate enough pressure to throw Simpson off rhythm? And can Sellers use his legs to keep Alabama's defense honest long enough to move the chains?
2. Alabama’s Offense vs. South Carolina’s Pass Defense
This is a battle of strength vs. strength. South Carolina's defense, for all the issues elsewhere, has been quietly solid against the pass, allowing just 171 yards per game. But Alabama's passing game is clicking at a different speed.
Simpson has turned third downs into highlight reels, finding receivers in tight windows and dropping dimes over tight coverage. Alabama's route combinations have stretched secondaries all season, and Simpson's chemistry with his wideouts is giving defensive nightmares.
What to watch: If Alabama gets into rhythm early, it could be a long day for the Gamecocks secondary. However, if Beamer's defense can disrupt the timing of the Tide, win on first down, and force Simpson into longer conversions, South Carolina might keep it closer than expected.
3. South Carolina’s Offense and Tempo vs. Alabama’s Control
If the Gamecocks want to hang around, they will have to slow the game down.
South Carolina has struggled to sustain drives and protect the ball this season, while Bama thrives on controlling tempo and the clock. The Tide rarely panic, even when the game gets messy, they grind you down possession by possession until you break.
What to watch: If Sellers can sustain long, physical drives, even if they end in field goals, it shortens the game and keeps Simpson on the sideline. But if Alabama dominates time of possession, the Gamecocks' defense will wear out fast.
4. Big Plays and Momentum Swings
Every upset, or near-upset, is built on a handful of moments.
Beamer mentioned how impressive Simpson's tight-window throws have been. That precision is exactly what South Carolina's defense must disrupt. Whether it's a tipped ball, forced fumble, or a surprise special-teams play, the Gamecocks need one of those sudden momentum jolts to flip the field and fire up the crowd.
What to watch: Alabama wants to avoid giving South Carolina anything to build on early. For the Gamecocks, the key is capitalizing on one of those "what just happened?" moments before the Tide settle in.
Final Word
On paper, Alabama should handle business. But the beauty of SEC football is that "should" doesn't mean much once the ball is kicked off. Beamer knows exactly what kind of quarterback Ty Simpson is, because he helped recruit him. Now, the question is whether South Carolina can make the field as chaotic as Williams-Brice can be when the lights hit and 80,000 fans start believing in miracles again.