(This story was up to date as a result of an earlier model included an inaccuracy to appropriate Alabama’s whole turnovers and third-down protection conversion fee.)
After struggling its first loss to Vanderbilt since 1984 final week, Alabama soccer seemed to get again into the win column vs. South Carolina on Saturday.
It did that, perhaps not in the way in which it needed, taking down the Gamecocks 27-25 at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Crimson Tide held the 14-12 lead going into the half, with South Carolina going onto take its first lead of the sport out of the half, 19-14.
Jalen Milroe finally retook the lead for Alabama within the fourth quarter behind a 7-yard landing run, including a 34-yard landing go to Germie Bernard later within the quarter to additional enhance Alabama’s lead. The Gamecocks weren’t finished, responding with a landing drive of their very own adopted by a profitable onside kick try and regain possession with 0:34 left. It was to no avail, with Domani Jackson choosing off LaNorris Sellers on the final play of the sport as Alabama held onto win it.
Listed here are three takeaways from No. 7 Alabama (5-1, 2-1 SEC) vs. South Carolina (3-3, 1-3):
Alabama soccer begins quick, struggles to shut out first half
Behind speeding touchdowns by Milroe and Jam Miller, Alabama held a 14-0 lead halfway by the second quarter. South Carolina, although, went onto put up 12 factors throughout the ultimate two minutes of the primary half, reducing the deficit to 2.
The Gamecocks’ first rating got here from a 36-yard landing go from Sellers to Mazeo Bennett Jr. to transform on fourth and 9. On Alabama’s ensuing drive, Milroe threw the ball away ultimately zone after going through strain, leading to an intentional grounding penalty and a South Carolina security.
Alabama then compelled a fumble on South Carolina’s subsequent drive, giving it the ball at its personal 47 with 0:48 remaining. Two performs later, Milroe was picked off by Jalon Kilgore, who returned the ball to the Alabama 19-yard line to arrange a 37-yard Alex Herrera area aim to shut out the half.
RYAN WILLIAMS:‘He is a veteran’: Ryan Williams offers Alabama soccer 2025 large receiver commits instance to observe
NICK SABAN:Nick Saban says he noticed ‘complacency’ and ‘conceitedness’ from Alabama earlier than upset loss to Vanderbilt
Protection capable of get third down stops, pressure turnovers
Third-downs stops have been laborious to come back by final week for Alabama in opposition to Vanderbilt, with the Commodores changing 12 of their 18 third-down makes an attempt (66.7%). Saturday in opposition to South Carolina, it was a lot completely different, no less than within the first half.
The Crimson Tide held the Gamecocks to 0 of 5 on their third down conversions makes an attempt throughout the opening two quarters. The second half was a little bit of a distinct story, with Gamecocks opening the half changing on 5 of 5 third-down makes an attempt. They completed the sport going 7 of 15 on third-down makes an attempt (46.7%).
Turnovers and sacks have been additionally laborious to come back by for Alabama final week vs. Vanderbilt, the Crimson Tide being unable to file a single one. On Saturday, the Crimson Tide compelled 4 turnovers and brought on 4 sacks for -36 yards.
Alabama offense held to season-low 313 whole yards, outgained by USC
The Alabama offense had but to complete a recreation with something lower than 393 yards of whole offense this season. Going through the Gamecocks, the Crimson Tide offense put up 313 whole yards of offense in comparison with that of South Carolina’s 372.
Saturday marked the primary time Milroe has thrown a number of interceptions, solely being intercepted twice main into it. Milroe went onto end the day accounting for 2 speeding touchdowns whereas going 16 of 23 passing for 209 yards and a landing.
Jam Miller led the Alabama backfield with 42 yards on 12 carries, whereas Bernard led Alabama’s receiving corps with 4 receptions for 89 yards and a landing.
Anna Snyder covers highschool sports activities and College of Alabama softball and soccer recruiting for The Tuscaloosa Information. Attain her at asnyder@gannett.com. Observe her on X @annaesnyder2.