Alabama averts disaster with late defensive stop against South Carolina

After losing to Vanderbilt since 1984 last week, Alabama looked to get back into the win column against South Carolina on Saturday.

The Crimson Tide accomplished that task, but not in the way they wanted with a late defensive stand securing a 27-25 victory at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Alabama held the 14-12 lead at halftime before South Carolina went ahead 19-14 with a touchdown midway through the third quarter. Jalen Milroe secored on 7-yard touchdown run to put Alabama ahead in the fourth quarter. His 34-yard touchdown pass to Germie Bernard with 1:54 left made the score 27-19.

The Gamecocks were not done, responding with a touchdown drive of their own, capped by a LaNorris Sellers pass to Nyck Harbor. They were then successful on their onside kick attempt and regained possession with 34 seconds remaining. But the Alabama defense held firm, Domani Jackson intercepted Sellers on the last play of the game to clinch the victory.

South Carolina linebacker Bam Martin-Scott (22) pursues Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard (5) as he carries the ball during the first quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

In the early stages of the game, it seemed like Alabama would cruise. Behind rushing touchdowns by Milroe and Jam Miller, it led 14-0 midway through the second quarter. South Carolina, though, went onto put up 12 points across the final two minutes of the first half, cutting the deficit to two.

The Gamecocks’ first score came from a 36-yard touchdown pass from Sellers to Mazeo Bennett Jr. to convert on fourth and 9. On Alabama’s ensuing drive, Milroe threw the ball away in the end zone after facing pressure, resulting in an intentional grounding penalty and a South Carolina safety.

Alabama then forced a fumble on South Carolina’s next drive, giving it the ball at its own 47 with 48 seconds remaining in the half. Two plays later, Milroe…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/alabama-averts-disaster-defensive-stop-200805969.html

Author : USA TODAY Sports

Publish date : 2024-10-12 20:08:05

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.