Weather shouldn't be a factor — mild temperatures, mostly cloudy skies and next to no wind are forecast for kickoff — so this one gets decided on execution, not the elements. Alabama sits as a heavy home favorite on paper, but the stat line carries something a home favorite's number usually doesn't: a defense that just got shredded for 36 points.
Towson45-9
Where this actually turns is the same spot Florida State found room — Alabama's ability, or inability, to close throwing lanes and finish tackles in space. The Seminoles hit 9 plays of 20-plus yards and converted 8-of-15 third downs after the Tide had allowed just 1-of-23 through their first two weeks. If South Carolina's line can manufacture anything close to that, keeping pace with Alabama's offense stops looking crazy.
- OutD. Stewart (DL) — Stewart is dealing with a back injury, and he will miss an undetermined length of time.09/20
- OutJ. Sellers (WR) — Sellers is fighting off a lower body injury, and he has been shut down for the remainder of the season.08/17
- OutJ. Gibson (WR) — Gibson is batting with a lower body injury, and he will be idle for the remainder of the season.08/17
- OutN. Rogers (WR) — Rogers is fighting off a leg injury, and he will miss an undetermined length of time.09/20
- OutA. Dear (RB) — Dear is dealing with a lower leg injury, and there is no timetable for his return.09/20
Both programs are still writing the first real chapter of their season, and this is where the good clubs get separated from the flimsy ones. Alabama's offense has proven it can survive its own mistakes; South Carolina has to prove it can force some. That tension is the whole game.