An SEC showdown kicks off in Tuscaloosa at Bryant-Denny Stadium, as No. 8 Alabama hosts South Carolina. South Carolina is coming off a tough loss to Mississippi State and is looking to secure its first conference win.
The two teams kick off Saturday at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN, and I’m diving into my South Carolina vs. Alabama prediction.
My Week 4 college football picks outline why I expect the Crimson Tide to have yet another second-half offensive explosion, leading them to cover the 11-point spread.
Who will win South Carolina vs Alabama: Alabama -11.5
The 2026 Alabama Crimson Tide have been a pretty frustrating team for me personally. Last week against Florida State, they came out extremely slow before finally exploding near the end of the first half. They still won 50-36, but failed to cover the 20-point spread against a pretty bad Seminoles team.
Could they have been looking ahead to this game? Of course, but this week, head coach Kalen DeBoer needs to come out fast because South Carolina has been one of the highest-scoring teams in the country. The Gamecocks are also eighth in the country in first-half points, averaging 26 points in the opening half this season.
With Mississippi State and Georgia looming in the coming weeks, the Crimson Tide cannot afford to play with their food. They need to take care of business against conference opponents they should be blowing out. If the Crimson Tide can continue to have second-half explosions, they are the side worth backing in the full game.
For what could be the final time, let's trust DeBoer and the Crimson Tide to cover 11.5 points.
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South Carolina vs Alabama Over/Under pick: Over 54.5
This feels extremely low for two teams averaging over 45 points per game to kick off the season. Not only that, but Alabama’s defense, which should be one of the better units in the SEC, has been a bit underwhelming. Through three games, the Crimson Tide are allowing over 20 points and 280 yards per game. South Carolina’s defense is allowing nearly identical numbers as well.
The Crimson Tide’s offense has progressively improved as the weeks have gone by. Led by sophomore Kellon Russell, Alabama is coming off its best offensive performance of the season in a 50-36 win over the Seminoles. Russell threw for 320 yards and three touchdowns.
Personally, I’m not the biggest LaNorris Sellers fan, as I think he has received too much hype over the last two seasons. He does do a great job of utilizing his legs, extending drives, and finding the end zone.
Additionally, he is always due for a mistake or two, as he already has three interceptions over his last two games. If the Crimson Tide can force him into mistakes and give the offense great field position, this could soar Over with ease.
TOP PICK
South Carolina vs Alabama prop: South Carolina 1H +6.5
If you are able to find a key number of +7 or +7.5 at a reasonable price, take it.
With how slow the Crimson Tide have been starting games, this is the way to back the Gamecocks. Alabama is currently ranked 57th in first-quarter points, averaging 6.7 points. Meanwhile, South Carolina ranks 23rd, averaging 10 points out of the gate. The second quarter is where Alabama has started to wake up, with just a 3-point difference between the teams.
If DeBoer’s boys are going to continue coming out of the gate sluggish and let the Gamecocks stick around early, South Carolina is the play in the first half.
COVERS INTEL: Alabama ranks 12th nationally in second-half scoring, putting up an average of 22 points after halftime.South Carolina vs Alabama odds
For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.
- Spread: South Carolina +11.5 | Alabama -11.5
- Over/Under: Over 54.5 (XX%) | Under 54.5 (XX%)
- Moneyline: South Carolina 19% | Alabama 81%
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- Overall Record: 23-22, +2.30 units
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South Carolina vs Alabama weather
The weather in Tuscaloosa will be in the upper 70s with light winds, which should have little to no effect on the game. Expect clear skies and beautiful conditions for an SEC football game
Check out our college football weather page for up-to-date info on every matchup.
South Carolina vs Alabama trend to know
The Over is 4-0 in the last 4 head-to-head meetings.
Find more college football betting trends for South Carolina vs. Alabama.
How to watch South Carolina vs Alabama
| Location | Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, Ala. |
| Date | Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 7 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN |
South Carolina vs Alabama latest injuries
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Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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