The Alabama Crimson Tide host the South Carolina Gamecocks in an SEC matchup in Week 4. The game kicks off at 7:00 p.m. ET on Saturday in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
The Crimson Tide are listed as 12.5-point home favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook, with the total set at O/U 53.5 points. Below is my full preview, prediction and best bet for this Week 4 matchup.
Alabama vs. South Carolina Prediction, Preview
South Carolina Preview
Last week was a really tough showing for the Gamecocks. They had started the season strong, but against vastly inferior competition. There was a lot of hope that the Kendal Briles offense could unlock LaNorris Sellers’ full capabilities. South Carolina completely dominated Mississippi State to start that game, but let their lead slip away and eventually let things get out of hand. Some were declaring that loss as the end of the Shane Beamer era in Columbia, and there is a real danger that South Carolina could let its season slip away in a hurry. The Gamecocks are double-digit underdogs in this spot, and aren’t expected to win the game. However, the quality of their performance in Tuscaloosa will tell a lot about where this locker room is at.
Alabama Preview
It has been a fascinating start to the season for Alabama. Kalen DeBoer was hoping to take his team to the next level after winning a College Football Playoff game last season. Many hoped that phenom sophomore quarterback Keelon Russell would be the one to elevate Alabama. While Russell has shown his incredible potential through three games, he has also shown his lack of experience. He has made some bad mistakes against Florida State and Kentucky, but was able to bounce back quickly and get his team wins. There are also concerns around the Alabama defense, as they gave up 36 points to Florida State at home last week. This game will be a big test for the Crimson Tide to show they can turn in great performances on a weekly basis.
Alabama vs. South Carolina Pick, Best Bet
The Gamecocks have looked sharp offensively this season. Last week against Mississippi State, the defense failed them, and LaNorris Sellers threw some inexplicable interceptions. However, on a down-to-down basis, the offense has been excellent. They rank fourth in the nation in offensive success rate, moving the ball well on the ground and through the air. It will be a big test for the Alabama defense against LaNorris Sellers, who has given them problems in the past.
In 2024, South Carolina went to Tuscaloosa and gave Alabama a serious scare. That was Kalen DeBoer’s first season at Alabama and Sellers’ first year as the starter in Columbia. South Carolina had a two-point conversion to tie the game in the final minute and failed to convert and send the game to overtime. In 2025, these teams were tied with two minutes to go and South Carolina turned the ball over while trying to drive for the win. Alabama then ended up scoring the winning touchdown with 34 seconds to play.
So, Kane Wommack has had issues stopping Sellers over the past two years. The Gamecocks should be able to score and make this game competitive. Meanwhile, the Alabama offense should be able to attack the South Carolina secondary the same way that Kamario Taylor did last week. South Carolina’s season-long numbers are fine because of the awful competition they faced the first two weeks, but Taylor was able to get whatever he wanted after settling in last week. Keelon Russell should be able to do the same.
My best bet is on this game to go over the total of 53.5 points. Both of these offenses should be able to put points up in a hurry, and South Carolina will keep it close enough to force Alabama to keep pushing on offense. These two quarterbacks are also both liabilities to throw a pick-six or set up short field position for their opponents. All signs point to the over here.
