3 storylines for Alabama vs. South Carolina in Week 4 SEC showdown

3 storylines for Alabama vs. South Carolina in Week 4 SEC showdown

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3 storylines for Alabama vs. South Carolina in Week 4 SEC showdown

On Saturday night in Tuscaloosa, the Alabama Crimson Tide and South Carolina Gamecocks are set to collide for the third consecutive season.

With Alabama winning both previous games played in Tuscaloosa and Columbia during the 2024 and 2025 seasons, respectively, the third matchup between the two is set to look similar to the others this Saturday. An Alabama team that is ranked within the Top 10 of the US LBM Coaches Poll is facing an unranked South Carolina, with both teams also featuring a number of returning players from past matchups.

An opponent that has nearly upset the Crimson Tide twice in the last two seasons, will it be more of the same this Saturday night, or will Alabama roll to a big win to remain undefeated?

Following are three storylines to monitor leading up to Saturday night's SEC matchup in Tuscaloosa.

Can Alabama force more turnovers from LaNorris Sellers?

Oct 25, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Yhonzae Pierre (42) gets his hand on the arm of South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Lanorris Sellers (16) as he passes in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images

Across the last two matchups, South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers has committed five turnovers against the Alabama defense, three fumbles and two interceptions. There is certainly potential for Alabama's defense to add to that total Saturday as Sellers has been picked three times over the last two weeks, and will now be facing a Crimson Tide team that is leading the SEC with five interceptions so far this season.

Can Alabama avoid another slow start?

Sep 19, 2026; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Keelon Russell (12) carries the ball during the second half against the Florida State Seminoles at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images

Over the last two weeks, Alabama has started slow against both Kentucky and Florida State, eventually trailing in the first half as a result. The Crimson Tide won both games however due to some strong second half play, but will need to avoid another slow start Saturday night against a South Carolina team that has nearly upset Alabama each of the last two seasons.

How will Alabama offense, defense perform in run game?

Sep 12, 2026; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Daniel Hill (4) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

Alabama's offense enters Saturday ranking No. 6 in the SEC with 209.7 yards per game on the ground, but are set to face a South Carolina defensive front that allows the conference's fourth-fewest rushing yards a contest at 85.3. The Crimson Tide run defense, which allows the third-fewest rushing yards a game in the SEC, will also be tested also the Gamecocks rank No. 2 in the conference with an average of 277.3 yards per contest on the ground.

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This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: 3 storylines for Alabama vs. South Carolina in Week 4 SEC showdown

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