Roll Tide Wire predictions for Alabama vs. South Carolina in Week 4

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Across each of the last two seasons, arguably no SEC team has played the Alabama Crimson Tide closer than South Carolina.

The two teams originally met in Tuscaloosa during the 2024 season, a game which saw Alabama avoid an upset with a narrow 27-25 win. Both teams then met a year ago in Columbia for a rematch between the two, a game which saw Alabama struggle once again against the Gamecocks, but eventually escape with a 29-22 win following a comeback in the fourth quarter.

This latest game between the two has a similar setup as well, an unranked Gamecocks team trying to upset a Top 10 Alabama, per the latest US LBM Coaches Poll. South Carolina also has multiple players returning this year who have seen extensive action against Alabama previously such as LaNorris Sellers and Nyck Harbor, while the Crimson Tide will look to remain undefeated behind sophomore quarterback Keelon Russell.

Follow along as the Roll Tide Wire staff make their predictions for Alabama's Week 4 showdown with South Carolina.

Matt Melton's prediction: Alabama 36, South Carolina 20

While it is certainly possible against a talented South Carolina team, it's hard to see Alabama trailing the Gamecocks in the fourth quarter for a third consecutive season.

I expect South Carolina to keep things close in the first half, but for Alabama to eventually pull away in the second in front of a packed Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Keelon Russell could be set for another big showing after a stellar performance last week against Florida State, while Alabama's defense should also bounce back, but it will not be easy against one of college football's top dual-threat quarterbacks in Sellers.

Steve Holley's prediction: Alabama 33, South Carolina 20

I think Kane Wommack's defense comes out with a little more fire and overall efficiency after giving up 471 yards of against Florida State last week. Hopefully that was floor of this unit. South Carolina's offense, though, has improved through three games under new offensive coordinator Kendal Briles; the Gamecocks are eighth nationally in total offense. With the right breaks, South Carolina could well take Alabama down to the wire for a third straight year.

But it would be foolish to bet against Keelon Russell's playmaking abilities after what we've seen these first three weeks. I'll stress again that it's only been three games, but I like what I've seen from Alabama's running backs. Those reports about Daniel Hill looking stronger in fall camp turned out to be true, and both freshmen tailbacks Trae'shawn Brown and EJ Crowell have been great so far, as well.

Elliot Reeder's prediction: Alabama 31, South Carolina 17

South Carolina will attempt to replicate some of the success that Florida State had last week with Duce Robinson with their own big play threat of Nyck Harbor, however I think Alabama will have more success in pass defense this week (it's not like they played Robinson poorly last week, he just made some great plays). This has been a tight (and crazy) series the last two years, but I think Alabama wins by two scores this time around. But if the last two years have taught us anything, expect the unexpected in this matchup.

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This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Roll Tide Wire predictions for Alabama vs. South Carolina in Week 4

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