The highly anticipated matchup between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the South Carolina Gamecocks is just around the corner, and there are 10 important numbers to keep in mind heading into the game.
Firstly, the Crimson Tide’s incredible record of 17-6 in season openers under head coach Nick Saban is worth noting. On the other side, South Carolina has struggled against top-ranked opponents, with a record of 1-11 against the AP number one team.
Alabama’s offense will be led by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who had an impressive season last year with 3,966 passing yards and 43 touchdowns. South Carolina’s defense will have their hands full trying to contain him.
The Crimson Tide’s defense will also be a force to be reckoned with, as they led the SEC in scoring defense last season, allowing only 16.2 points per game. On the flip side, South Carolina’s offense will need to step up, especially in the red zone where they struggled last season.
Alabama’s special teams are also a key factor to watch, with kicker Will Reichard returning after a successful freshman season. The Gamecocks will need to be on their toes to prevent any big plays in the kicking game.
In terms of overall team rankings, Alabama is currently ranked second in the AP poll, while South Carolina is unranked. Despite the rankings, anything can happen in college football, making this matchup one to watch.
As kickoff approaches, fans can look forward to an exciting game between these two powerhouse teams. Stay tuned for more updates and highlights from the Alabama vs. South Carolina opener.
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