UPDATE: In a nail-biting finish, the Alabama Crimson Tide edged out the South Carolina Gamecocks with a score of 28-20 on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Williams-Brice Stadium. Alabama’s victory marks their first SEC road win under head coach Kalen DeBoer against an unranked opponent, though it was anything but pretty.
The game saw Ty Simpson and the Alabama offense struggle for most of the contest, but they managed to pull together in critical moments to secure the win. With just 2:16 left on the clock, Simpson connected with wide receiver Germie Bernard for a touchdown that proved vital to the outcome.
This match was a stark reminder of Alabama’s challenges this season, with Simpson often out of sync with his receivers. Despite the tumultuous performance, the Crimson Tide emerged jubilant, thanks in large part to Bernard’s two late touchdowns, showcasing his undeniable impact as a playmaker.
“A win is a win, and we’ll take it,” Bernard stated after the game. “We knew we had to step up when it mattered most.”
Defensive back DaShawn Jones also made a crucial impact, scoring on a pick-six that provided Alabama with much-needed momentum during a lackluster first half. His performance, though overshadowed by the chaotic finish, was instrumental in keeping Alabama competitive.
In a game that mirrored Alabama’s previous year’s encounter with South Carolina, the Crimson Tide found themselves in a similar situation. In the 2024 match, Bernard also played a pivotal role, walking into the end zone unchallenged. This year, however, Alabama faced a tougher road, with South Carolina clawing back late in the game.
With 29 seconds left and South Carolina starting on their own 9-yard line, Alabama’s defense held firm, ensuring that no dramatic comeback would occur. Reports indicate that South Carolina’s defenders were instructed to let Alabama score once they got a first down, a decision that ultimately did not pay off for the Gamecocks.
Despite the win, concerns linger about Alabama’s deep passing game and offensive line protection. The team struggled to connect on several deep passes, which could have broken the game open earlier. With upcoming challenges ahead, Alabama must address these issues to maintain their momentum.
This victory is significant for Alabama, not just for the scoreboard but as a stepping stone under DeBoer’s leadership. It demonstrates the team’s ability to win under pressure, a crucial factor as they head into the final stretch of the season.
Looking ahead, Alabama enjoys a much-needed bye week to regroup after a challenging stretch, including five consecutive SEC games. As the team prepares for November, players and coaches alike are optimistic about refining their strategies to tackle upcoming opponents.
As the Crimson Tide fans celebrate this hard-fought win, the focus now shifts to ensuring that Alabama can build on this success in the coming weeks, with hopes of remaining in the playoff conversation.
