The Alabama Crimson Tide leads the South Carolina Gamecocks, 24-10, at the half as the Gamecocks continue to try to stick around.
Will Muschamp attempted to fake two special team plays in the first half and also went for it on fourth down and converted once.
Tua Tagovailoa was 16-22 for 286 yards and three touchdowns in the first half for Alabama. The Tide had a total of 26 rushing yards. Devonta Smith led all Alabama’s wide receivers with 5 receptions for 78 yards. Najee Harris added 4 receptions for 76 yards and two touchdowns.
True freshmen, DJ Dale and Jordan Battle, both recorded sacks in the first for Alabama on defense.
Ryan Hilinski was 18-28 for 175 yards and one touchdown for the Gamecocks.
Alabama got off to a nice start against the Gamecocks as Tagovailoa hit Harris for a 24-yard touchdown completion on the Tide’s first drive.
However, the Gamecocks responded with a field goal on their opening drive after going for it on 4th, which was converted with a run by Rico Dowdle. A 14-yard punt by Skylar DeLong gave the Gamecocks great field position on their next drive as they began it on the 30-yard line after forcing a three and out. Tagovailoa was also sacked two times on the Tide’s second drive.
Alabama’s defense held strong as they forced the Gamecocks to punt after a South Carolina fake field goal touchdown was called back for a holding penalty the following drive. Tagovailoa hit Henry Ruggs for an 81-yard touchdown with 3:15 left in the first on the very next drive to give Alabama the 14-3 lead.
Will Muschamp’s offense responded again with a 30-yard touchdown pass from Hilinski to Shi Smith to cut Alabama’s lead to four. Alabama led 14-10 at the end of the first. Alabama would have to settle with a 23-yard field goal by Will Reichard on their next drive, making the Hoover native 3-of-5 on the season.
After a punt by the Gamecocks, Najee Harris got his second receiving touchdown of the game with a 42-yard touchdown reception. A late missed field goal in the second quarter by Reichard would keep the score 24-10
South Carolina will get the ball to begin the third.
