Alabama secured a victory against South Carolina with a game-ending interception. The interception may not have taken place if one player had not returned to the game in the second half.
In the first half, Alabama starting cornerback Domani Jackson suffered a lower-body injury and was helped off the field. He was carted to the locker room, and the speculation soon afterwards was he would be unable to return to the game. However, this was not the case.
Jackson was able to return to the game in the second half. With Alabama’s defense on its heels for the majority of the second half, Jackson made the biggest play of the game when his team needed it the most. On 3rd and 8 with 00:13 remaining on the clock, Jackson reeled in an interception that ultimately ended the game and gave the Crimson Tide the victory.
Jackson’s presence in the secondary is crucial. When he was absent from the game, South Carolina’s offense took advantage of his absence. There were several plays where the Gamecocks targeted true freshman cornerbacks Zavier Mincey and Jaylen Mbakwe. It was clear that Alabama’s cornerbacks were going to be tested through the air. When Jackson returned, South Carolina turned to more of a rushing attack.
Jackson has been a lockdown corner for the Crimson Tide this season. Alabama will need him to continue that trend over the course of the season. The USC transfer has proven to be a huge addition to the Alabama defense.
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