Key questions heading into No. 4 Alabama’s game at South Carolina

Oct 12, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers (16) is sacked for a loss by Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Deontae Lawson (0) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images

Alabama has retired its rat traps, but there was some talk of rodents heading into this weekend’s game at South Carolina. Unlike the four consecutive ranked opponents the Crimson Tide has faced, the Gamecocks are spiraling at the moment. South Carolina has dropped four of its five SEC games, with its only win in that span coming against bottom-dweller Kentucky nearly a month ago. 

No. 4 Alabama (6-1, 4-0) is currently a 13.5-point favorite over South Carolina (3-4, 1-4), according to ESPN Bet. The Tide is fresh off of making SEC history by beating four ranked teams over four weeks without an open date. Rest is right on the horizon, as Alabama has an open date on the schedule next week. 

The above factors make this week’s matchup a prototypical “trap game” for the Tide. While that term hasn’t been used since Alabama laid out traps before its loss to Vanderbilt last year, there has been plenty of discussion over avoiding complacency against South Carolina this week. 

“Complacency will creep into any area that you allow it,“ Alabama defensive coordinator Kane Wommack said Monday. ”It’s like rodents getting into your house, right? Once they’re in it’s hard to get them out. Complacency is exactly the same way.”

Alabama is bringing its pest control on the road this weekend as it travels to Williams-Brice Stadium for a 2:30 p.m. CT kickoff against South Carolina. The Crimson Tide holds a 14-3 all-time advantage against the Gamecocks, including a narrow 27-25 victory in Tuscaloosa last year. 

Here are five questions to watch for heading into Saturday’s possible trap game.