What Alabama football needs to do to close out South Carolina in second half

Oct 25, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson (15) calls the play against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the first quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images

Alabama football leads South Carolina 14-6 at halftime.

Here is what the Crimson Tide need to do in the second half to hold off the Gamecocks.

Establish a rhythm on offense

Alabama football’s offense could not get into a rhythm for most of the first half. This impacted the Crimson Tide’s ability to sustain drives. As a result, Alabama football is losing the time of possession battle. This is an area of the game the Tide has excelled at this season. Alabama got better as an offense as the half went on, closing the half strong. They will need to be more consistent in the second half.

Protect Ty Simpson

South Carolina put pressure on Ty Simpson throughout the first half. They were even able to force him to fumble the football as they got to him two times. Once Simpson was able to operate in the pocket while standing upright, he made plays.

Establish A Run Game

Alabama football’s rushing attack has failed to show up early in this one. This was also a problem against Tennessee. The Crimson Tide ran the football effectively in that one late in the game thanks to Daniel Hill. The Mississippi product could be leaned on late in this one.

Defense Needs To Continue To Bend Not Break

Alabama football’s defense played a solid first half. They put points on the board and pressured LaNorris Sellers. The glowing flaw from their performance so far is the miss tackles. They will have to clean those up.