JB’S KEYS TO THE GAME

1. Protect the damn football.

Sellers cannot give Alabama additional possessions. Carolina needs to play a clean offensive game.

2. Establish Matt Fuller early.

The Gamecocks need a legitimate running game that doesn’t depend on Sellers carrying the football 20 times.

3. Dylan Stewart must be a difference-maker.

Carolina desperately needs disruption along the defensive front. Russell cannot be allowed to sit comfortably in the pocket all afternoon.

4. Create explosive plays.

Alabama showed vulnerability against Florida State. Carolina needs to attack those opportunities rather than relying entirely on long, sustained drives.

5. Steal a possession.

Whether it’s a defensive takeaway, a special-teams play from Vicari Swain or a fourth-down stop, Carolina needs something that changes the possession equation.

And for God’s sake, when you get a lead, don’t give the damn thing away.

THE PREDICTION

I can find reasons why South Carolina should score points in this football game.

What I cannot find right now is enough evidence that the Gamecocks can consistently stop Alabama.

Mississippi State exposed serious defensive problems, and Alabama has the personnel to exploit those same weaknesses.

Carolina’s offense should have opportunities.

Sellers can make plays.

Fuller can move the football.

And Alabama’s defense has demonstrated that it can surrender explosive plays and points.

But over four quarters, I expect Alabama’s offensive balance and home-field advantage to become the difference.

My Predictor sees Carolina remaining competitive offensively for stretches, but Alabama eventually creating separation.

JB’S GAME PREDICTOR

ALABAMA 45

SOUTH CAROLINA 24

Projected margin: Alabama +21