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National reactions to South Carolina's heartbreaking loss to Alabama

Screenshotby: Kevin Miller3 hours agokevinmillerGC
South Carolina defensive tackle Nick Barrett. Photo by: CJ Driggers | GamecockCentral
South Carolina defensive tackle Nick Barrett. Photo by: CJ Driggers | GamecockCentral

On Saturday afternoon, South Carolina played a closer-than-expected game against the Alabama Crimson Tide. However, despite being up by eight points with less than three minutes to play, the Gamecocks lost in regulation, 29-22.

USC didn’t capitalize on enough Alabama mistakes, and the Tide made plenty on both sides of the football. Because of those missed chances, Shane Beamer’s team collapsed late, dropping to 3-5 (1-5) on the 2025 season.

There were plenty of national reactions to the loss.

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In their instant reaction show, the Crain and Company crew of Jake Crain, Blake Crain, and David Cone praised the Gamecocks’ effort in the close loss, especially the play of the USC defense. However, they criticized South Carolina’s offense’s inability to make much happen without asking LaNorris Sellers to carry the load. “I don’t know if anyone carries his team more than that guy,” Jake Crain said.

On3’s Andy Staples, who grew up as a Gamecock fan, claimed the loss was “chicken curse” stuff. During the week nine instant reaction version of Andy and Ari, Staples and co-host Ari Wasserman said it seemed as if South Carolina was destined to lose when Alabama tied it up with a two-point conversion late.

Barstool Sports’ Tate Moore questioned why South Carolina went for two (and failed) to try to go from down two to tied and then didn’t try to go for two to move from up seven to up nine later in the game.

Another coaching question came from ESPN’s Booger McFarland. The former LSU and NFL defensive lineman didn’t like South Carolina’s decision to allow Alabama to score at the end of the game, arguing that the Crimson Tide’s kicker missing a field goal attempt was a more likely outcome than a last-second touchdown drive from the USC offense.

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Though the Gamecocks fell short, ESPN NFL Draft analyst and scout Jordan Reid–who was in Columbia for the game–was impressed by LaNorris Sellers’ long hookup with Nyck Harbor in the third quarter. Sellers threw the ball 60 yards in the air to connect with Harbor for their second long touchdown this season.

Sportsbook Review’s Rob Paul highlighted defensive back Jalon Kilgore’s recovery on a fourth-quarter pass breakup. His effort likely saved a Ty-Simpson-to-Germie-Bernard touchdown. Kilgore’s play was one of several impressive one-on-one pass breakups by Gamecock defensive backs against Alabama’s loaded receiver room.

The Birmingham News‘ Kevin Scarbinsky gave some deserved props to the South Carolina defensive line. Nick Barrett, Monkell Goodwine, Dylan Stewart, and Bryan Thomas Jr. were really good most of the day. The Gamecocks limited Alabama to 72 total rushing yards and pressured quarterback Ty Simpson often.

Up next, South Carolina will play against the Ole Miss Rebels. Kickoff will be at 7:00 p.m. ESPN will carry the broadcast, while the ESPN app will make the action available via streaming.

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