The 3-2-1: Three key plays, two game balls, one burning question from South Carolina's loss to Alabama

In The 3-2-1, we break down three key plays, hand out two game balls, and ask one burning question from South Carolina’s loss to Alabama.

Three Key Plays
Interception
South Carolina drove for a field goal on its first drive and then forced a three and out. All that momentum vanished on the ensuing drive. LaNorris Sellers tried to dump a pass to to Rahsul Faison in the flat. Faison bobbled the catch, popping the football into the air. Da Shawn jones snatched it on the bobbled ball and returned it 18 yards for a touchdown. Both offenses struggled most of the game, so the free points were crucial. 

Dropped interception
Early in the second quarter, a holding penalty had Alabama backed up to its own 15. Under pressure, Ty Simpson threw a pass that hit Monkell Goodwine square in the chest. Goodwine knocked the ball down, but if he had been able to corral the ball for an interception, he probably would have scored. In a game where South Carolina couldn’t finish drives, that six points might have changed the outcome. 

Fumble
A penalty on Alabama set South Carolina up with second and four. LaNorris Sellers ran a quarterback draw to try to pick up the first down. He was stuffed and held up by the defenders, giving Deontae Lawson time to rip the ball out. Alabama recovered on the Gamecocks 38 yard line and was able to set up the game-winning field goal. 

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Two Game Balls
Defensive line
For three and a half quarters, South Carolina’s defensive line dominated Alabama’s offensive line. Nick Barrett had five tackles, including one for loss, and a fumble recovery. Bryan Thomas had two tackles, including a sack, a pass breakup, and a quarterback hurry. Dylan Stewart had a tackle for loss and quarterback hurry, and forced several bad throws and drew at least one penalty.

Nyck Harbor
Harbor caught a 54-yard touchdown pass and recovered a muffed punt.

One Burning Question
Where was that for the past month?
Start with LaNorris Sellers, who awoke from his October slumber to play like a first-round draft pick for the first time since September. The defense was stellar for most of the game. It ultimately wore down at the end of the game, but that side of the ball did everything you could ask for against Alabama’s high-flying offense.

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