No. 2 Alabama Huge Favorites Over No. 22 South Carolina

NFL News - October 14th, 2009 - Written by Scott

No. 2 Alabama will get their second test in a row as they look to stay undefeated against No.22 South Carolina on Saturday. This is a critical SEC matchup for both schools. A loss by the South Carolina Gamecocks would give them their second conference loss and possibly eliminate them from getting to the conference title game. Alabama sits alone at the top of the SEC West and a loss could also eliminate them from the title game, as well as a national championship. Alabama cruised by Mississippi last week 22-3 and South Carolina squeezed by Kentucky 28-26. The Crimson Tide won their last meeting with the Gamecocks 37-14.

Alabama will look to improve on their red zone offense this week. They had five drives into the red zone against Ole Miss, all resulting without getting into the end zone. The Crimson Tide are led on offense by quarterback Greg McElroy. He has passed for 1,233 yards and 9 touchdowns. The rushing attack has been steady all season and they have four backs who have topped the 100 yard mark. Mark Ingram leads this group with 659 yards and 7 touchdowns. Alabama also has 6 receivers with over 100 yards. Marquis Maze leads the group of wide outs with 242 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Crimson Tide will have their hands full against a Gamecock defense that ranks 15th in total defense.

South Carolina might have trouble moving the ball against Alabama. The Alabama Crimson Tide are only giving up 218 yards per game which is second best in the nation. They are doing a great job of stopping the run and should continue this against the Gamecocks.

South Carolina has been consistent on offense, especially with their running game that has seen improvement throughout the year. They are averaging 152 yards on the ground and have witnessed an emergence from freshman running back Kenny Miles who has rushed for 268 yards and 1 touchdown. They also have running back Jarvis Giles who has 245 yards rushing and 1 touchdown. Quarterback Stephen Garcia has been steady this year and has passed for 1,269 yards and 9 touchdowns. The wide receiver trio of Moe Brown, Tori Gurley, and Alshon Jeffery have combined for 771 yards receiving and 7 touchdowns. They will need to get better protection from their line as they have already surrendered 15 sacks this year.

The Gamecocks need to be balanced in all aspects of their defense against Alabama, who is consistent with both rushing and passing the ball. South Carolina has played well against the pass and has allowed only 151 yards per game through the air.

Alabama comes into the game favored by 17 over South Carolina according to BetUS sportsbook. The over/under is set at 46.

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