Assessing Alabama football’s ugly win at South Carolina

Alabama football’s win over South Carolina on Saturday was closer than most Crimson Tide fans would have liked. UA sealed the game on the final play when Domani Jackson intercepted a lob from USC’s LaNorris Sellers to secure the 27-25 victory.

A win is a win in the SEC, especially coming off a loss to Vanderbilt. Still, the Tide showed some major weaknesses against the Gamecocks.

Here are our grades for Saturday’s effort.

Offense: C-

The offensive served its purpose. With the chips on the line, Jalen Milroe found Germie Bernard on third down for a touchdown that ended up being the winning score.

But it was an imperfect performance from Alabama. The Crimson Tide once again struggled to sustain drives at times, but also didn’t have as much of the home run power that characterized their offense in the early games of the season.

Milroe threw two ugly interceptions that made the attempt look even worse. The protection was suspect at times and Milroe was fired four times.

Just like the rest of the team, Alabama got the job done offensively. But it wasn’t pretty.

Defense: C

Jackson made the play that matters. As time expired, he tracked down a Sellers pass deep down, grabbed it, and then ran out the clock.

But that came after a second-half struggle for Alabama. The Tide failed to get off the field on third down for the second straight game, making things far more difficult than it should have been.

Alabama also had trouble stopping a mobile quarterback for the second game in a row and had some key coverage breakdowns. There are issues that need to be addressed moving forward, Tennessee is next.

Special Teams: D

Not great. Aside from James Burnip, who was excellent as always and was the only thing keeping the Alabama special teams from getting a straight “F.”

However, the Crimson Tide had several chances to come down on South Carolina’s onside kick and end the game, but were unable to capitalize. There are also the penalties.

Malachi Moore was offside on Burnip’s post-safety kick. The Tide also lost 12 yards on an unnecessary first-half roughness call that aided the UA offense and contributed to Milroe saving an intentional penalty in the end zone.

The Tide has had several fumbles on special teams this season. This has to end.

Overall: C-

Alabama won the game. That gets a passing grade, even if most people wouldn’t rush home to show their parents.

The Crimson Tide has flaws that can be fatal when facing more difficult opponents. But it won on Saturday, and that’s not nothing.