Kalen DeBoer breaks down fourth quarter musts for Alabama against South Carolina

Alabama entered the fourth quarter trailing South Carolina 19-14 at home, hoping to avoid a loss for the second straight week.

The good news?

The Crimson Tide had the football at the time of this writing and were driving into Gamecocks territory, looking to take the lead. Coach Kalen DeBoer discussed the importance of the drive.

“Every game’s going to be like this,” DeBoer told ABC sideline reporter Katie George. “You talk about playing four quarters and that’s what we have to do right here, we have to play four quarters. And we’ve got a chance right here to go ahead, and let’s do it.”

Alabama surrendered an early 14-0 lead, giving up 19 straight points in somewhat bizarre fashion, particularly at the end of the first half.

South Carolina scored 12 points to cut into the lead just before halftime when it converted a fourth-and-9 for a 36-yard touchdown, secured a safety on quarterback Jalen Milroe, then picked off Milroe to set up a last-second field goal attempt before halftime.

Now Alabama is looking to bounce back after South Carolina scored on its opening possession of the second half to take a 19-14 lead.

“It comes down to just doing the little things, OK?” DeBoer said. “Focused, composed and just being there for each other.”

Alabama retakes lead after wild swing

There have been more than a few wild swings in this contest, and Alabama took advantage of a back-and-forth shortly after DeBoer’s interview about what must happen in the fourth quarter.

The Crimson Tide were driving when Milroe was picked off in the end zone. But shortly after that, just two plays later, South Carolina fumbled the ball right back to Alabama.

And this time Kalen DeBoer’s guys didn’t disappoint. They quickly marched into scoring range, where Milroe ran in for a 7-yard touchdown off the right side.

That gave Alabama a 20-19 lead with 10:42 to play at the time of this writing.