Former Alabama quarterback calls South Carolina matchup scariest of Crimson Tide's season
During the 2024-25 season, South Carolina exited Tuscaloosa, Alabama, having fallen short of upsetting a then-No. 7 Alabama Crimson Tide.
The game came at the exact midpoint of the Gamecocks’ season. Though they entered the fourth quarter with the lead, a 13-6 quarter in favor of the Tide dropped South Carolina to 3-3.
In 2025, the Gamecocks’ chance to rectify 2024’s loss comes in week eight on their turf, on homecoming weekend. The Crimson Tide travel to South Carolina on Oct. 25, the first matchup between the two at Williams-Brice Stadium since 2019.
Former Alabama Quarterback AJ McCarron, who played for the Crimson Tide from 2009 to 2013, said it will be Alabama’s scariest game of the season.
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“Myself and Trent (Richardson) both know it (Williams-Brice) is an extremely tough place to play at,” McCarron said on his podcast ‘THE DYNASTY’.
In 2010, McCarron was Alabama’s backup quarterback when the Gamecocks took down then-No. 1 Alabama in an upset win, 35-21. His podcast co-host, Trent Richardson, also played that day, taking six carries for 23 yards at running back.
“I remember like it was yesterday. 2010, running out of that tunnel, and I mean that place is loud,” McCarron said. “As soon as they start playing (Sandstorm) and that techno music starts going and the crowd is waving white towels, I mean they get amped up there.”
He drew comparisons from that year to now when it comes to the Gamecocks.
“I really think that team that they had in 2010 compares to this team that they have right now at South Carolina. LaNorris Sellers, that young freshman d(efensive) end, No. 6 (Dylan Stewart), an absolute dog,” McCarron said. “I mean, they have playmakers all over. That’s going to be extremely tough.”
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In last season’s contest at Alabama, the Gamecocks saw a 19-14 lead entering the fourth quarter evaporate. After two unanswered touchdowns from Alabama gave the Crimson Tide a 27-19 lead, South Carolina scored.
Despite a two-point conversion failure that kept Alabama in the lead, 27-25, South Carolina got another attempt after recovering the ensuing onside kick. However, a game-ending interception thrown by LaNorris Sellers quickly ended the drive, sealing the Alabama win.
“South Carolina took Alabama to the wire last season,” McCarron said. “Really cost themselves the game. I mean really had the game won and blew it.”
Chris Stewart, Alabama football play-by-play announcer for Tide 100.9, concurred with McCarron’s fear on Alabama’s midseason road trip.
“Going back to South Carolina, that can be a very, very dangerous spot,” Stewart said. “When you drop it there in the midst of Tennessee and LSU, that’s a scary one.”
