From a national perspective, South Carolina football is a program on the rise. Shane Beamer’s team has outperformed expectations three of his four years in Columbia, but the Gamecocks finally have some lofty prognostications heading into 2025.

Alabama was off the mark, going 5 of 18 in the first quarter. Poor shooting wasn’t the only reason for slow start. South Carolina was quicker in the paint offensively, scoring easy layups. On the other end, the Gamecocks locked down the Crimson Tide, forcing tough shots and not allowing second-chance points.