Ty Simpson, Alabama Keep CFP Bracket Hopes Alive as Fans Marvel at Late Rally vs. SC

Ty Simpson and the No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide escaped with a hard-fought 29–22 win over unranked South Carolina on the road Saturday, improving to 7-1 on the season.

The victory kept Alabama's College Football Playoff hopes alive and preserved its perfect SEC record at 5-0, while the Gamecocks dropped to 3-5 overall and 1-5 in conference play.

Simpson led the way with 252 yards and two touchdowns on 24-of-43 passing. Germie Bernard recorded two scores — one receiving and one rushing, including the game-winning touchdown — while Josh Cuevas added another receiving score.

South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers impressed in the loss, throwing for 213 yards and one touchdown on 17-of-31 passing while also leading all rushers with 67 yards and a rushing score.

With the win, Alabama maintained its playoff hopes and continued its push toward another SEC Championship appearance.

Despite a rocky first half that included an interception and a missed field goal, South Carolina stayed within reach, trailing 14–6 at halftime.

The Gamecocks held Alabama scoreless in the third quarter while scoring on two of their three possessions to take a one-point lead into the fourth. 

An Alabama fumble to open the quarter set up a South Carolina touchdown to go up 22–14, but the Tide responded with a touchdown and a two-point conversion to tie the game with 2:16 left in regulation.

South Carolina fumbled with 1:39 remaining, and the Crimson Tide capitalized with a late touchdown to complete the comeback and seal the win.

Alabama will head into a bye week before hosting LSU at home on Nov. 8.