Alabama Tops South Carolina Behind Keelon Russell in Tuscaloosa

Keelon Russell threw with accuracy at every level and scored a fourth-quarter touchdown as Alabama seized control of South Carolina before halftime on Sept. 26, 2026.

Alabama built a lopsided lead in the first half and defeated South Carolina on Saturday night, September 26, 2026, at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa. The Crimson Tide have yet to play four complete quarters this season, and Saturday had its uneven stretches, but the early surge put the game out of reach and the overall performance showed progress.

Quarterback Keelon Russell drove much of it. Wearing No. 12, he extended the ball over the goal line for a fourth-quarter touchdown and was consistently sharp through the air, reading the South Carolina defense and delivering accurate throws at every level. He spread the ball among a wide range of receivers, and he slid on scrambles rather than absorbing contact. The account compared his overall skill set to former Alabama quarterback Bryce Young, citing stronger early deep-ball accuracy and a bigger frame.

Pass protection largely held against a South Carolina front built to pressure the quarterback, with Dylan Stewart among the Gamecocks' most dangerous rushers. Russell generally had time to operate, even if the blocking was not flawless. Stiffer challenges lie ahead, beginning when Georgia arrives in two weeks.

The ground game lagged behind the passing attack. South Carolina penetrated for five tackles for loss and held Alabama's running backs to 92 yards on 20 carries, with 57 of those yards coming on just two runs. Trae'shawn Brown found more room than Daniel Hill, and EJ Crowell created the biggest highlights, hurdling would-be tacklers in a style the report likened to a young Najee Harris. AK Dear has seen only limited work so far.

In coverage, Alabama cut down significantly on the explosive pass plays it had been surrendering. The one notable breakdown was a deep ball to Nyck Harbor that got behind Dijon Lee.

Defending the run was a bigger issue. Matt Fuller opened the game with a long gain on the first play from scrimmage, and South Carolina finished with 216 rushing yards on 40 carries. Alabama's offense scored quickly in the first half, then struggled to sustain drives in the third quarter, which left the defense on the field for long stretches, and fatigue appeared to become a factor. Depth shortages may have contributed as well.

Linebacker Luke Metz continued his emergence as a defensive standout. He was involved throughout, recovered a fumble, and made a punishing tackle on punt coverage that drew a comparison to former Alabama linebacker Reuben Foster. Kuechly is Metz's stated idol, the report noted.

The schedule now stiffens considerably. Alabama faces unbeaten Mississippi State next weekend, a team the report says features the best quarterback Alabama has faced to date. Georgia then arrives to begin a demanding October stretch, and the report stressed that the Tide must keep improving in all phases to reach their goals this season.