South Carolina vs. Alabama Prediction, Betting Pick, Latest CFB Odds for Saturday, September 26th
The South Carolina Gamecocks head to Tuscaloosa for their second straight SEC game against a ranked opponent after suffering their first loss of the season. Can LaNorris Sellers and the Gamecocks generate enough offense against Keelon Russell and No. 8 Alabama to stay within two touchdowns? Check out this South Carolina vs. Alabama prediction and best bet for Saturday, September 26.
Peter Alexis - September 26, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
5 Minute ReadSouth Carolina vs. Alabama Prediction: Will Tide Roll After Scare Last Week?
South Carolina enters at 2-1 and 0-1 in the SEC after a 41-34 loss to Mississippi State. Alabama is 3-0 and 1-0 in conference play after rallying past Florida State 50-36. Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM ET on ESPN at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
The Tide are 12.5-point favorites, a much larger number than recent meetings between these programs would suggest. South Carolina has enough quarterback experience and offensive explosiveness to make Alabama work considerably harder than its ranking gap implies.
South Carolina vs. Alabama Recent Results
South Carolina Gamecocks (2-1), (0-1 SEC)
South Carolina suffered its first loss in a 41-34 home game against Mississippi State. The Gamecocks allowed Kamario Taylor to throw four touchdowns but still generated enough offense to remain within one possession until the end.
That defensive performance creates concern entering Tuscaloosa, but scoring 34 against a ranked opponent is important for a double-digit underdog. Sellers gives South Carolina a quarterback who can create points even when the original play breaks down.
Alabama Crimson Tide (3-0), (1-0 SEC)
Alabama improved to 3-0 with a 50-36 win over Florida State. Russell now has 764 passing yards through three games, while Daniel Hill leads the rushing attack.
The Tide have scored 45 and 50 in consecutive Power Four games, but they have also allowed 36 to Florida State and were challenged for stretches by Kentucky. This is not an Alabama team that has been completely shutting opponents down.
South Carolina vs. Alabama Head to Head
Alabama has won the last three meetings, but the two most recent games were decided by one score.
- October 25, 2025: Alabama 29, South Carolina 22
- October 12, 2024: Alabama 27, South Carolina 25
- September 14, 2019: Alabama 47, South Carolina 23
- October 9, 2010: South Carolina 35, Alabama 21
South Carolina has covered anything close to the current number in each of the last two meetings. Both games were competitive into the fourth quarter, and Sellers gives the Gamecocks more quarterback continuity than most underdogs visiting Tuscaloosa.
South Carolina vs. Alabama Date, Time, Where to Watch
- Date: Saturday, September 26th, 2026
- Time: 7:00 PM ET
- Location: Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, AL
- How to Watch: ESPN
South Carolina vs. Alabama Odds
- Spread: South Carolina +12.5 (-110), Alabama -12.5 (-110)
- Total Points: Over 53.5 (-115), Under 53.5 (-105)
- Moneyline: South Carolina (+370), Alabama (-485)
Click here for the latest South Carolina vs. Alabama Odds
South Carolina vs. Alabama Line Movement and Betting Splits
Alabama is attracting approximately 77% to 78% of DraftKings spread tickets and about 80% of the handle at -12.5. The total is similarly popular toward the Over.
The number has remained around 12.5 despite the heavy favorite support. That makes South Carolina a clear public fade while still providing nearly two touchdowns.
South Carolina vs. Alabama Prediction
Alabama's passing offense presents the biggest problem. Russell has been efficient, and South Carolina just allowed four passing touchdowns to Mississippi State.
The Gamecocks need their defensive front to make Russell uncomfortable before routes fully develop. If Alabama consistently operates from clean pockets, South Carolina will struggle to prevent the Tide from reaching the 40s.
Sellers is the reason the underdog remains attractive. His combination of size, arm talent and mobility allows South Carolina to sustain drives even when protection is imperfect. That is exactly the type of quarterback needed to cover a big number in Tuscaloosa.
Alabama has also shown defensive vulnerability. Florida State scored 36 last week, meaning South Carolina does not need a near-perfect offensive performance to reach the low-to-mid 20s.
The recent series history matters because South Carolina has already played Alabama within seven and two points in the last two meetings. Those games involved different rosters, but they show the Gamecocks have not been routinely overwhelmed by this matchup.
The public is heavily backing Alabama, which is understandable after back-to-back high-scoring wins. But the market still asks the Tide to create nearly two touchdowns of separation against a quarterback capable of producing late scores.
South Carolina vs. Alabama Best Bet
- Best Bet: South Carolina +12.5 (-110) Check out these best odds at DraftKings Sportsbook
Alabama has the higher ceiling, but South Carolina can score enough to keep this within two possessions. Sellers' mobility is particularly valuable if the Gamecocks fall behind and need to create offense against pressure.
A 34-24 or 37-27 Alabama win would still represent a comfortable home victory while keeping South Carolina inside 12.5.
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