South Carolina narrows Alabama in 29-22 SEC thriller

South Carolina's football team came close to defeating Alabama but ultimately lost 29-22, marking Alabama's seventh consecutive win. South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer highlighted their defensive strategy to pressure Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson by stopping the run and forcing him into uncomfortable situations, which slowed the Alabama offense but was not enough to secure the win. Beamer praised his team's overall effort, noting strong individual performances and control of the line of scrimmage, though he acknowledged missed opportunities in offense, defense, and special teams that could have changed the outcome. The Gamecocks struggled with turnovers, which proved costly as Alabama capitalized on those mistakes to score key points. Despite the loss, Beamer emphasized the strong culture and resilience in his program, expressing pride in his team's inspired play and determination. Alabama's offensive coordinator Mike Shula was credited for an effective game plan, and Beamer noted the importance of featuring the team's best players and plays repeatedly to compete with Alabama's defense.