19 straight wins, snapped. 29 straight regular season wins, snapped. 9 straight wins against ranked opponents, snapped. 8 straight weeks sitting at #1 in the AP poll (longest streak in Alabama football history), snapped. 

The Crimson Tide were outplayed and out coached by a very good, physical South Carolina team. The Crimson Tide was handed it’s first regular season loss since Auburn in 2007. From the opening kick Alabama looked dazed and confused, while across the field the Gamecocks played with their ears pinned back and had the young but talented Alabama defense on their heels for the entire game. After jumping up 21-3 before a touchdown by the Tide before half time, it was evident that South Carolina was there, and meant business. Stephen Garcia had the game of his life going 17-20 for 201 yards and 3 touchdowns, while Greg McElroy looked good in the loss going 27-34 for 315 yards and 2 touchdowns. Mark Ingram had another poor rushing game only carrying the ball 11 times for 47 yards. 

When asked about how South Carolina won the game, Nick Saban responded

“South Carolina beat us, so it’s not like we just lost. I mean they beat us,” Saban continued. “They out-executed us. They played better than we played. They play with more intensity. They played physical. They had a good plan and did a good job of executing it and we made far too many mental errors.” 

This game was eye opening in many ways, especially on the defensive side of the ball which looked like it was finally making strides after the Florida game a week earlier. After the game on Saturday it was evident that the defense took a major step in the wrong direction. This was a team loss. Offense, defense and special teams all struggled as the streak was finally snapped. Now the target has been removed from their backs and Alabama has to respond. 

After the game Greg McElroy found South Carolina quarterback Stephen Garcia, shook his hand and congratulated him on a great game but did leave him with 5 simple words “We’ll see you guys again”, meaning the SEC Championship. We will know in 6 weeks if that statement is true.