In a game that tested Alabamaโs resilience to the limit, No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide pulled off a sensational 29โ22 comeback win over South Carolina in Columbia, turning what looked like certain defeat into one of the most dramatic victories of their season. It was a night that belonged to Germie Bernard, the sophomore wide receiver who delivered two touchdowns in the final two and a half minutes โ including the game-winner โ to snatch triumph from the jaws of heartbreak.
The matchup began with Alabama showing flashes of control but struggling to impose their trademark dominance. Quarterback Ty Simpson showcased poise, throwing for 253 yards and two touchdowns, yet the Crimson Tide offense faltered on the ground, amassing just 72 yards on 23 carries. South Carolinaโs defense, often criticized this season, held strong โ and when LaNorris Sellers powered into the end zone early in the fourth quarter to give the Gamecocks a 22โ14 lead, the home crowd sensed an upset brewing.
But Alabama, as it so often does under pressure, found another gear. With just over two minutes left, Simpson engineered a meticulous 14-play, 79-yard drive capped by a 4-yard touchdown strike to Bernard in the left corner of the end zone. The Tide then converted a crucial two-point attempt through tight end Josh Cuevas, tying the game at 22โ22 and silencing the crowd inside WilliamsโBrice Stadium.
Moments later, the Tide defense turned the tide โ literally. Linebacker Deontae Lawson forced a fumble from Sellers, giving Simpson and company the ball deep in South Carolina territory. Then, in a moment that will be replayed for years, Bernard took a direct snap on third-and-10, sprinted down the right sideline, and danced into the end zone for a 25-yard touchdown with only 34 seconds remaining.
South Carolinaโs offense, valiant but error-prone, couldnโt muster another miracle. Sellers, who had thrown for 222 yards and two total touchdowns, was left to rue a costly turnover that shattered the Gamecocksโ upset hopes.
The Crimson Tideโs seventh straight victory wasnโt their prettiest โ but it was pure Alabama grit. With the win, Nick Sabanโs squad moves to 7โ1 (5โ0 SEC) and keeps their playoff dreams intact ahead of a high-stakes clash with No. 20 LSU on November 8.
For Bernard, this night in Columbia will be remembered as his personal coming-of-age โ the moment he stepped from promising prospect to certified Crimson Tide legend.
