Alabama Crimson Tide Week 4 Game Notes

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South Carolina travels to Tuscaloosa, AL, in what could turn into an offensive shootout.  The South Carolina Gamecocks enter the matchup at 2-1 on the season averaging 45 PPG while the Alabama Crimson Tide enter ranked #8 in the nation after hanging 50 points on FSU last week.  The game will start at 6 pm CST on Saturday, Sept 26th, and will air on ESPN.  Here are some storylines to watch:

1.  South Carolina has played Alabama close the last 2 seasons.  Will they finally get over the hump and beat Alabama?
2.  South Carolina QB LaNorris Sellers could be a real matchup problem for Alabama.  Sellers has 648 passing yards and 172 rushing yards on the season.
3.  Alabama's new look offense continues to develop.  Sophomore QB Keelon Russell has thrown for 764 yards while Daniel Hill has rushed for 210 yards and Ryan Coleman-Williams leads the receiving corps with 235 yards.
4.  How does South Carolina's defense slow down this Alabama offense?  The Gamecocks have allowed only 17 PPG on the season but did surrender 41 last week to Mississippi State.

5.  The turnover battle.  South Carolina cannot afford to turn the ball over and give this Alabama offense a short field.

Players to Watch:

South Carolina:  LaNorris Sellers, Matthew Fuller, Nyck Harbor, Donovan Murph

Alabama:  Keelon Russell, Daniel Hill, Ryan Coleman-Williams, Alabama Defensive Front

Prediction:

Alabama 34 South Carolina 27

Troy makes the long trip out to Logan, UT, to face the Utah State Aggies.  Troy enters the game at 2-1 after a close loss on the road at Missouri while Utah State enters the game at 0-3 on the season.  The game will start at 6:30 pm CST on Saturday, Sept. 26th, and will air on CBSSN.  Here are some storylines to watch:

1.  Troy needs to avoid the road letdown.  After coming off a competitive game against an SEC opponent, Troy makes the 1900 mile trip out west to face Utah State on their homecoming.
2.  Can Troy's offense rebound?
3.  Goose Crowder vs Utah State's secondary.  Crowder has thrown for 596 yards and 6 TD's to only 1 interception on the season while Utah State's defense ranks 2nd in the PAC-12 in passing efficiency defense.
4.  Utah State's QB situation.  The Aggies have struggled with consistent QB play.

5.  Turnovers might decide it.  The Aggies have committed 9 turnovers on the season while Troy has only committed 2.

Players to Watch:

Troy:  Goose Crowder, Troy's RB tandem, Eli Head, Troy Defense
Utah State:  Eli Wood, Grady Brosterhous, McCae Hillstead, Javen Jacobs

Prediction:

Troy 27 Utah State 20