No. 4 Alabama defeated South Carolina 29-22 on October 25, 2025, rallying from a 22-14 deficit with 10 minutes remaining. Germie Bernard scored twice in the final 2:30 to secure the Crimson Tide’s seventh consecutive win, improving to 7-1 overall and 5-0 in SEC play. South Carolina fell to 3-5 overall and 1-5 in conference.[1][2][3]
Bernard’s Two Touchdowns in Final Minutes Decide Contest
Germie Bernard’s performance sealed Alabama’s comeback through decisive late-game execution. Bernard caught a 4-yard receiving touchdown with 2:16 remaining to tie the game at 22-22 after Ty Simpson connected with Josh Cuevas on the two-point conversion. With 34 seconds left, Bernard took a direct snap and rushed 25 yards for the game-winning touchdown while staying inbounded near the sideline.[2][1]
Bernard’s Statistics:
- Five receptions for 54 yards plus one receiving touchdown
- Three rushing attempts for 23 yards plus one rushing touchdown
Fourth Quarter Scoring Sequence Determines Game Outcome
| Play | Time | Score | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sellers rushing TD | 10:00 remaining | SC 22, AL 14 | 10-yard run; SC led by 8 |
| Bernard receiving TD | 2:16 remaining | AL 22, SC 22 | 4-yard reception; tied game |
| Cuevas 2-pt conversion | After TD | AL 22, SC 22 | Reception for two points |
| Lawson forced fumble | 1:39 remaining | Possession change | Recovery at SC 38-yard line |
| Bernard rushing TD | 34 seconds left | AL 29, SC 22 | 25-yard run; Alabama wins |
Alabama drove 79 yards on 14 plays for its first TD drive and 38 yards on five plays for the game-winning drive.[1]
Game Statistics Reveal Competitive Matchup
| Category | Alabama | South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| First Downs | 17 | 18 |
| Total Yards | 325 | 333 |
| Passing Yards | 253 | 222 |
| Rushing Yards | 72 | 111 |
| Third Down Conversion | 8-16 (50%) | 6-17 (35%) |
South Carolina controlled the game through three quarters with superior yardage and time of possession. Alabama’s higher third-down conversion rate (50% vs. 35%) proved decisive in critical late-game situations.[4][1]
Defensive Turnovers Drive Momentum Shifts
DaShawn Jones Interception (Second Quarter): LaNorris Sellers’ pass deflected off running back Rahsul Faison’s hands. Jones intercepted and raced 18 yards for a touchdown, giving Alabama a 7-3 lead.[1]
Deontate Lawson Forced Fumble (1:39 remaining): Lawson stripped the ball from Sellers. Tim Keenan III recovered at the South Carolina 38-yard line, positioning Alabama for the game-winning drive.[1]
Shane Beamer’s Strategy and Final Drive Impossibility
South Carolina’s head coach intentionally instructed his defense to allow Bernard to score, sacrificing the immediate touchdown to preserve 34 seconds for a final drive. The Gamecocks began their last possession at their own 9-yard line with 16 seconds and no timeouts remaining—requiring 91 yards to reach the end zone. They could not advance past midfield in four plays.[5][6]
ESPN analyst Booger McFarland questioned this strategy on social media, arguing that tackling Bernard and attempting a field goal would have presented a more feasible victory path with the limited time remaining.[7]
Season Context and Alabama’s Ranked Opponent Wins
Alabama improved to 7-1 after losing to Florida State 31-17 in August. The Crimson Tide has won seven consecutive games, including four straight against ranked SEC opponents:
- Week 5: Georgia
- Week 6: Vanderbilt (moved to No. 10)
- Week 7: Missouri (No. 15)
- Week 8: Tennessee (No. 17)[8][9]
This victory represents progress for coach Kalen DeBoer, who lost three games as a double-digit favorite against unranked opponents in 2024 against Vanderbilt, Oklahoma, Michigan, and Florida State.[9]
