3 Bold Predictions for Alabama vs South Carolina SEC Matchup

By Michael Luciano | Sep 11 2019

New Mexico State v Alabama | Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Freshman quarterback Ryan Hilinski will get his first rude awakening to life as an SEC quarterback when he and South Carolina welcome Tua Tagovailoa, Nick Saban and Alabama to Columbia. The Gamecocks have the opportunity to either pull off the upset of the decade or get flattened by 50 points.

1. Tavien Feaster Runs For 150+ Yards

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - AUGUST 31: Tavien Feaster #4 of the South Carolina Gamecocks runs for a touchdown against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the Belk College Kickoff game at Bank of America Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) — South Carolina v North Carolina | Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

Feaster was Travis Etienne's backup at Clemson, and managed to do some damage both in the ACC and against Alabama. He crossed the hated divide between Clemson and USC in order to show off for NFL scouts, and he'll get his first opportunity to do so on a big stage against the Tide. Look for a hungry, elusive and motivated Feaster to slice through the Dylan Moses-less Crimson Tide defense.

2. Jeudy, Ruggs, Waddle, and Smith all get 50+ Yards Receiving

TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - SEPTEMBER 07: Jerry Jeudy #4 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after his second touchdown reception against the New Mexico State Aggies with DeVonta Smith #6 at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 07, 2019 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) — New Mexico State v Alabama | Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

You could make a legit case that Bama has four of the top 15 wide receivers in the country, and all of them will look to eat against a South Carolina secondary that has been prone to giving up chunk plays in the Muschamp years. While Jerry Jeudy will invariably lead the way, expect Henry Ruggs, Jaylen Waddle, and Devonta Smith to all make some big plays against this ragtag secondary.

3. Alabama Wins Handily After Forcing Three Hilinski Turnovers

TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - SEPTEMBER 07: Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide converses with Tua Tagovailoa #13 against the New Mexico State Aggies at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 07, 2019 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) — New Mexico State v Alabama | Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Hilinski has some juice in his arm and looks to be a starter for the future, but Saban and the Tide feast whenever they play a freshman quarterback, especially those that are pocket passers. Hilinski may make some nice throws, but expect him to get beat up as the Tide defense hones in on him.