The Alabama Crimson Tide are back in SEC play this weekend as the South Carolina Gamecocks travel to Tuscaloosa in a game that features two of the more exciting quarterbacks in the conference and arguably the sport.

The Gamecocks dropped one last week against Mississippi State and Sellers struggled, but South Carolina has played Alabama tight in recent years, and Sellers can flip a game on its head at any point. So, my four colleagues and I have made final predictions for this game on Saturday night.

Alabama 30, South Carolina 20

I think this game will be closer than some of my colleagues do. Alabama has to prove that it can start fast on offense. It has been a problem through three games and was the catalyst behind the booing of OC Ryan Grubb and ultimately his apology to the Crimson Tide faithful.

At some point, those slow starts will come back to bite Alabama, no matter how dynamic Keelon Russell is. On defense, the loss of Justin Hill and Desmond Umeozulu is no small matter either. I think Alabama pulls away late, but I expect Beamer and Sellers to put up a fight.

View this post on Instagram

Alabama 30, South Carolina 13

“There’s not much else left to say about this South Carolina team that hasn’t already been said by all the media pundits. They consistently have very good players on their roster, and always seem to not be able to play to expectations. With Dylan Stewart probable in this one, he’s likely not going to be at full health.”

“That’s something that instantly works in Bama’s favor. From what we have seen from Bama over the last few weeks, you can see this team is finally starting to get it. They’re finally starting to put the pieces together, especially on offense. In this one, we could see Bama’s offense take over with a special game from the defense. I have Bama winning this one by 20.” – Justin Churchill, A to Z Sports Oklahoma Sooners

Alabama 37, South Carolina 17

“I’m predicting Alabama 37, South Carolina 17 in a game that starts much closer than the final score suggests. I expect Keelon Russell to get off to a slow start, while LaNorris Sellers comes out firing and gives the Gamecocks a chance to hang around early. Sellers has thrown for 648 yards and five touchdowns through three games, while Russell is coming off a breakout performance against Florida State, so this matchup has the potential to swing dramatically depending on which quarterback settles in first.”

“Eventually, though, the tides turn — pun absolutely intended. Russell finds his rhythm, and his ability to create with his legs becomes the difference in the second half. Alabama’s offense starts extending drives, Russell makes plays outside the pocket and the Crimson Tide’s athleticism begins to wear down South Carolina. The Gamecocks keep battling, but Alabama pulls away with a couple of second-half scoring drives to turn a competitive game into a comfortable 37-17 Crimson Tide victory.” – Ryan Roberts, A to Z Sports Notre Dame

Alabama 45, South Carolina 17

“This game boils down to the quarterbacks. Keelon Russell finally showed why he was a five-star quarterback coming out of Duncanville. His movement skills are excellent and give the Crimson Tide an advantage in every situation.”

“On the other side, LaNorris Sellers took another step backward this season, and it’s likely due to Kendal Briles running the offense. If only we saw this coming back in January. Oh that’s right, we did. Give me Alabama in a blowout.” – Tyler Forness, A to Z Sports Florida Gators

Alabama 42, South Carolina 30

“After Kamario Taylor had his way with the South Carolina defense, it’s Keelon Russell’s turn this week. I would have the Crimson Tide repeating a fifty-burger for the second straight week, but I need to see Ryan Grubb’s offense actually hit the ground running from the start of a game first.”

“LaNorris Sellers gets the Gamecocks on the board early and breathes some hope into South Carolina, who gave the Tide an extremely close call in Tuscaloosa two years ago. But like the last two weeks, Alabama flips a switch and blows right by the Gamecocks, who add on some late window dressing in a game that’s not as close as the final score makes it look.” – Craig Smith, A to Z Sports Miami Hurricanes