​South Carolina football is looking to rebound from its first loss of the season but now faces its first road test. The Gamecocks (2-1, 0-1 SEC) travel to play No. 8 Alabama (3-0, 1-0 SEC) on Sept. 26 (7 p.m. ET, ESPN).Quarterback LaNorris Sellers and coach Shane Beamer lost to Alabama by a combined nine points the last two years, losing 27-25 in 2024 and 29-22 last year. Here’s the Greenville News’ prediction for how the game will go.South Carolina vs Alabama predictionSouth Carolina didn’t just lose its opener but it was another game where it had a sizable first half lead. The Gamecocks were up 16-0 to Mississippi State in the second quarter but were then outscored 27-11 in the second half, including 17-0 in the third quarter.Alabama was down 17-13 to Kentucky at halftime in Week 2 but then scored 18 points in the third and 14 in the fourth to win 45-17. The Crimson Tide were also down 15 to Florida State but came back to win 50-36 last week. It’s clear that South Carolina still isn’t great at maintaining leads and that Alabama is great at fighting back from deficits.In 2024, Sellers found Nyck Harbor for a touchdown with 43 seconds left but overthrew the two-point conversion. South Carolina recovered the onside kick and gave Sellers another chance but his final heave to the end zone was intercepted. A year later, South Carolina led 22-14 late in the fourth quarter but after the Crimson Tide tied the game with two minutes left, Sellers had a costly fumble that led to the game-winning touchdown for Alabama. Not only is Sellers returning to Tuscaloosa with a personal tie to the series but is coming off a loss were he threw two costly interceptions. That could spark even more fire in the quarterback, who needs a big statement win.South Carolina vs Alabama scouting reportWhy South Carolina has an advantage: The Gamecocks have a lot to prove as they haven’t had a statement win since Clemson in 2024. Beamer is 2-10 in his last Power 4 games and has never beaten Alabama.Beamer talked about having a different team this year that will rebound the right way, unlike the group that went 4-8 last year. If he’s right, Alabama could be facing a very angry South Carolina team.Sophomore Donovan Murph ( 5 catches, 136 yards, 2 TDs) has been a consistent threat. In the last two meetings, star Nyck Harbor has had one or two big catches. Sellers also has better protection from his offensive line than ever before.Star junior edge rusher Dylan Stewart returned from injury last week which added to an already strong defensive front, led by sophomore Anthony Addison and fifth-year Tomiwa Durojaiye.Why Alabama has an advantage: Alabama’s new quarterback Keelon Russell threw for 320 yards and three touchdowns vs FSU and has proven he can handle pressure.Alabama is also loaded on offense with wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams and running back Daniel Hill.South Carolina hasn’t put two halves together against a quality opponent and showed signs of weakness in its secondary