South Carolina vs. Alabama Recap: Russell's Four TDs Settle It Early

Alabama beat South Carolina 49-18, and it was over by halftime. South Carolina moved the ball on its first two drives but came away with nothing: a field goal try that didn't go through and a turnover on downs. Alabama answered with a one-play, 75-yard touchdown pass from Keelon Russell to Lotzeir Brooks and led the rest of the way. Russell threw four first-half touchdowns, Red Morgan returned an interception 23 yards for another, and Alabama led 35-10 at the break. Six DARIMARKET plays cashed on this game, all posted before kickoff.

What cashed

Alabama ML (-521 at FanDuel): CASHED

• Our read: Alabama had put 50 on Florida State, and South Carolina had just allowed 41 to Mississippi State. Alabama's injuries were all on defense, so the offense was at full strength.
• What happened: Alabama won by 31. The offense was what we expected: 489 total yards, no turnovers and 13.5 yards per pass attempt.
• Worth watching: At -521 it only makes sense as a parlay leg, and it was never in doubt. A full-strength offense against a defense that just gave up 41 is the profile we want for a short-priced favorite.

ALT: Alabama -5.5 (alt, targeted -170 to -200): CASHED

• Our read: The main line was -12.5. We took seven points of cushion on the same read.
• What happened: Alabama won by 31 and covered by 25.5. The main -12.5 would have covered by 18.5, so the cushion wasn't needed this time.
• Worth watching: We gave up some payout for safety we didn't use. That's a trade we make on purpose when the read is strong.

ALT: Alabama team total Over 27.5 (alt, targeted -170 to -200): CASHED

• Our read: Alabama had scored 48, 45 and 50 in its three games. The -12.5 line and 54.5 total implied about 33.5 for Alabama, so 27.5 left a 6-point cushion.
• What happened: Alabama scored 49 and cleared 27.5 by 21.5. It had 35 by halftime.
• Worth watching: Alabama has now scored 45 or more in every game this season. A 27.5 alt is conservative for this offense.

ALT: Over 44.5 (alt, targeted -170 to -200): CASHED

• Our read: Alabama was scoring 47.7 points a game, South Carolina ranked 8th nationally in total yards, and Alabama was missing three linebackers and two defensive backs. The main total was 54.5.
• What happened: The teams combined for 67, clearing 44.5 by 22.5 and the main 54.5 by 12.5. The alt was already over at halftime with 45 points on the board. The third quarter was scoreless.
• Worth watching: Both offenses did their part. South Carolina put up 419 yards against the short-handed Alabama defense.

ALT: Keelon Russell 200+ passing yards (alt, targeted -170 to -200): CASHED

• Our read: Russell was averaging 254.7 passing yards a game, and South Carolina had just given up 41 points.
• What happened: Russell completed 21 of 27 passes for 365 yards, 4 touchdowns and no interceptions, clearing 199.5 by 165.5. His touchdown passes went for 75, 32, 42 and 3 yards. Ryan Coleman-Williams caught 5 passes for 98 yards and two of the scores. Russell also ran for a 9-yard touchdown late.
• Worth watching: He threw only 27 times, so big plays carried the yardage. A 200+ alt on a QB averaging 254.7 gives real room when volume is light.

ALT: LaNorris Sellers 35+ rushing yards (alt, targeted -170 to -200): CASHED

• Our read: Sellers was running for 57.3 yards a game, and Alabama was missing three linebackers, including Justin Hill and Cayden Jones.
• What happened: Sellers ran 13 times for 72 yards with a long of 15, clearing 34.5 by 37.5. There was no single long run. He got there on steady carries.
• Worth watching: A mobile QB against a thin set of linebackers is a spot worth a look again, especially when his team is likely to trail.

How the game played out

South Carolina had 419 yards but went 3 of 14 on third down. Sellers threw for 185 yards with a 41-yard touchdown to Nyck Harbor, but his one interception was the one Morgan returned for a touchdown. Matt Fuller ran for 112 yards on 19 carries, and his 9-yard touchdown run plus a two-point run early in the fourth quarter made it 35-18. That was as close as it got.

Trends to watch

• Alabama has scored 45 or more in all four games. Alabama team total overs stay worth a look, even above 27.5.
• Russell's 365 yards came on just 27 attempts. His yardage leans on big plays, not volume, so alts with cushion fit better than a high main line.
• South Carolina ran for 216 yards as a team with Alabama's linebackers thin. Sellers and Fuller rushing props are worth watching any time an opponent is missing linebackers.

Stats are from the ESPN box score. New to these terms? Read up on the alt line, the parlay and the player prop, or head back to the college football hub.