The Alabama Crimson Tide have received a surprising ranking before facing South Carolina.
The Alabama Crimson Tide have gotten off to a 3-0 start this season, most recently defeating Florida State by a score of 50-36 to avenge last year's loss.
It wasn't easy, though, as Alabama trailed the Seminoles 21-6 in the first half before staging a rally.
It marked the second straight week that the Crimson Tide had to play from behind against an inferior opponent, as they also were down 17-13 at halftime against Kentucky in Week 2 before outscoring the Wildcats 32-0 over the final 30 minutes.
While Alabama remains undefeated and has looked very impressive when it is on the top of its game, there is no question there are some concerns for the Crimson Tide regarding their consistency, and they could be in some trouble going into their Week 4 matchup against South Carolina.
In fact, Seth Emerson of The Athletic released his SEC "conference vibes" rankings before the weekend slate, and he had Alabama ranked ninth in the conference.
Emerson noted that we are still wondering if the Crimson Tide are an "explosive juggernaut" who can dominate at moment's notice or a team that will eventually be brought down because of its tendency to start games slow.
It's a fair assessment of Alabama, which is clearly a genuine contender when it is rolling. The Crimson Tide are one of the most talented squads in the country, and it's clear that redshirt freshman quarterback Keelon Russell is still learning as he goes.
But will Alabama be able to survive its slow starts against better teams?
South Carolina may very well be 'Bama's toughest test yet this Saturday. The Gamecocks are 2-1, with their lone loss coming to Mississippi State ... whom the Crimson Tide will actually face on the road the following week.
LaNorris Sellers is a very dangerous dual-threat quarterback, and South Carolina also possesses a loaded backfield with a handful of running backs who can do damage.
Should Alabama win this game? Absolutely. The Tide are the superior ballclub. Plus, the matchup is un Tuscaloosa.
But considering Alabama then has five straight games against ranked opponents on its schedule, this could very well be a trap game for Kalen DeBoer and Co.
It will certainly be important for the Crimson Tide to get off to a much better start this time around. Not just so they can beat the Gamecocks, but so they don't make their poor first halves a habit against the top SEC teams.
