Kalen DeBoer reacts after Alabama narrowly avoided second straight SEC upset: 'Proud of these guys'

The South Carolina Gamecocks gave No. 7 Alabama all it could handle on Saturday in Tuscaloosa.

While Alabama entered the matchup of Southeastern Conference opponents as the overwhelming favorite, first-year head coach Kalen DeBoer quickly realized that the odds weren't necessarily in his team's favor.

However, South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers threw a late interception to seal Alabama's 27-25 win, helping the Crimson Tide avoid a second straight loss to an SEC opponent.

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Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer leaves the field at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, October 12, 2024. Alabama defeated South Carolina 27-25. (Gary Cosby Jr./Imagn Images)

“It just happens so often that we talk about finding a way to win,” DeBoer told reporters after the hard-fought game. “The ball wasn't going our way, but if we can find a way to win when your back is against the wall, even on the last drive there, then I'm proud of these guys.”

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One of the awkward drops DeBoer may have been referring to occurred when Alabama botched an onside kick. The mishap allowed the Gamecocks to regain possession and gave the underdogs a chance to complete the massive upset.

Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Germie Bernard enters the end zone after a reception during the second half against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, October 12, 2024. (Butch Dill-Imagn Images)

Sellers hit Nyck Harbor for a 31-yard touchdown with 43 seconds left, but the Gamecocks failed to score on their two-point attempt.

Sellers' interception was the result of a desperate rush toward the end zone with 13 seconds left. Alabama defensive lineman Domani Jackson intercepted the pass to effectively end the game.

Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe rushed for a 7-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter and then hit Germie Bernard for a late 34-yard score to help the Crimson Tide survive the scare.

Alabama Crimson Tide fans react to the close score in the fourth quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, October 12, 2024. (Will McLelland/Imagn Images)

Last week, the Vanderbilt Commodores recorded arguably the biggest win in program history by defeating Alabama 40-35.

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The Crimson Tide entered Week 6's contest as the top-ranked team in the country. Alabama climbed to No. 1 after holding off a furious comeback from the Georgia Bulldogs on Sept. 28.

Alabama will travel to Knoxville next week to face Tennessee, the Crimson Tide's fourth straight SEC opponent. The Volunteers entered this week as the eighth-ranked team in the country.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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