# Alabama prepares to host South Carolina for SEC home opener > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/alabama-crimson-tide-preparations-for-south-carolina-game > Updated: 2026-09-24T18:07:31.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2. The University of Alabama is preparing for its first SEC home game of the season against South Carolina in Tuscaloosa. Following an undefeated 3-0 start, which included a 50-36 victory over Florida State, head coach Kalen DeBoer has identified defensive discipline and containing South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers as “critical” factors for the upcoming matchup. DeBoer specifically noted that pass rush and lane integrity will be essential to address defensive lapses in the passing game. South Carolina enters the contest with a 2-1 record, arriving for their first road game of the season following a 41-34 loss to Mississippi State. Historical matchups between the two programs have been competitive, with the last two meetings decided by a single possession. Regarding player availability for the matchup, Alabama expects AK Dear and Noah Rogers to be available, though linebacker Justin Hill is listed as out. For South Carolina, edge rusher Dylan Stewart is listed as probable, while defensive lineman Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy is doubtful. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-24: University of Alabama hosting Tide Talk luncheon ahead of South Carolina game The University of Alabama will host a ‘Tide Talk’ luncheon this Friday featuring coaches Kalen DeBoer, Nate Oats, and others ahead of the football game against South Carolina. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/university-of-alabama-hosting-tide-talk-luncheon-ahead-of-south-carolina-game ### 2026-09-23: Alabama hosts South Carolina in SEC home opener No. 8 Alabama hosts South Carolina this Saturday in Tuscaloosa. Both teams aim to rebound from last week's losses in a matchup that has historically been decided by a single possession. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alabama-prepares-for-sec-home-opener-against-south-carolina --- Cite as: Alabama prepares to host South Carolina for SEC home opener. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/alabama-crimson-tide-preparations-for-south-carolina-game