It isn't necessarily that Alabama comes into this game losing in back-to-back weeks to Georgia and Tennessee; it's in the way those losses happened. Alabama looked physically overwhelmed at times in both contests. Yet it led Georgia at the half and had pulled to within 2 points of Tennessee at halftime, only to wilt away – especially in Knoxville – in each game down the stretch. Now Alabama finds itself in a must-win situation, not just for its playoff hopes, but in regard to the fact that it just needs something good to happen for a change. Quarterback Keelon Russell needs to look like the Keelon Russell of the first five games of the season again. And Kalen DeBoer needs a rebound win in a major way; otherwise, the traditional four-year evaluation period for head coaches in Tuscaloosa might begin to pick up acceleration.

South Carolina QB LaNorris Sellers is one of the most dynamic playmakers at the position, but he can't do everything by himself. Fortunately for Sellers, he'll at least have a quality wide receiver and tight end group to throw to once the season starts. Kendal Briles, USC's new offensive coordinator, should help the Gamecocks become more inventive and less predictable. WR Nyck Harbor, who measures at 6'5” and 245 pounds and runs a 4.3 40-yard dash, could wind up being a guy no one has an answer for.

Austin Mack got an unexpected trial under fire in the season-ending loss to Indiana in the playoffs following Ty Simpson's injury at the end of the first half. Mack acquitted himself well, especially given the complete dearth of a running game to help him out, while also buried under a big Indiana lead. The best thing that could be said about him during that time was that he didn't appear to mentally break down given the gravity of the moment, and he made a handful of ace throws at the same time. Mack continued to put up good work in the spring, although he was outplayed by Keelon Russell at A-Day and doesn't enter camp with any kind of built-in lead for the position. If Mack isn't named the starter in the fall, he'll probably play out the season as Russell's backup and then transfer next winter. He's got surprising athleticism for his build, but his calling card is the cannon attached to his right shoulder. If he can fine-tune his shots, especially on midrange throws, Alabama could certainly win with him.