Alabama defensive back Malachi Moore. Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK

Watch: Malachi Moore saves Alabama from potential embarrassment

By Adam Gretz | Last updated Oct 12, 2024 3:42 PM ET

Alabama was on upset watch again on Saturday, barely holding on for a 27-25 win over South Carolina.

After taking a 27-19 lead with less than two minutes to play in the fourth quarter, Alabama allowed South Carolina to drive down the field for a touchdown, had to make a stop on a two-point conversion, let the Gamecocks recover an onside kick and had to make one more defensive stand.

The Crimson Tide made it with an interception from Domani Jackson. But it was the awareness of fellow defensive back Malachi Moore that may have actually saved the game.

Watch Malachi Moore (13) tell Jackson not to kneel the safety in the EZ.

That was very close. Probably at least gets reviewed. What a move by Moore — one of the smartest DBs in the country pic.twitter.com/FpnEAl8bfF
— Nick Baumgardner (@nickbaumgardner) October 12, 2024

Because Jackson caught that ball in the field of play and ran into the end zone, had he taken a knee there is a chance, that would have been ruled a safety and potentially tied the game.

Moore knew that and clearly told his teammate to run it out just before he put his knee down on the ground.

It is possible that the officials could have ruled that Jackson's momentum had carried him in, but he clearly took a few steps before going into the end zone. It was better to not risk it, and Moore had the awareness to know that. He did not actually make the game-saving play, but he still may have helped save the game.

Adam Gretz

Adam Gretz is a freelance writer based in Pittsburgh. He covers the NHL, NFL, MLB and NBA. Baseball is his favorite sport -- he is nearly halfway through his goal of seeing a game in every MLB ballpark. Catch him on Twitter @AGretz

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