Can the Gamecocks beat No. 1 Alabama ?

South Carolina sophomore DeVonte Holloman is doing everything he can this week to return to the football field after getting a concussion two weeks ago. The thought of missing the No. 19 Gamecocks’ next game is almost unbearable, he said. "We have a chance to show not only ourselves but the nation what we’re made of," said Holloman, a starting safety. USC plays No. 1 Alabama, the defending national champion, at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium. It will be the program’s fifth opportunity to beat a top-ranked team. The Gamecocks are 0-4 in their previous tries. "There is something about playing No. 1," South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier said. "I think that’s what made our basketball victory over Kentucky so special. If Kentucky had been No. 2, it wouldn’t have been that big a deal."“This is what you come play in the SEC for and play at this level of college football for, is to play against the best,” Gamecocks assistant coach Shane Beamer said. "These guys are the reigning national champions; they are No. 1 in the country right now. It’s a great opportunity for our guys."