Domani Jackson exited the game in the second quarter after making a tackle that forced a third down, needing assistance from the training staff to reach the sidelines. After spending time in the medical tent, he was taken to the locker room on a golf cart with around 10 minutes left before halftime. However, Jackson returned to play in the second half.

Freshman Jaylen Mbakwe stepped in for Jackson on the third-down play, and DaShawn Jones, a Wake Forest transfer, also saw action, bringing some experience to the field. Zay Mincey got snaps in Jackson’s absence as well, although he was the nearest defender when South Carolina connected on a 36-yard touchdown pass during a fourth-down play in the first half.

Jackson, a veteran presence among a young cornerback group, transferred to Alabama before the 2024 season after spending two years at Southern Cal.

BAMA WINS!

Domani Jackson seals a wild one in Bryant-Denny as Alabama survives South Carolina. 🏈🐘 #rolltide pic.twitter.com/0xVDT1qwyg

— Alabama Crimson Tide | AL.com (@aldotcomTide) October 12, 2024

ESPN Facing Backlash Over South Carolina-Alabama Decision

“ESPN what’re we doing here with this picture of Dylan Stewart?”

ESPN promoting the Dylan Stewart incident last week?? pic.twitter.com/WQBHNzf6da

— CFB Kings (@CFBKings) October 12, 2024

“Gonna condemn it all week then use it on national tv”

@espn what’re we doing here with this picture of Dylan Stewart? pic.twitter.com/25IST06PF3

— William Cockerill (@walkonmoose) October 12, 2024

“NCAA and ESPN ‘this is so bad and disgusting for the game’ Also espn: let’s post it as a main graphic.”

Gonna condemn it all week then use it on national tv

— Xavier Manley (@xman10290) October 12, 2024

“Who cleared this to be Stewart’s pic”

 

NCAA and ESPN “this is so bad and disgusting for the game”
Also espn: let’s post it as a main graphic. https://t.co/UCHglZrC4E

— General Will (@GamecockWill69) October 12, 2024

“that’s CRAZY if it’s real”

Stewart and the South Carolina defense have consistently troubled opposing quarterbacks this season, tallying 19 sacks and eight interceptions over six games. Their performance against Alabama quarterback and Heisman candidate Jalen Milroe was no exception, as they forced two interceptions and sacked him four times. Despite their efforts, the Gamecocks dropped to 3-3 overall and 1-3 in SEC play after the loss. Alabama improved to 5-1 on the season and 2-1 in the conference, with their only defeat coming in Week 6 against the Vanderbilt Commodores.