Ty Simpson driven to lead underdog Alabama to a Rose Bowl upset
Under scrutiny and criticism after a season-opening loss to Florida State, the Alabama Crimson Tide have spent the rest of the season focusing on growth, resilience and a change in leadership mindset as they prepare for their College Football Playoff quarterfinal game against No. 1 Indiana on Thursday at the Rose Bowl.
Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson said the early criticism motivated the team.
“I think in the first game, everyone kind of pegged us — especially me as being a problem — and that really made me feel some kind of way,” Simpson said. “With adversity comes opportunity and this was an opportunity to make things right. I know not only was I under scrutiny, but so was our head coach. With all the respect I have for him, I had to scratch and claw and find a way to improve. With more time, more reps, more games in general, I got better.”
Simpson’s leadership evolved steadily over the course of the season, becoming a focal point of Alabama’s offensive identity.
After the season-opening loss, Crimson Tide coach Kalen DeBoer emphasized his quarterback’s areas of growth, including decision-making and confidence.
“He just has to trust his reads and let go sometimes and let it fly,” DeBoer said. “And then just some decisions to make at certain critical moments, that’s what he’s going to learn from.”
DeBoer said Simpson’s ability to deal with adversity throughout the season helped Alabama prepare for the Rose Bowl.
“There’s ups and downs and every game isn’t going to be perfect, but his response and everything he’s been through, it can be the mental part and the physical part,” DeBoer said. “Wins, losses, he just kept staying the course.”
Alabama turns its attention to Indiana and Heisman-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who presents a significant challenge heading into Thursday’s CFP quarterfinal game.
“Everyone sees him as the guy and of course he won the Heisman Trophy. It’s motivation for me, I know I’m going to play him, but the opportunity to play the No. 1 team in the country, I’m engaged,” Simpson said. “I’m a competitor and I’m excited about it and being able to play this game against a good team is what I want.”
As the Crimson Tide prepares for Indiana’s physical rushing attack, Simpson and the offense continue to work to bring all the pieces together under pressure.
Receiver Ryan Williams has emerged as a key offensive weapon, using his speed to make defenders miss and create opportunities.
“We’re going to make sure we have plays to get him the ball and I’ve got to make sure I understand my read and get him the ball,” Simpson said of Williams. It’s my job to make sure the offense reads the ball, whether Ryan is the first read or the last read. I’m going to throw it to the open guy and make sure we’re in a good position.
While Alabama may be fueled by external criticism and its role as an underdog, the team is spending its final stretch before the Rose Bowl focusing on blocking out outside noise and adopting its internal standards.
“We write it on our whiteboard every game, ‘All about Bama,’ that’s what it’s all about – Bama,” Simpson said. “Everything about these guys here and the coaches. Alabama against the world, it’s kind of our mindset to make sure it’s all for one and one for all.”
