There’s always pressure on an Alabama quarterback. They’re most often not future NFL standouts, but they do well in college and have the perhaps unenviable task of heading up the team for the greatest program in college football history.
Stepping into that, let alone after a “disappointing” 9-4 year with Jalen Milroe at the helm, is always going to be pressure-packed for someone like Ty Simpson. According to ESPN’s Bill Connelly, though, he’s the third-most-important player in the sport this year, only adding to the immense pressure.
“The Bama defense gave up only 14.4 points per game in its final seven contests, but the Tide went just 4-3 in that span because the offense disappeared, reappeared, then vanished for good,” Connelly said.
Ryan Grubb is back with head coach Kalen DeBoer as offensive coordinator and receiver Ryan Williams returns as one of the best weapons in the sport, so this definitely seems like a great situation for a new QB. “Can Simpson, a longtime backup, seize his opportunity and lead Bama through tricky early road trips to Florida State and Georgia? Or will he be supplanted by a youngster by midseason?” Connelly asked.
That’s a huge question, one that will make or break Alabama’s season. Of course, turning to a career backup after a down year might not warrant calls for someone’s job elsewhere, but this is the Crimson Tide. DeBoer took over for Nick Saban, so back-to-back letdowns would be catastrophic.
