Grading Ty Simpson’s precise performance in Alabama’s Week 11 win over LSU

Alabama has won eight straight games after Saturday night’s 20-9 victory over LSU at Bryant-Denny Stadium, and much of that run has fallen on the shoulders of Ty Simpson. Simpson, though, wasn’t happy with his unit’s performance in Week 11. 

The redshirt junior quarterback told reporters, “that’s not up to our standard,” referring to the offense putting up just three points in the second half. While that might be true, sputtering in the second half has mostly been the standard for the Alabama offense against quality opponents this season. 

There are some alarming issues with the Crimson Tide, and though he’ll certainly take accountability for them, very few have anything to do with the play of the quarterback. Simpson continues to play like a Heisman Trophy candidate and increasingly looks like the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Week 11 gave more evidence for why the latter should probably be the case. 

Alabama needs to score more in the second half of games. That’s true. But Simpson is not to blame for its inability to. The Crimson Tide's run game managed just 56 yards on 26 carries, with Jam Miller turning seven carries into just 13 yards. The Tide finished with a 28 percent rushing success rate, which submarined the offense’s overall EPA/play to -0.20. 

Simpson, however, averaged 8.81 yards and 0.09 EPA per dropback. He was constantly asked to create for, and he continually had answers to push the ball downfield. 233 of his 277 passing yards came on throws over 10 yards downfield, and his anticipation and accuracy were on full display. 

Simpson has become lethal attacking the middle of the field, a credit to his ability to throw receivers open and play with the structure of the offense, even under pressure. Against LSU, he went 5-for-6 on throws between the numbers from 10-19 yards downfield for 94 yards and a touchdown. He had a perfect passer rating to that part of the field. 

His success to the intermediate middle included this throw, which he feathered between four LSU defenders to hit Germie Bernard in stride for an explosive play. Those weren’t the only throws he was making in the game, however. Simpson also showcased impressive touch on the deep ball, exploiting one-on-one matchups for chunk plays through the air. 

This cut-up from Dane Brugler showcases nearly everything that Simpson does well. His pocket presence and movement skills to keep plays alive. His anticipation, accuracy, and touch when throwing the football, and his ability to manipulate defenders. 

The one thing it misses, however, is the pre-snap work he did on the touchdown to Ryan Williams. Simpson identified the blitzing nickel pre-snap. LSU bluffed A-gap pressure from a linebacker and a safety blitz, which Simpson had Jam Miller account for, so the pressure looked worked to get the nickel as a free-runner. He just never had time to get home. 

Simpson knew there was a possibility that he’d be hot on the player, and did exactly what you’re supposed to when you’re blitzed: he threw into the void. With a switch release on the outside, the safeties couldn’t cover the space to get to Williams, and Simpson delivered a perfect throw. It’s pre-snap recognition meeting post-snap instincts, and it’s why Simpson is the best quarterback in the country. 

His numbers are still lagging against the blitz. He only averaged 5.3 yards per attempt on Saturday when LSU brought additional rushers, and he lost a fumble. Simpson and Ryan Grubb need to find better answers for the blitz. The ideal one would be slowing it down with a reliable run game, but at this point, that seems impossible for this team. 

Until Simpson can consistently make teams pay for blitzing, Alabama will be susceptible to bouts of inconsistency, but he’s easily the biggest reason the Tide are 8-1 and heading to the College Football Playoff.