It was Ty Simpson's performance in Alabama's first scrimmage of fall camp last Saturday that pretty much ended the QB competition. Kalen DeBoer said after it that the staff planned on naming a QB after the second scrimmage, but in reality, they had seen all they needed to see.
This is Ty Simpson's team. If anyone needed any further proof of that, his performance in this weekend's second and final scrimmage of fall camp should have solidified it. According to multiple reports from the scrimmage, Simpson completed 14-of-15 passes, with the one incompletion being a dropped pass by redshirt sophomore Cole Adams on a play that would have resulted in a touchdown.
Simpson reportedly threw a 25-yard touchdown strike to Ryan Williams, while also breaking off a long touchdown run. Simpson's legs continue to be an underrated part of his game. He doesn't have Jalen Milroe's wheels, but he is a true dual-threat quarterback who will make plays every single game with his feet.
"I thought he came out and executed the offense," DeBoer said about Simpson after the scrimmage. "Just continues to be steady, finds his times to make the plays. Today, he actually used his speed again. And that’s something that people will probably underestimate as we go through the year, just with his ability to make plays and keep plays alive. But he was, I thought, he was steady. He was consistent."
If fall camp Ty Simpson becomes regular season Ty Simpson, Alabama will go far
All reports continue to indicate that Ty Simpson has had an excellent fall camp. That follows an outstanding summer and strong spring practice. Obviously, all that really matters is what happens on Saturdays in the fall, but Simpson has set himself up for a big year.
If the Simpson Alabama has seen during practices to prepare for the season is the same guy they get when the season kicks off in two weeks in Tallahassee, then this team has what it takes to win the whole thing. The QB position was the biggest - and perhaps only - real question mark (at least in terms of offense/defense), so if that has been answered in a positive way, then the Crimson Tide could very well have the best team in the country.
The human polls have Alabama at No. 8, but the computer metrics are much higher on DeBoer's team. Bill Connelly's SP+ has Alabama at No. 2. ESPN's FPI has Alabama at No. 3.
As ready as so many were to shovel dirt on the end of Alabama's run atop the college football mountain, that may yet prove to have been awfully premature.