An opening explanation is needed. Ty Simpson's floor is unchanged from Week 1, only from a narrow statistical perspective. In almost every other way, the Alabama Crimson Tide's floor, including Ty Simpson, has risen from Week 1.
Against Florida State and South Carolina, Ty Simpson threw 43 passes. With 24, Simpson had one more completion against the Gamecocks than he did against the Seminoles. At 254 yards, Simpson passed for one more yard against Florida State than he did against South Carolina. Simpson's Passing Efficiency Rating was 118.5 against FSU and 120.6 against South Carolina. Simpson threw two touchdown passes in each game. He lost a fumble against South Carolina. Based on overall stats, Simpson was not a better quarterback against the Gamecocks than he was in the loss to FSU.
The stats are misleading. Ty Simpson is now one of college football's best quarterbacks. Even with his inconsistent performance on Saturday, Simpson was solid at a time when it mattered most. In the touchdown drive that tied the game, Simpson was 7-for-8 for 54 yards. On his way to the huddle for the first play of the drive, Simpson heard from Ryan Grubb, "This is what you were built for. These are the moments you dream about. This is why you came back to Alabama."
Alabama Crimson Tide Mindset
After the game, Simpson used key words to explain why the Alabama Crimson Tide beat South Carolina. One word was "unbreakable," which has been a team motto this season. The others were "not one ounce of nonbelief."
It has become clear that Simpson's words are not social media sizzle or repetition of a coach-supplied contrivance. They are words Simpson and his teammates believe in. It is this mindset that has led the Crimson Tide to become one of college football's most improved teams since the FSU debacle.
Obvious flaws continue, serious enough to derail championship aspirations. But the Alabama Crimson Tide has improved in so many ways that there is no reason to think improvement will not continue. A most talented, well-coached team can go far, especially when it chooses to make itself unbreakable.
Note: Game stats provided by statbroadcast.com