Ty Simpson's leadership and performance on the field are a big reason for Alabama's resurgence after an embarrassing season-opening loss to a Florida State team that has turned out to be just as mediocre as everyone thought they would be.
Since that loss, Alabama has reeled off seven straight wins and enters the stretch run of the regular season in prime position to play for the SEC Championship and make the College Football Playoff.
But a tricky November awaits the Crimson Tide. It starts this weekend at home against a hungry and motivated LSU team that is out to prove that they are still a threat in the aftermath of Brian Kelly's firing. Oklahoma comes to town the following weekend, and the Sooners bring with them one of the nation's top defenses that will make life difficult for Simpson and Alabama. The month ends with an always treacherous road trip to Auburn for the Iron Bowl.
All of Alabama's preseason goals remain in front of them. The Tide's performance following the loss to Florida State has put them in a great spot as November begins. But Simpson knows how quickly things can go south if his team isn't careful.
"You're remembered for what you do in November," Simpson said. "But in order to be remembered for what you do in November, it starts in September and October. We've had a good September and October, and we need to make sure that we don't piss it away."
Ty Simpson is making sure Alabama avoids complacency
It would be pretty easy for complacency to set in for Alabama right now. They could easily take a deep breath and relax a little following the murderous row they faced before last week's bye week. They're human after all.
They also probably know they are effectively playing with a mulligan from here on out. If Alabama can win three of its final four games, it is not only effectively guaranteed a spot in the College Football Playoff, but it will also almost certainly be playing in Atlanta for the SEC Championship, too.
But Simpson's mentality is different. He's cut from the same cloth as Nick Saban and his father, UT-Martin head coach Jason Simpson. He's got coaching in his DNA. He's not looking ahead to next week's matchup against Oklahoma, where Alabama will have an opportunity to earn a third "revenge win" from last season.
LSU deserves Alabama's full attention and focus. If Simpson has anything to say about it, that's exactly what the Tigers are going to get.