Ty Simpson thanks media for writing Alabama off after playoff win over Oklahoma

Ty Simpson silences doubters with 232-yard performance in CFP comeback

Alabama looked finished early. Oklahoma jumped out to a 17-0 lead before the second quarter ended, and the home crowd sensed blood. The Tide went three-and-out on their first three possessions.

Simpson struggled to find rhythm against an Oklahoma defense that had already beaten Alabama twice in the last 13 months, including a 23-21 win earlier this season.

Something changed. Alabama scored 27 unanswered points to take control. Simpson completed 18 of 29 passes for 232 yards with two touchdowns and zero turnovers. His passer rating of 152.0 erased memories of his poor showing in the SEC Championship Game loss to Georgia, where his performance had drawn a lot of criticism.

Head coach Kalen DeBoer praised Simpson's confidence throughout the week leading up to the game despite being heavy underdogs playing on the road.

"There's enough confidence within our group to where we can see the doubters, we can see the naysayers and just go still play our game," DeBoer said after the win.

ESPN's "College GameDay" crew set up in Norman ahead of the game, and only Nick Saban picked Alabama to win. Brian Bosworth, Desmond Howard and Pat McAfee all selected Oklahoma. Simpson and his teammates heard every prediction.

"I mean, Ty just said it right there. He just said it," Lawson said. "You tried to write us off. That's when we at our best."

Alabama advances to face top-seeded Indiana in the Rose Bowl on New Year's Day. The Hoosiers finished 13-0 in their first regular season under coach Curt Cignetti and earned the top overall seed in the playoff.

Simpson's performance against Oklahoma suggests the Crimson Tide won't be intimidated by another tough opponent or another round of predictions against them.