Ex-Alabama QB has telling take on Ty Simpson

Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson played poorly in his team's 31-17 loss to unranked Florida State on Saturday, leading to speculation that his starting spot could be in jeopardy. 

Former Crimson Tide quarterback and current college football analyst Greg McElroy weighed in Monday on Simpson's Week 1 performance. 

"If you try to pin that performance on Ty, you don't know ball," he said on WJOX-FM in Birmingham, Alabama. "I thought he battled. He was one of just a handful of guys that really played his heart out and battled and did everything possibly could. I'm amazed at how many people are trying to make it about him." 

Simpson went 23-for-43 for 254 yards and two touchdown passes and rushed nine times for 17 yards. The Alabama quarterback was sacked three times and faced immense pressure from the Seminoles all game.

If Simpson doesn't show significant improvement, Alabama has two solid options behind him. Redshirt sophomore Austin Mack, a transfer from Washington, has a big frame (6-foot-6 and 235 pounds). He was recruited by Alabama HC Kalen DeBoer during his time as Washington Huskies HC.

The other option is true freshman Keelon Russell. The 18-year-old was a five-star recruit and can make plays with his legs, unlike Simpson, who's not a significant threat to run. 

Per 247Sports, Florida State's defensive front had a 42.4% quarterback pressure rate. (It also had three sacks.) Furthermore, the Crimson Tide's rushing attack was held to 2.6 yards per carry. As a result, it led to Simpson making ill-advised throws under duress and a bevy of third-and-long situations for the redshirt junior. 

"He's gotta trust his reads and just cut it loose sometimes. Just let it fly," DeBoer told reporters about Simpson's first career start.  "You know, he can make the throws. Just let it fly. And throw on rhythm, throw on time. There might have been at a time or two where they got in his face a little quick. That's going to happen. That is football."

Simpson should still be the starter when the Crimson Tide plays Louisiana Monroe at home on Saturday. However, if he doesn't show improvement, DeBoer has good replacements in the wings.