Ty Simpson Following 14-Point Loss to FSU

After Alabama's disappointing 14-point loss to Florida State in the season opener, Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson addressed the media about the team's mindset for the rest of the season.

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Simpson started by addressing the Tide’s disappointing loss. The quarterback said, “Obviously, it's not what we expected. It's a hard loss, but this doesn't determine our season.” Simpson touched on how the season is young and there are many more games to be played, adding, “We still gotta go back to work on Sunday. We got to go get ready for ULM (Louisiana Monroe).”

When asked about the environment and how Simpson felt he played today the Tide’s starting quarterback responded with “The environment was incredible. It was a great experience at Florida State never been here before, but you know me personally I felt like I didn't play very good.” with Simpson competing 23 out of his 43 passes for 254 passing yards for two touchdowns while earning a 48.6 QBR in Saturday’s loss.

When asked about what changed from the Tide’s first drive, a methodical 17-play drive that spanned 75 yards and lasted over eight minutes, that resulted in a touchdown.

“I think that we got a little complacent and thought that we won it in the first drive, and that's not how it is.” Simpson said, “Credit to those guys (Florida State), they played hard for four quarters, and we kinda took it for granted.”

Simpson was asked about not being able to finish drives inside the opponent's territory, which seemed to be a theme for the Tide in Saturday's loss. Alabama turned the ball over on downs three times inside Florida State’s 40-yard line.

“It is frustrating, but you know I gotta look in the mirror, you know I gotta quit taking sacks. I gotta make sure that I get my guys a chance to catch the ball.” Simpson added, “I promise you one thing, and that goes to every Alabama fan and my teammates, that I’m gonna work hard and make sure that we are gonna get this fixed.”

The only bright spot from Saturday’s loss was the connection between Simspon and senior wide receiver Germie Benard, who had an impressive eight catches for 146 receiving yards.

When Simpson was asked about his connection with Benard, he replied, “That dudes a dog man. He works hard at practice, he earns everything he gets, and I'm excited for him having a good game.”

The message Simpson gave his team following this loss was, “It starts with the little things, we gotta make sure that we finish through the line during flex. That we pick up after ourselves in the lunch room. We make sure that our locker is clean. We make sure that we go to class not one minute late. It’s just little things like that.” Simpson added, “We also have to have competitive stamina. We gotta keep going, and we just can’t be happy with just one eight-minute drive, and just can't be happy because we are Alabama. We have to earn this, and we are going to earn it.”

Alabama will be back in Tuscaloosa next Saturday, where the Crimson Tide will look to get its first win of the season against Louisiana Monroe.

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