Kalen DeBoer assesses Ty Simpson's performance in Florida State loss

Alabama opened year two of the Kalen DeBoer era Saturday afternoon with a disappointing 31-17 loss to unranked Florida State on the road. It marked the Crimson Tide’s third loss in their last four games dating back to last season and DeBoer’s fourth loss in eight games where Alabama has been at least a 14-point favorite.

The game marked the first career start for quarterback Ty Simpson, who beat out five-star freshman Keelon Russell and Austin Mack in camp for the job. Simpson has been with the program since 2022, but had played in just 16 career games over his first three seasons.

The former five-star quarterback completed 23/43 passes for 254 yards and two touchdowns in the loss. Kalen DeBoer discussed Simpson’s play following the disappointing season-opening loss.

“Yeah he’s got to just trust his reads and just cut it loose sometimes,” DeBoer said. “He’s gotta let it fly. He can make the throws. Just let it fly. Throw on rhythm. Throw on time. There may have been a time or two they got in his face a little quick but that’s gonna happen. That’s football. But, just let it fly. And then just some decision making there in critical moments. That’s the things he’s gonna learn from.”

“He’s given it everything he has. I know he’s in the locker room wishing there were some things he did different but there are some other guys too. So, we’ve got to catch the ball for him once in a while. It’s a full team sport and it’s a whole offensive unit that has to move the ball up and down the field. Yeah, the quarterback’s the trigger man but everyone’s got to do their part to help the guy out.”

Alabama and Florida State were tied at seven through the first quarter, but the Seminoles rattled off 17 unanswered points to take a 24-7 lead with 9:45 remaining in the third quarter. The Crimson Tide cut it to a 24-17 game thanks to Simpson’s six-yard passing touchdown to wide receiver Rico Scott early in the fourth, but a rushing touchdown by FSU back Gavin Sawchuck all but wrapped up the win for the ‘Noles.

Following the 31-17 loss, Alabama opened a season with a loss for the first time since 2001 (UCLA) and has now lost three of its last four games dating back to last season (Oklahoma, Michigan and Florida State). Simpson and the Crimson Tide will look to get back on track in next Saturday’s home game against UL-Monroe.