The Alabama Crimson Tide has rebounded from the ugly loss in week one to Florida State with consecutive victories to head into the bye week at 2-1 ahead of a showdown against the Georgia Bulldogs two weeks from now in Athens.
Defensively, Alabama has looked much better — albeit against weaker opponents — but it’s the steps taken by starting quarterback Ty Simpson which is the most encouraging thing for the overall outlook of this team.
After looking overwhelmed in Tallahassee, Simpson has taken huge strides over the last weeks and still has yet to turn the ball over.
Simpson was clear about the source of that steadiness after Alabama’s 38–14 win over Wisconsin: it begins with his walk with Christ.
“I get my confidence from the Lord,” Simpson said. “I pray before every game, I pray every morning before I go in the building. One for giving me this opportunity to play for the University of Alabama, but also to give me the wisdom and strength and make sure that I do everything the way He wants me to do it.”
Simpson also spoke about how that trust extends to his teammates on the field with him.
“Also, I get my confidence from my teammates. We have a really, really good football team. The defense is really playing well and the offense is really clicking on a bunch of different notes,” Simpson said and mentioned that can’t change headed to Athens. “I think nothing really changes. We just gotta go understand hey, it’s on the road and we just gotta do what we do and understand and be professional about it.”
The on-field results reflect that posture.
Over the last two games, Simpson has completed 41 of 46 passes for 608 yards and seven touchdowns, with zero interceptions on the season.
If he continues to marry prayer with preparation and production, Alabama will give itself opportunities to win a lot of football games this season.
Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP and hear him every weekday morning from 6 to 9 a.m. on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5, available free online.