Under scrutiny and criticism following a season-opening loss to Florida State, the Alabama Crimson Tide spent the rest of the season focusing on growth, resilience and a change in leadership mentality as they prepare for their College Football Playoff quarterfinal game against No. 1 Indiana on Thursday at the Rose Bowl.
Crimson Tide defensive end Ty Simpson said the early criticism served as motivation for the team.
“I think in the first game everyone kind of wrote us off — especially me as a problem — and that really made me feel some things,” Simpson said. “Adversity brings opportunity, and this was an opportunity to turn things around. I know there was a lot of eyes on not only me, but our head coach as well. As much as I respect him, I had to scratch and claw and find a way to get better. With more time, more reps, more games in general, I got better.”
Simpson's leadership developed steadily throughout the season, becoming the center of Alabama's offensive identity.
Following the season-opening loss, Crimson Tide coach Kalen DeBoer emphasized areas of growth for his quarterback, especially in the areas of decision-making and confidence.
“He just has to trust his readings and sometimes just let it go and let it fly,” DeBoer said. “And then, just making decisions at certain critical moments, that’s what he’s going to learn.”
DeBoer said Simpson's ability to deal with adversity throughout the season has helped Alabama prepare for the Rose Bowl.
“There are ups and downs and every game is not going to be perfect, but his reaction and what he went through could be a mental part as well as a physical part,” DeBoer said. “Win, lose, he just stayed the course.”
Alabama turns its attention to Indiana and Heisman-winning quarterback Fernando Mendozawhich poses a major challenge heading into Thursday's CFP quarterfinal matchup.
“Everyone sees him as a guy, and of course he won the Heisman Trophy. That's motivation for me, I know I have to go toe-to-toe with him, but the opportunity to go against the No. 1 team in the country will sign me,” Simpson said. “I’m competitive and I’m excited about it and the opportunity to play in this game against a good team is what I want.”
As the Crimson Tide prepares for Indiana's fast-paced physical attack, Simpson and the offense continue to work to put all the pieces together under pressure.
Wide receiver Ryan Williams has emerged as a key offensive weapon, using his speed to force defenders to miss and create opportunities.
“We’re going to make sure we have opportunities to get him the ball, and I have to make sure I get my read and get him the ball,” Simpson said of Williams.” My job is to make sure the offense reads the ball, whether Ryan reads first or last. I’m going to throw the ball to the open guy and make sure we’re in a good position.”
While Alabama may be fueled by outside criticism and its role as an underdog, the team is spending its final stretch before the Rose Bowl focused on blocking out outside noise and maintaining its internal standards.
“We write it on our board every game: 'All About 'Bama.' That’s all she’s always about, Bama,” Simpson said. “It's all about these guys here and the coaches. Alabama versus the world, that's kind of our mentality: just making sure it's all for one and one for all.”
