McElroy Defends Simpson's Performance in FSU Loss

Ty Simpson's performance wasn't the best debut for a starting Crimson Tide quarterback, but 254 yards and two touchdowns with zero turnovers, adding 17 rushing yards on the ground, is a capable stat line in Simpson's first start.

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The Alabama offense mustered just 17 points in the loss to Florida State, but the lack of effort defensively and the poor scheme against a run-heavy misdirection offense that Gus Malzahn ran against the Crimson Tide were the catalysts in Alabama's opening game loss.

Some fans are pinning the blame on TY Simpson and calling for Austin Mack or Keelon Russell to play over Simpson.

On his radio show on Monday morning, former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy told fans to pump the brakes on calling for Simpson's head after losing his first start.

"I think it's hilarious how many people are trying to pin it in Ty," McElroy said. "If you're trying to pin that performance on TY, you don't know ball. I thought he battled. He was one of just a handful of guys that really played his heart out."

Simpson was sacked three times in the loss to the Seminoles, but was running for his life for much of the rest of the game, with him being pressured on 64 percent of his dropbacks.

The defensive effort by the Crimson Tide was the major contributing factor to the Tide's loss on Saturday. Will we see a significant increase in effort from Alabama this week?

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.