Ty Simpson Shares Mental Approach Before First Start Against FSU

Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson is preparing to make his first career start as the Crimson Tide's signal caller. Simpson sat behind Heisman-winner Bryce Young and third-round pick Jalen Milroe to learn, and now, it's his turn to take the helm.

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Unlike Young and Milroe, Simpson won't have a warm welcome for his first start. Young made his first start in a neutral-site game in Atlanta (a crowd that was predominantly Alabama fans in a 44-13 victory over Miami), and Milroe made his in front of 100,000 Alabama fans in Bryant-Denny Stadium (a 24-20 Alabama win over Texas A&M). Simpson's first start will come on the road against the Florida State Seminoles, who still hold resentment towards the Crimson Tide for Alabama snuffing out their College Football Playoff hopes in 2023.

Understandably so, Simpson may be a little nervous heading into his first start. How is his mindset heading into the first game?

"Before I take on the field, just taking a little second and praying," Simpson said. "Micah 5:5 says, 'Peace be with the Lord,' so I kinda take on that approach. Before I step on the field, just taking a little second and praying...He's with me. Whatever situation happens, He's going to be beside me. I'm excited for it."

Simpson revealed he talked with former Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban, who recruited him to Alabama. He also talked with former Alabama quarterbacks Bryce Young, Jalen Milroe, AJ McCarron, and John Parker Wilson, who all shared one message with him.

"Trust your preparation,' Simpson said. "Trust your confidence, and just go play, man.

"That's something I took from Jalen [Milroe]. He always used to say that, whether I went in when we were up big or went in in the Oklahoma ga,e. He used to just say, 'Just go play.'"

Simpson has completed 58 percent of his passes for 381 yards during his four years as a backup for Alabama. He also averages 5.9 yards per carry, with 130 yards and three rushing touchdowns.

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_.