Overview

• Head coach Kalen DeBoer said Simpson will start the Sept. 6 home opener against Louisiana Monroe and urged him to trust his reads and throw on time.
• In his first start, Simpson went 23-for-43 for 254 yards with two touchdowns and added 17 rushing yards in a 31-17 loss at Florida State, taking three sacks.
• Analysts charted heavy disruption, with Pro Football Focus crediting 22 pressures and 247Sports citing a 42.4% pressure rate, while Alabama’s run game managed about 3.0 yards per carry.
• Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb targeted improved progression discipline and avoiding carryover from pressure, said protection graded as OK with some interior issues, and noted Kadyn Proctor had a solid day.
• Former Alabama QB Greg McElroy defended Simpson’s effort, and depth options Austin Mack and true freshman Keelon Russell remain considerations if progress is lacking.