Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson didn’t mince words this week as he addressed the Crimson Tide’s upcoming showdown with Vanderbilt. After a shaky outing in their last conference test, Simpson made it clear: the Tide won’t be making the same mistake twice.
“We let opportunities slip away,” Simpson admitted. “That’s not Alabama football. We’ve had a week to reset, to sharpen the details, and to remind ourselves of the standard. Come Saturday, it’ll show. We won’t make the same mistake again.”
That confidence has rippled through the locker room. Coaches and teammates alike say practice intensity has reached a new level. Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees noted that Simpson has taken a noticeable step forward in commanding the huddle and pushing his teammates.
“He’s not just talking the talk,” Rees said. “He’s backing it up in drills, in film sessions, in leadership. The guys are feeding off his energy.”
The “mistake” Simpson referred to was Alabama’s inconsistent execution in critical moments during their last SEC clash. Missed blocking assignments, stalled red-zone drives, and lapses in defensive coverage opened the door for their opponent to keep things close. That kind of play won’t cut it in the SEC gauntlet, and Simpson knows it.
“We’ve been focusing on finishing drives, on owning third downs, and on playing four full quarters,” Simpson explained. “We’re not just preparing to beat Vanderbilt—we’re preparing to dominate.”
The Tide will need that edge. Vanderbilt may sit lower in the conference standings, but history has shown that underestimating any SEC rival can lead to surprises. Head coach Kalen DeBoer reminded his squad of that during practice this week.
“The SEC doesn’t hand out easy games,” DeBoer said. “You earn every win. Our goal is to play to Alabama’s standard—not to the scoreboard.”
For Simpson, this matchup is more than just a bounce-back opportunity. It’s a chance to cement his role as the leader of a Crimson Tide offense still searching for its full rhythm.
“Redemption isn’t about words—it’s about action,” Simpson said. “Saturday is our chance to show who we really are.”
With kickoff looming, Tide fans can expect a locked-in, mistake-free mission from Simpson and company. If his vow holds true, Vanderbilt may be facing an Alabama team with something to prove—and the fire to prove it.
