During the College Football Playoff quarterfinal, Alabama's leading signal-caller, Ty Simpson, suffered a fractured rib in the initial half of the Rose Bowl. This unfortunate incident occurred as the Crimson Tide faced a 38-3 defeat against Indiana. Simpson, despite the painful injury, attempted to continue playing after halftime but eventually handed over the reins to his backup, Austin Mack. The injury, sustained during a crucial scramble, significantly altered the team's dynamics and Simpson's on-field presence in a pivotal game.
The critical moment unfolded late in the second quarter when Simpson was tackled forcefully by Indiana's D'Angelo Ponds. He was attempting to gain a first down, a play that culminated not only in his injury but also in a fumble recovered by the opposing team. This sequence undeniably shifted the momentum of the game. Simpson later expressed his frustration, noting that he felt positive about the drive before the impactful hit, acknowledging that he perhaps should have prioritized his safety over the extra yardage.
Subsequent to the hit, an X-ray performed at halftime confirmed the extent of Simpson's injury. Despite this diagnosis, he returned to the field to commence the second half, demonstrating his commitment. However, after a solitary series, he recognized the need for a strategic change and made the decision to step aside, allowing Austin Mack to take over. Simpson elaborated on his choice, stating that it was an 'executive decision' aimed at maximizing the team's chances of victory, believing that a fully healthy Mack offered a better opportunity.
Before his departure from the game due to injury, Simpson completed 12 of 16 passes for a total of 67 yards. His replacement, sophomore Austin Mack, showcased a commendable effort, completing 11 of 16 passes for 103 yards and leading the Crimson Tide to their sole points of the game via a third-quarter field goal. Coach Kalen DeBoer lauded Simpson's determination, emphasizing that his player 'battled' and did not let the team down, highlighting the quarterback's resilient character.
The season concluded for Simpson with impressive statistics, having completed 305 out of 473 passes, achieving a 64.5% completion rate. He amassed 3,567 passing yards, threw 28 touchdowns, and was intercepted only five times, guiding Alabama to a respectable 11-4 record. This performance underscores his talent and resilience throughout his junior year, despite the premature end to his Rose Bowl appearance.
The Rose Bowl game saw Alabama's starting quarterback, Ty Simpson, play through a fractured rib, an injury confirmed at halftime. His courageous but ultimately short-lived return in the second half underscored his dedication to his team. The strategic decision to replace him with Austin Mack was made to bolster the team's competitive edge, though Alabama ultimately fell to Indiana. Simpson's season performance remained strong, reflecting his significant contribution to the Crimson Tide's football campaign.