Tim Tebow was really impressed how Alabama turned a loss Week 1 to Florida State into six straight wins and a No. 4 ranking to this point of the season. Kalen DeBoer and crew are all on the same page.
That’s how Tebow saw it: complimentary football. It starts with quarterback Ty Simpson, who’s playing at a Heisman level.
Not only that, but the defense is creating turnovers and coming up in the clutch. The Crimson Tide are certainly the pick by most at South Carolina on Saturday.
“The way that they’ve turned a setback into a setup,” Tebow said on SportsCenter. “From Week 1, losing to FSU, and then changing their mindset, continuing to learn, grow and adapt. And it also helps when your quarterback is playing the best in the country. Ty Simpson: 18 touchdowns, one interception. These receivers are growing up. They’re getting better every single week.
“But then also, let’s go to the other side. This defense has been so opportunistic in big plays and turnovers, especially when the game’s on the line against Missouri, against Tennessee. In crucial moments, they found a way to get turnovers or to get stops. They’re playing such good complimentary football.”
This year, Simpson has 1,931 yards, 18 touchdowns, one interception and a 70.2% completion percentage. He leads the SEC in TD passes.
While Simpson will be key for Alabama Saturday, it’ll be up to the defense to contain South Carolina QB LaNorris Sellers.
“Watched a cut-up this morning with the defensive staff, and it’s just one play after the other,” DeBoer said of Alabama’s defense defending Sellers. “There was more. We didn’t even need to see it all because the point was very clear, and we’ve gotta make sure our guys continue to rally. We’ve faced running backs and guys that are tough to bring down, but this guy touches the ball every single play. So, you can get to him. That’s one thing. But you also, now, gotta get him down.
“It’s not gonna be just one. It’s gotta take multiple guys rallying, coming from different directions. He’s got the speed. He’s got the size. He’s just, he’s super strong. He’s a relentless player. He fights for every yard he can get.”
Alabama and South Carolina square off Saturday in a key SEC showdown. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
