Mark Ingram 'proud' of how Alabama has responded from Florida State loss, calls for continued run game improvement

Mark Ingram is pleased with what he’s seen out of Alabama since suffering defeat in the season opener against Florida State. After a 73-point shutout in Week 2, the Crimson Tide are off to a fast start against Wisconsin in Week 3.

Still, Ingram isn’t entirely pleased with one facet of the offense’s abilities so far in 2025. He offered a challenge to the running back room for an improved effort moving forward.

“I am proud of how they responded after a Week 1 misery,” Ingram said of the Crimson Tide. “I’m proud of how they responded. But at this point, we just need to continue to keep improving.

“I would like to see us have great improvements in the run game. That’s an identity, that’s a physicality they will need throughout the season. But right now, I’m excited, I’m convinced how they have bounced back.”

Alabama would go on to defeat Wisconsin 38-14. Despite this, the Crimson Tide rushed for just 72 yards and one touchdown.

The Crimson Tide would find its motor through the air, though. Quarterback Ty Simpson appeared to hit his stride against the Badgers, completing 24-of-29 passing attempts for 382 yards and four touchdowns.

SEC title, CFP berth ‘absolutely achievable’ under Ty Simpson, per Jesse Palmer

Amid a strong start to the 2025 season, Ty Simpson appears to be settling in well as Alabama’s quarterback. He had another strong performance against Wisconsin, and ESPN’s Jesse Palmer thinks the Crimson Tide have a high ceiling.

Palmer predicted an SEC title and College Football Playoff appearance could be in the cards if Simpson continues playing at a high level. The redshirt junior quarterback had another efficient performance against Wisconsin, fueling Alabama’s high-powered offense in the effort.

“All these guys had a lot of hype coming into this year. … You look over here in Ty Simpson, the kind of season he’s having,” Palmer said on the ABC broadcast. “He’s out-dueling and out-playing some of these other guys. And Ty Simpson played a really good Florida State defense in Week 1, as well.

“It begs the question, if Ty Simpson keeps playing like this, then what’s the ceiling for Alabama? I think winning an SEC and the College Football Playoff is absolutely achievable. This was really the big question mark coming into this season.”

Compared to other SEC quarterbacks such as Arch Manning, DJ Lagway and LaNorris Sellers, Palmer pointed out the amount of hype they had. When he looked at Simpson’s numbers, though, he sees a player answering the Crimson Tide’s biggest question.

On3’s Nick Schultz contributed to this report.