Paul Finebaum declares Ty Simpson 'the best quarterback in America' while picking Alabama over Tennessee

No. 6 Alabama and No. 11 Tennessee will clash this weekend in Tuscaloosa in the yearly meeting of the ‘Third Saturday in October’ rivalry. After winning 15 consecutive games in the rivalry from 2007-2021, Alabama has lost two of the last three meetings to Tennessee (both in Knoxville).

With the programs both ranked inside the Top 15, this matchup will mark the fourth meeting since 2000 that pits a top-15 Crimson Tide squad against a Top 15 Volunteer team. In such games, Tennessee is 2-1 with wins in 2024 (24-17) and 2022 (52-49).

Ahead of the monstrous game in the SEC, ESPN‘s Paul Finebaum has made his prediction. He is riding with No. 6 Alabama to take the game in Tuscaloosa, and gave a resounding endorsement of Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson.

“Alabama wins because they are playing at a different level right now,” Finebaum said. “Tennessee is good, don’t misunderstand me. They probably should’ve beaten Georgia, but Alabama’s Ty Simpson (right now) is the best quarterback in America. He is so accurate.

“Jam Miller is the one question mark, because he is the top running back for Alabama but is now listed as likely. So I think Alabama takes this one at home where they are virtually unbeatable.”

Simpson has been best QB in football since season-opening loss

Since Alabama‘s season-opening loss to Florida State, Simpson has been one of the best quarterbacks in all of college football. Across six games, the redshirt junior quarterback has passed for 1,678 yards, 16 touchdowns and just one interception. In Alabama‘s last three games (all against ranked opponents), Simpson has tossed seven touchdowns to just one interception.

“I think since Week 1, that loss against Florida State, he has been lights out,” ESPN‘s Jordan Rodgers said earlier this week on ‘Get Up’. “(16) touchdowns, just one interception. But it’s the type of throws that he’s making. I don’t think anybody in college football anticipates as well as he does, and layers the football, which means throws it up and over linebackers into the second level with accuracy in tight windows. (He) also (has an) incredible amount of athleticism that I don’t think he gets enough credit for to extend plays on the outside. I think he’s playing at such a high level right now.”

Simpson will attempt to lead Alabama to its fourth consecutive victory over a ranked opponent this Saturday in Bryant-Denny. Kickoff in what should be a high-scoring affair between No. 6 Alabama and No. 11 Tennessee is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. The game can be seen on ABC.