Todd McShay shares how Alabama playmakers can help Ty Simpson

Now in the second year under head coach Kalen DeBoer, there is an expectation that the Alabama Crimson Tide offense takes strides forward this season. Of course, much of that is going to rely on the play of quarterback Ty Simpson, who was recently named the starting quarterback.

On his show, The McShay Show, analyst Todd McShay took a quick look at Alabama. In particular, how Alabama’s offensive playmakers are capable of helping Simpson in his first year as the starter, especially if he’s going to deal with growing pains.

“Alabama,” Todd McShay said. “Isaiah Horton comes in. Former five-star, broke out for Miami last year. 56 catches, 616 yards, five touchdowns. 6-foot-four. He goes opposite Ryan Williams.”

One thing Alabama certainly has is receiving talent. Isaiah Horton is expected to line up across from Ryan Williams. Last season, as a true freshman, the age of a high schooler, Williams became a phenomenon. He would snag 48 receptions for 865 yards and eight touchdowns. Add in Germie Bernard, who returns after snagging 50 receptions for 794 yards and two touchdowns, and the Crimson Tide are in very good shape at the skill positions.

There is some reality that Ty Simpson is a question mark at quarterback. Highly recruited and with three years of experience as a backup, Simpson is entering his first season as the starting quarterback. Much is expected of him, and he’ll be able to lean on those receivers to get the job done.

“So, it’s Ty Simpson,” McShay said. “Who is an upgrade as a passer. But is he good enough to take this offense to another level? That’s going to be fascinating to watch.”

Ty Simpson and those Alabama playmakers are going to open the season with an interesting test. In Week 1, the Crimson Tide will travel to Tallahassee to take on the Florida State Seminoles.

Paul Finebaum reacts to Alabama naming Ty Simpson starting QB

Ty Simpson entered the offseason as the favorite to win the starting job at Alabama. He did that, which Paul Finebaum thinks is a good sign of things to come.

“I think it’s good news, I think it’s the least surprising story of the offseason. But I think it shows that most instincts were correct that he was the right quarterback, Kalen DeBoer knew this probably a long time ago. But it just means to me that this program is in tremendously solid shape. There’s no longer a conversation. If he doesn’t play well, it doesn’t mean anything, as you know Cole, but right now, I think everything coming out of Tuscaloosa that I hear is a really positive sign, because that’s all I’m hearing,” Finebaum said.

“And I know some people will say, ‘Hey, it’s August. We always hear this.’ Not always, you hear whispers sometimes. I haven’t heard anything that would indicate that this team is going to be anything but a national championship contender.”