Ty Simpson reveals fiery pregame message to Alabama vs. Georgia: 'We're gladiators and this is the Coliseum'

Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson made sure his teammates were ready for battle heading into a matchup against Georgia on Saturday. The Crimson Tide quarterback rose to the occasion, scoring three total touchdowns to lead his team to a 24-21 road victory against the No. 5 Bulldogs.

After the game, Simpson joined ESPN Holly Rowe for an interview. With emotions still running high after the win, he relayed the passionate message he gave his teammates before kickoff.

“I’m just so proud of this team and Alabama in general,” Simpson said. “I told them before the game, ‘It’s Alabama against the world. When we walk out there, we’re gladiators and this is the coliseum.’ They played like it.”

Alabama struck first to take a 7-0 lead after the first quarter, setting the tone. They jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the second and still held a 24-14 advantage at halftime.

However, the offense stalled out in the second half as the Crimson Tide were held without a touchdown. Georgia cut the deficit to 24-21 entering the fourth quarter, but the Alabama defense stepped up with a couple of big stops, including forcing a turnover on downs.

Simpson still found a way to ice the game at the end, connecting with running back Jam Miller on a seven-yard pass on third-and-5. That allowed Simson to take a knee the next two plays and run out the remainder of the clock to seal the victory.

“We called that on a break last moment,” he said. “I told them, ‘Give me the ball, man.’ Under critical conditions, give me the ball and I’m gonna make a play. They brought Blitz 0 and I knew once we motioned him, we had them. Jam did a good job, the tight end did a good job of sealing it and we made a great play.”

Ty Simpson finished 24-of-38 passing for 276 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions through the air. That was in addition to his 12 yards rushing and a touchdown on the ground.

He knows this win was a team effort, though, especially giving credit to his defense for holding down the fort in the second half. The result was a massive win for the Crimson Tide as it looks to continue churning along now that conference play is underway.

“It goes back to my coaches and my teammates,” Simpson said. “All week, we were insistent on everything we did and it showed out here tonight. We played complimentary football and we couldn’t get it going on offense in the second half. Our defense did a hell of a job. I’m just so proud of my teammates. They did an awesome job.”