Kirby Smart labels Ty Simpson 'hottest quarterback in college football'

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart isn’t downplaying his competition. On Monday, Smart referred to Alabama’s Ty Simpson as “probably the hottest quarterback in college football right now,” per Anthony Dasher.

Simpson has been spectacular this season. He has completed 71.9% of his pass attempts for 862 total yards and nine touchdowns, without throwing an interception. He also has one rushing TD this season.

This season is Simpson’s first as Alabama’s full-time starter. He was the Crimson Tide’s backup behind Jalen Milroe last season. In Alabama’s 38-14 win over Wisconsin in Week 3, Simpson completed 24-of-his-29 pass attempts for 382 yards and four touchdowns, while not throwing a single pick.

Simpson should be at his best this weekend against Georgia. The Crimson Tide enjoyed a bye this week following their blowout win over the Badgers. However, they weren’t the only ones who soaked in some much-needed rest and relaxation.

Georgia also had a bye this week after defeating Tennessee 44-41 in overtime in Week 3. While Georgia’s defense picked off Tennessee QB Joey Aguilar twice, it also allowed the Appalachian State transfer to tally 371 passing yards and four touchdowns.

The Bulldogs can’t afford to allow Ty Simpson to have similar success. Of course, Simpson won’t be the only talented QB in Sanford Stadium on Saturday.

Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton had a breakout performance in Georgia’s win over Tennessee, completing 23-of-31 passes for 304 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. Last week, Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer paid reciprocal respect to Stockton.

“He’s played in some big games in just a short amount of time,” DeBoer said. “When you look at the end of last year, and this last week in particular, he’s done a nice job just managing the offense and then making plays when he needs to, throwing the ball down the field, finding his matchups and then keeping plays alive with his feet.

“He really, I think, adds a dimension to their offense because of that. I think they’re doing a good job utilizing his skill set and the offensive personnel that are around him, and that’s a credit to Georgia’s staff.”

Gunner Stockton will undoubtedly look to steal Simpson’s title as “the hottest quarterback in college football” on Saturday when the two teams clash at 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will air live on ABC. Alabama has won six of its last seven meetings against the Bulldogs.