Ty Simpson’s revealing statement about how Alabama views LSU after firing Brian Kelly tells us everything we needed to know
Few collegiate rivalries are as exciting and competitive as when Alabama and LSU square off. Alabama owns the all-time rivalry with a massive 52-25 advantage, and LSU has only pulled off two victories since 2011. With LSU firing head coach Brian Kelly last month, one of LSU’s top priorities has been to replace him with […]
Few collegiate rivalries are as exciting and competitive as when Alabama and LSU square off. Alabama owns the all-time rivalry with a massive 52-25 advantage, and LSU has only pulled off two victories since 2011. With LSU firing head coach Brian Kelly last month, one of LSU’s top priorities has been to replace him with someone who fits better, like Nick Saban once did.
Alabama has no interest in allowing LSU to create some momentum on or off the field. As they celebrate LSU’s disastrous 5-3 start and struggles to find offensive rhythm and a consistent defensive identity, Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson isn’t buying all of the noise. He knows he needs to play well to continue building his Heisman case, and that includes improving his deep ball.
For all of LSU’s issues, though, neither Simpson nor defensive coordinator Kane Wommack is giving an inch in terms of bulletin board material. Here’s what Simpson had to offer.
Alabama QB Ty Simpson praises LSU defense and remaining coaching staff
LSU’s defense still ranks 22nd in scoring allowed despite hemorrhaging 80 combined points over the last two weeks. This appeared to be an elite unit, but a sluggish offense sitting 84th in scoring has usurped the defense’s energy and efficiency when on the field. Simpson, though, isn’t tricked by the stats.
He was asked about what his takeaways are from the LSU defense on film, and was incredibly focused and diplomatic.
“Coaching change or not, it’s the same players,” Simpson started. “They’ve been in every game, regardless of their record. I think, by far one of the best defensive back-ends in the league if not the country. They’ve got great coaches. It’s gonna be a great challenge. We need to be ready to go and understand ‘Hey, these guys are gonna come after you.’”
PFF had graded LSU as an elite defense in most games entering their Week 8 battle against Vanderbilt. The Tigers’ fundamental flaws and lack of depth along the front seven became apparent as injuries stacked up and opponents attacked weak spots. It’s a tale as old as time.
It’s somewhat hard to take Simpson’s comments as true feelings. The unit’s run defense may actually cure Alabama’s biggest weakness, though LSU’s pass defense is quite good with Mansoor Delane, AJ Haulcy, and DJ Pickett. The lack of a star-studded pass-rush and front-seven bulk is notable, though.
LSU could get a nice boost if Whit Weeks plays, since he brings chaotic blitzes and high football intelligence to the table. On the flip side, Ryan Williams is due for a bounce-back performance, so it’s quite possible Alabama runs away with another comfortable victory.
