Ty Simpson boldly predicts the Alabama-Tennessee matchup

Alabama football comes with a new king behind center in the decade of the 2020s. Ty Simpson followed Jalen Milroe, Bryce Young, Mack Jones and Tu Tagovailoa in Tuscaloosa’s quarterback reinforcements. He now has Tennessee on deck in his fourth nationally-ranked matchup.

Simpson has already led the Southeastern Conference in its first 25 wins over Georgia, Vanderbilt and now Missouri. He threw three touchdowns against the latter on the road Alabama’s 27-24 win Saturday.

KB patiently waited his turn as he supported Milroe. He even decided to give Cullen DeBoer a chance, not a direction to the transfer portal. Simpson lifted Alabama to the top SEC Power Rankings by ClutchPoints.

But can he lead ‘Bama past the 11th-ranked Volunteers? Time for some bold predictions.

That Simpson will destroy this Tennessee weakness

That would be the Vols’ pass defense.

They rank 108th in the country allowing an average of 257.8 yards per game. Tennessee surrendered 256 yards and 9.5 yards per play to Arkansas QB Taylen Green. Alabama-Birmingham’s Jalen Kitna even torched this Vols unit with 364 yards in their Sept. 20 meeting.

Just imagine how surgical Simpson becomes when faced with this same unit.

Tennessee can be equipped with 26 sacks (4.3 per game). But this secondary and linebacker crew doesn’t miss a pass — especially the middle of the field.

Watch for Simpson to attack the midfield and downcourt early to keep the Vols on their heels.

Simpson and Alabama OT Kadin Proctor tie for 1 touchdown

Proctor has risen as CFB’s new folk hero – thanks to this epic catch and run..

Massive attempts are likely to be barking for football. Even CBS Sports analyst Randy Cross can’t wait to see how’Bama uses it on Saturday.

Alabama and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb likely want to free him inside the goal line. Maybe he’ll cross the end zone this time over the wildcat formation.

But we think Grubb will steal it as a short TD eligible tight end.

Simpson turns Ryan Williams into a 100-yard VR in the evening

Williams had eight catches for a team-leading 73 yards in Knoxville a year ago.

He and Alabama still came away with a 24-17 loss. This time, the true sophomore faces a different pass defense.

Williams suffered a concussion early in the season at Alabama. He was cleared to play against Missouri, but did not record a catch.

The feeling is strong that he will once again be a focal point for Grubb, DeBoer and the Tide offense. Then again, he and Simpson face a weaker pass defense compared to 2024.

Alabama KB continues hot start

He did not lead the charge at last year’s meeting. But you better believe he’ll join the rest of the Tide’s players in feeling motivated for Saturday’s contest at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

The Vols will want nothing more than to ruin Alabama’s College Football Playoff quest, this time in front of the Tide faithful. But the weekend presents a whole new opportunity for Simpson to boost his Heisman Trophy chances.

He takes over the second-to-last defense in the SEC. All the more reason why Simpson will threaten the triple touchdown and 300 yards.