Ad Disclosure
Kalen DeBoer was able to get a strong look at all 3 of his primary backup quarterbacks during Alabama’s comfortable 52-7 win over the FCS’ Mercer on Saturday.
With Jalen Milroe exiting the game early after leading the Crimson Tide to a large lead and accounting for three touchdowns and over 200 yards of offense, DeBoer rotated his trio of younger QBs.
Sophomore Ty Simpson saw the most time, completing 5-of-10 passes for 71 yards while also rushing for 14. 6-foot-6 freshman Austin Mack was the only backup to find the end zone, as he had a touchdown pass and completed 2-of-3 throws for 39 yards.
Lastly, fellow freshman Dylan Lonergan threw just one incompletion in six attempts and accounted for 23 yards.
After the game, DeBoer was asked to evaluate how the trio of backups fared:
Kalen DeBoer on how the three backup quarterbacks, Ty Simpson, Dylan Lonergan and Austin Mack, played against Mercer on Saturday. #Alabamafootball pic.twitter.com/RC727fdqQ0
— Alabama Crimson Tide | AL.com (@aldotcomTide) November 17, 2024
DeBoer made note of how Simpson was able to use his legs effectively in this game, as although the sophomore isn’t the same runner that Milroe is, he’s still hard to contain according to the head coach.
“Ty had some of those scrambles, and people that really know and have watched him know that he has that ability with his feet,” DeBoer said. “Ty is tough to handle when it comes to running the ball.”
DeBoer also pointed out how the two freshmen were effective at maintaining drives and putting the ball where it needed to be for the Crimson Tide offense.
“Dylan and Austin did great with coming in and moving the chains,” DeBoer said. “I was proud of the way they handled everything from the execution to the procedure with getting people lined up and in motion.”
Current Missouri student entering my third year of covering Tiger football and basketball. Contributor to The Transfer Portal CFB and overall college athletics enthusiast.
