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The Tuscaloosa News
Ryan Grubb isn't too worried about Alabama football pass protection for Ty Simpson
- Story byThe Tuscaloosa News
- Ryan Grubb isn't too worried about Alabama football pass protection for Ty Simpson
Ty Simpson had to run against Florida State . But, most of the time, the Alabama football quarterback was running for his life.
In his first start for the Crimson Tide , Simpson was credited with 17 yards rushing on nine carries, but saw 22 pressures from Florida State 's defensive front, per Pro Football Focus, in the Seminoles' 31-17 win against Alabama.
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Alabama did not substitute its five offensive line starters against Florida State . Kadyn Proctor , Kam Dewberry , Parker Brailsford , Geno VanDeMark and Wilkin Formby combined to allow three sacks. It's a group that led a run game that averaged 3 yards per carry with only one rush for 10 or more yards. It's a group where four of its five members had penalties, including three false stats and a holding call.
As Alabama turned its focus to its home opener against Louisiana Monroe, Crimson Tide offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb said he felt Proctor "had a pretty good day," and that any pressure came after "he was holding up for a long time. Interior pressure, Grubb said, brought "a few problems."
"Overall, three sacks is not where you want to be," Grubb said. "And I think we had 40-some attempts, so that's not where you want to live either. But I thought it was OK. There's certainly some ID things that we can continue to be better at."
Another part of the "pressure" conversation, Grubb said, was about Simpson's approach when it came his way, and not letting it hurt him long term.
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"I think there were times where the protection was adequate, where Ty got a little bit antsy," Simpson said. "He had a couple drives later where I thought he did a good job of not dropping his eyes. So I think the biggest part for him is trying to simulate some of those pressures in practice and create those hostile environments for him in the backfield that he's got to be able to keep his eyes down the field."
Alabama continues the 2025 season Saturday, Sept. 6 at home against Louisiana Monroe. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:45 p.m. CT on SEC Network
Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at cgay@gannett.com or follow him @_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Ryan Grubb isn't too worried about Alabama football pass protection
