(Photo from Justin Smith via TDAlabamaMag)
Let’s start this off by operating under the very likely assumption that Bryce Young will be declaring for the NFL Draft at the conclusion of the season. I don’t think it’s impossible that Young comes back, but the chances of this are fairly close to zero. Other than chasing a national championship as a starter and the fact that he is making NIL money (which is nothing compared to what he is guaranteed as a top five pick in the draft), there’s no real reason for him to return.
Going off that, there is no reason for Young to play in this bowl game. Now, if he wants to play, you let him play. Being the kind of leader that he is, it wouldn’t surprise me. But there is no benefit to him playing in this game other than pride. Would it be wonderful to see Bryce Young in a crimson uniform one last time? Of course, but it’s time for the program to look to the future.
So where does that leave us? Jalen Milroe entered the season as the backup and has obviously played some meaningful snaps this year after Bryce Young was injured against Arkansas. Alabama’s passing game sputtered in Fayetteville, making the game way closer than it needed to be, and the Tide proceeded to struggle with Texas A&M the following week, due in large part to Milroe’s ineffectiveness throwing the ball.
The way I see it, it’s going to be an open competition this summer between Milroe and freshman Ty Simpson. This bowl game is an opportunity to get a look at Simpson and get him some real game reps that aren’t in garbage time against Austin Peay.
Tide fans should be excited about the potential of Simpson. He’s got a huge arm, he’s accurate, and he can move very well. Check out the second clip of this highlight reel about five seconds in that walk-on receiver Jacoby Boykins put out from practice after entering the transfer portal and the absolute dime Simpson drops deep on the run:
Yes, I understand that it’s just practice. But if that throw doesn’t get you excited, then I don’t know what will. As sad as it may be, it’s time for this program needs to turn the page and look to the future, and I truly do believe that Ty Simpson is that future. Why should the Crimson Tide delay it any further?
