Alabama made a quarterback change early in the second half of its College Football Playoff quarterfinal. Tide starter Ty Simpson was benched in favor of Austin Mack during the Rose Bowl against the top-ranked Indiana Hoosiers.
Mack took over after Simpson appeared to aggravate an injury late in the first half, with ESPN reporting that Simpson had been dealing with an elbow issue. Sideline reporter Kris Budden said Simpson received treatment in the locker room at halftime but was pulled following the opening possession of the third quarter.
Budden described the move as a coach’s decision by Kalen DeBoer, with Alabama trailing 24-0 in the CFP matchup at the end of the third quarter.
“This is going to be Austin Mack’s ballgame for Alabama,” Budden said on the broadcast. “They have benched Ty Simpson. This is a coach’s decision because of what occurred after a hit in the first half. He received treatment during halftime, and every time he would throw the ball, he was grimacing. Just did not have the zip on it.”
Budden added that both quarterbacks warmed up before the second half, but DeBoer ultimately told Simpson he needed to rest. Simpson briefly entered the injury tent before returning to the sideline to encourage his teammates.
Mack has been Alabama’s primary backup throughout the season. He entered the game with limited experience and was tasked with leading the Crimson Tide on college football’s biggest postseason stage at the Rose Bowl.
The former four-star in the 2024 recruiting class was the No. 67 prospect in the nation, according to 247Sports. Mack has 125 yards and two touchdowns this season.
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