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Hurt or benched? What really happened to Ty Simpson in Alabama's Rose Bowl game vs Indiana
The move was a “coach’s decision” by Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer, factoring in both Ty Simpson's performance and a hit he took to the back.
UPDATE: Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson, who was removed from the field during the second half of the College Football Playoff quarterfinal Rose Bowl against the Indiana Hoosiers on Thursday, said a cracked rib forced him out of the game.
According to the Associated Press, Simpson was injured when an Indiana player's helmet struck his torso, causing a fumble after a courageous scramble for a first down late in the first half.
After the game, Simpson revealed that an X-ray taken at halftime confirmed the injury.
“Felt like I had a good thing going on that drive when I got hit,” Simpson said. “It kind of changed the momentum for sure. Just ready to get back to work. I’ve got to get healthy and get ready to go.”
Simpson briefly returned to the field for one more series after halftime but voluntarily handed over play to backup Austin Mack when he realized he couldn't play through the pain.
“I made an executive decision and thought (about) what gave us the best chance to win,” Simpson said. "I thought Austin being 100% could help us win.”
Simpson also reflected on a previous run in the first half, acknowledging he may have pushed too hard during the scramble that ultimately led to his injury.
“I knew I slid (and) I thought I got the first down,” Simpson said of the first run. “I was a half a yard short. Came back to the sideline, was (ticked) off. The competitor in me wanted to make sure I got the first down. Got more than the first down, and then should have been smart and just got down."
Indiana roared into the College Football Playoff semifinals with a dominant 38-3 victory over Alabama in the 112th Rose Bowl.
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ORIGINAL STORY: Alabama Crimson Tide starting quarterback Ty Simpson took the field against the Indiana Hoosiers in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal Rose Bowl on Thursday but was replaced by backup Austin Mack in the third quarter.
The move was a "coach’s decision" by Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer, factoring in both Simpson’s performance and a hit he took to the back, Athlon Sports reported, citing ESPN sideline reporter Holly Rowe.
At the time he was pulled, Simpson had completed 12 of 16 passes for 67 yards, with no touchdowns or interceptions.
(With inputs from AP)
