Ty Simpson embarrassingly fumbles at the goal line before scoring on 79-yard run
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Ty Simpson nearly scored a touchdown on a remarkable 79-yard run in the second half against Chattanooga on Saturday.
Instead, what should have been one of the plays of the day for Alabama turned into an all-too-common cautionary tale for the freshman quarterback.
Just before Simpson reached the end zone, he flipped the ball behind his back in celebration of his big play instead of ensuring he crossed the goal line first. Here’s video of Simpson’s long run — and fumble:
#Alabama backup freshman QB Ty Simpson takes it to the house but drops the ball…why does this continue to happen? pic.twitter.com/Rcm6Zjn58s
— LIVINGroom Sports (@LIVINGroomSprts) November 18, 2023
A similar play happened last week in Washington’s win over Utah, with a Huskies defender dropping the ball short of the goal line on what would have been a pick-6.
This mistake by Simpson was not nearly as costly for the Tide. For one thing, Alabama was up 52-10 at the time of the fumble. For another, the Tide didn’t lose possession as a result of the fumble. Richard Young scored from 1-yard out later in the possession to put Alabama up 59-10.
After the game, Alabama starter Jalen Milroe was asked about Simpson’s fumble and had some fun with the question.
“Forget about all that. Did y’all see how fast he was moving?” Milroe said.
Jalen Milroe on Ty Simpson's goal-line fumble: "Forget about all that. Did y'all see how fast he was moving?"
— Austin Hannon (@austinhannon_) November 18, 2023
Alabama will face Auburn in Week 13 to close out the regular season.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
