Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson was a Bulldog killer in Georgia's first matchup against the Crimson Tide earlier this season. Georgia may have held him in check in the second half, but Simpson was early perfect throughout the entire first half.
Simpson was extremely efficient with his arm in their win over Georgia as he completed 24 of 38 passes for 276 yards and two touchdowns. He also found some success with his legs as well as he scored one touchdown on the ground as well.
Simpson has continued to play very well since beating Georgia, and Kirby Smart knows it is going to be very challenging facing him a second time this season in the SEC Championship game.
"He's (Simpson) a very talented passer, very intelligent, great mobility, athlete in the pocket," Smart said via 247sports.com. "He made some huge plays in the last couple games with his legs. They've been in some really tight ballgames like we have, and in the fourth quarter games he's made a lot of big-time plays with his legs. I mean, a little different than Haynes King, but similar."
Kirby Smart has been impressed with Alabama QB Ty Simpson
While Simpson played extremely well against Georgia and has continued to for most of the season, he has had some struggles recently. Two weeks ago he threw two interceptions against Eastern Illinois before only throwing for 122 yards against Auburn on Saturday.
But even if he may not be playing as well as he was earlier this season, Simpson will have a lot of confidence lining up against Georgia. And that is reason enough for Smart and Georgia to be concerned.
But Georgia should have some confidence going against him and the Alabama offense as well. The Bulldogs defense held Alabama scoreless in the second half earlier this season, so they should be able to draw off of that success again this weekend.
Beating Simpson and Alabama will not be an easy task, but Smart knows what his defense is capable of and everyone should expect Georgia to look like they did in the second half against Alabama earlier this season all game long in Atlanta.