“Let it rip, but take care of the football”: A. J. McCarron lays out Ty Simpson’s CFP survival plan ahead of Alabama vs. Oklahoma first round game

The Alabama Crimson Tide will face off against the Oklahoma Sooners in the first round of the 2025 college football playoffs. Legendary Crimson Tide QB A. J. McCarron has some advise for Alabama's current QB1, Ty Simpson.

"I think a big benefit for him is playing on the road, actually, because you're going into a hostile environment, the expectations for you to win there are already lower than what they would be at home. The biggest thing for him is finding a way to get him in a rhythm early." "So quarterback positions the same way. I got to get some easy completion, see guys catch it, let them be athletes, and turn it into a bigger play. And then my confidence starts to build, and I'm comfortable, right? And I'm not getting rushed, and everything's not a long-developing play. But for him is go out and play your game. Take care of the football. Don't be scared." "Let it rip, but take care of the football, because the turnover battle was the difference in the first game. I think the team that creates the most explosive plays in this game is the team that wins, because you have two offenses that have been in a slump, a little bit of a struggle lately, for the past month and a half or two months. And so I think those two keys are the main factors in this game."

A. J. McCarron won three BCS national championships during his collegiate football career. He was a key part of those iconic Nick Saban teams of yesteryear.

McCarron sees a lot of himself in the current Crimson Tide shot caller, Ty Simpson. So, he's giving Simpson some tips on how to slice and dice his SEC opponents in the first round.

The Alabama Crimson Tide holds a special place in A. J. McCarron's heart. The new Birmingham Stallions head coach would love nothing more than Ty Simpson leading his teammates to a blowout win at the first hurdle.

The winner of the Alabama vs. Oklahoma game will face Indiana

The Alabama Crimson Tide and Oklahoma Sooners game is one of the biggest in round one. The reward for the winner of the game will be a date with the Indiana Hoosiers in the second round.

The Alabama Crimson Tide enters the game with a 10-3 record. They're looking to get sweet revenge over the Sooners after a regular-season defeat. They'll rely on Ty Simpson and Co. to bring the magic in Oklahoma.

The Oklahoma Sooners have the home advantage in this battle of SEC heavyweights. They'll fancy their chances after winning the team's last contest, and will look to end the Kalen DeBoer tenure in Alabama.

Curt Cignetti's Indiana Hoosiers are waiting for the winner of the Alabama vs. Oklahoma showdown. The undefeated Hoosiers will likely be favorites versus whoever punches in their ticket to the second round.

Edited by Nick Igbokwe