Saturday’s Alabama-Missouri clash is going to turn a lot of heads. The last time Missouri defeated Alabama was in 1975 – a different chapter and a different SEC. Five decades later, the Tigers can claw one back and rewrite history. Even though both sides have not lost their last four matches, analysts shed light on one aspect that Missouri can take advantage of. But HC Kalen DeBoer must find a resolution before the SEC matchup.

After their season opener mishap against Florida State, the Crimson Tide regained its groove. Their star quarterback, Ty Simpson, has been efficient, productive, and relatively mistake-free this season. He has been the heart of the Tides, with a throwing completion percentage of 70.3%. However, Pat Smith raised his apprehensions about a tactic HC Eliah Drinkwitz could use to stop Alabama from making offensive plays.

Speaking on the Jox 94.5 show on October 9th, Pat Smith raised a point regarding how Missouri can win the game by effectively stopping their QB, Ty Simpson. He compared Vanderbilt, which used the same tactic against Alabama and Nashville last season. “Missouri is going to do or try to attempt to do the same thing to Ty Simpson. Keep Ty Simpson and the Alabama offense on the sideline,” said Smith on the show.

Pressuring a QB with priority chokes out a lot of offensive opportunities. If Simpson cannot make plays, the Tigers can take advantage and win. “Do not give him an opportunity to score points. So, if they can just churn the clock, run the football effectively, then you’re talking about a low-scoring game and limited opportunities for Alabama to get the football,” added Smith.

When Ty Simpson earned the Alabama role, very few expected him to command the team’s offense with composure. But game after game, he silenced the naysayers with precision passes and clutch plays. In 2025, Ty Simpson’s form helped the team improve massively. He completed 70.3% of his passes, finding a man on most phases of the play. With 1478 passing yards, Simpson’s arm gets through the defense, automatically advancing the play, and he earned 13 TDs this season. Therefore, you shut Simpson down, you get the W.

Kalen DeBoer must keep his O-line rigid and strong to block away any threats to Ty Simpson. His primary focus will be on allowing space for Ty so that he can make plays. If Missouri successfully keeps Simpson in check and blocks Bama’s offense, it is game over for DeBoer’s side.

Tide Face Crucial Test to Keep Playoff Hopes Alive

With four wins in a row in their pockets, Alabama finally faces a real challenge on Saturday against Missouri. But it couldn’t have come at a worse time. With Week 7 underway, a loss could seriously alter a team’s prospects. If Alabama wants to be a playoff contender, it must stop clutch performers like Ahmad Hardy and Beau Pribula on Saturday.

Alabama has already lost a game this season, making its record 4-1. But they bounced back with victories against La-Monroe, Wisconsin, Georgia, and Vanderbilt. Their QB, Ty Simpson, is having a profitable season. Apart from the above stats, he earned 30 carries, 51 yards, and two rushing TDs. So, it makes sense why Pat Smith thinks Missouri will have its full focus on stopping Ty from making plays.

On the other hand, Missouri has won all five games, marking a flawless 5-0 start to the season. Their stars, Ahmad Hardy and Beau Pribula, lead the SEC in rushing and passing. Kalen DeBoer will have to devise a solution to tackle these two. If they don’t, chances are they will take the game away.