TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Ty Simpson's excitement is palpable. So are his nerves.

Simpson's long-awaited moment — his first collegiate start — is days away. And he's not hiding his feelings about finally leading Alabama onto the field when the eighth-ranked Crimson Tide visits rebuilding Florida State on Saturday.

“Some butterflies, you know,” said Simpson, who beat out former Washington backup Austin Mack and highly touted freshman Keelon Russell for the job. “I was thinking about it this morning. I woke up and I was like, ‘Man, it’s really here. Like, it’s game week.'"

Simpson’s story is unique: a former five-star recruit who waited three years to step into the starting spotlight without pouting, panicking or popping into the portal. Now, he's prepared to be the guy when Alabama pla

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