TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama first-year starter Ty Simpson had another excellent outing as he passed for 382 yards and four touchdowns, with two of those scoring strikes to Ryan Williams as the sophomore star returned from injury, and the 19th-ranked Crimson Tide overpowered Wisconsin for the second consecutive year with a 38-14 win Saturday afternoon at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Simpson was 24-of-29 passing, with two of his incompletions on drops by Williams and freshman Lotzier Brooks. Williams finished with five receptions for 165 yards after missing last week’s rout of the University of Louisiana at Monroe because of a concussion sustained in the season-opening loss at Florida State.
Simpson, who was 17-for-17 a week earlier against ULM, joined Mac Jones (2020) as the only quarterbacks in program history to complete at least 80% of his passes and throw for three touchdowns in consecutive games.
“He’s, in the last two games, slowed the game down,” Alabama second-year head coach Kalen DeBeor said. “It isn’t a talent question. He’s risen to the occasion. We challenged him a bit last week, and we like where his head’s at.”
The home crowd erupted as Williams went 75 yards on a trick play on the first snap of the second half. It gave Williams his first 100-yard game since facing Georgia last September. Fellow receiver Germie Bernard added two touchdowns (one receiving, one rushing), and transfer Isaiah Horton scored for the second consecutive week for Alabama (2-1).
The Tide have scored on 17 of their past 20 possessions, including 15 touchdowns. They’re off next weekend before opening Southeastern Conference play with a trip to reigning league champion Georgia on Sept. 27. The sixth-ranked Bulldogs, who improved to 3-0 with Saturday’s 44-41 overtime win at No. 15 Tennessee, are also off next weekend.
Danny O’Neil, subbing for injured Wisconsin starter Billy Edwards, completed 11 of 17 passes for 117 yards for the Big Ten’s Badgers (2-1), who lost 42-10 last year when the Tide went to Madison. O’Neil’s 41-yard touchdown pass to Jayden Ballard was one of the few highlights for the Badgers in the rematch, with Vinny Anthony II’s 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown also making that short list.
Bray Hubbard’s two interceptions led an Alabama defense that held the visitors to 209 yards. The Tide notched four sacks after totaling one over their first two games.
“We’ve taken some great steps,” Hubbard said. “But we have to keep stacking days and being consistent. We can’t have this bye week and go down. We have to keep climbing.”
Alabama’s open date will give some injured players who are close to returning — including running back Jam Miller and defensive lineman Tim Keenan — more time to get ready.
“Don’t let off the gas,” DeBoer said. “That’s where we’re at right now. We’re very intentional right now. The guys have an energy right now that’s becoming contagious.”
Alabama defensive end LT Overton left the game in the third quarter with an undisclosed injury and did not return. He walked to the locker room without assistance.
The injury-riddled Badgers couldn’t find a rhythm on either side of the ball. Getting healthy, particularly at quarterback and along the offensive line, will be vital for them before opening Big Ten play by hosting Maryland next weekend.