Ty Simpson knows Alabama football vs. Georgia is not just any other game. And that reality is not one the Crimson Tide quarterback is shying away from. 

It’s exciting, Simpson said. It’s why he came to Alabama in the first place. And it’s why he chose to stay with the Crimson Tide for another year, to play in games like the one Alabama faces Saturday night. 

As Simpson enters SEC play for the first time as a starting quarterback, he already feels he’s been through tremendous growth. From games against Florida State, Louisiana Monroe and Wisconsin, Simpson said he’s more comfortable. He understands his preparation, his limitations and, simply, his game. 

And Simpson doesn’t feel like a rookie either. He’s been on the sideline for countless SEC games. He knows what games feel like in what he calls “the hardest conference in college football.” 

As Alabama vs. Georgia nears, Simpson’s message for those who haven’t experienced SEC play is succinct, boiling it down to three simple ideas. 

First, these are the games players come to Alabama for. 

Second, yes, it’s Georgia, but there are many more games like this in SEC play. 

And third, “it’s all about us.” 

“Don’t make it bigger than what it is,” Simpson said. “It’s just two good teams going after each other.”

That echoes Alabama offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb’s message to Simpson as the quarterback faces his first SEC start: build from the ground up, honing in on his feet, his discipline and his decision making. 

“Just remember what has made him successful the last two weeks,” Grubb said. 

Through three games, Simpson has 862 passing yards, nine touchdown passes and a touchdown rush and no turnovers, bringing in a 71.9% completion percentage. 

Simpson also faces a “very similar defense” to the one he faced every day in practice for two years with Georgia coach Kirby Smart adopting many schemes and techniques as the protege of Nick Saban. But Simpson said he expects “twists on everything,” and a totally different approach, especially compared to the one the Bulldogs had against Alabama last season with Jalen Milroe at the helm of the offense. 

But similar to the advice Simpson has for his teammates heading into SEC play for the first time, Simpson is taking a step back from a game he knows is massive. 

“I just need to be ready, understand my rules and just don’t make it too big, you know what I mean?” Simpson said. “Just make it simple and play my game.” 

Alabama will kick off against Georgia at 6:30 p.m. CT Sept. 27 on ABC. 

Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at cgay@gannett.com or follow him @_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter. 

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama football QB Ty Simpson prepares for first SEC start vs Georgia