Answering our questions from Alabama’s win over ULM

Sep 6, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson (15) reacts after a short-lived touchdown that was called back during the second quarter against the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images

Heading into Alabama’s home opener against Louisiana-Monroe, we came up with five key questions to determine the Crimson Tide’s success. While there was a noticeable gap in talent over the weekend, the Tide made a statement in a 73-0 win. 

Here’s a look back at how Alabama responded to last week’s points of emphasis. 

Question: Who is next up at DT? 

Answer: With Tim Keenan and Jeremiah Beamon out, Alabama handed London Simmons his first career start at the nose guard position. The true freshman fared relatively well, recording a tackle while earning a 69.3 defensive grade from Pro Football Focus. 

According to PFF, Simmons participated in 15 defensive snaps. His lone stop came as he limited ULM running back Braylon McReynolds to a 2-yard gain on a run on second-and-12 in the third quarter. 

While Simmons got the start, Isaia Faga saw more time at the nose guard position. The redshirt freshman was on the field for 21 snaps while recording a pair of tackles. 

Faga’s first stop came on a 1-yard gain from running back Tyrell Reed Jr. on a first-and-10 during the fourth quarter. Later, he was part of a third-down stop as he helped bring down Zach Palmer-Smith following a 7-yard gain. According to PFF, Faga was sixth on the team with a 74.1 defensive grade. 

Meanwhile, defensive coordinator Kane Wommack called defensive tackle James Smith the player of the game on the interior. Smith had four tackles, including three for a loss, on the night.  

“I think we’ve got some guys that are trending in the right direction,” Wommack said of his interior defensive line on Monday. “But good teams improve, and those guys need to continue to do that as we go, especially in the level of consistent execution.”

Question: Will Simpson show improvement?