Tony’s take: Pissing away the playoffs would be unforgivable for Alabama

Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson (15) talks with Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers. Alabama defeated Western Kentucky 63-0. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images

Alabama enters November in the driver’s seat for a spot in the College Football Playoff. In the words of Ty Simpson, the Crimson Tide can’t afford to “piss it away.” 

I appreciate Simpson’s use of strong language, and not just because it looks good in a headline. 

Expect to hear a lot of coachspeak from Alabama this month, as it navigates the distractions stemming from the CFP rankings, Simpson’s Heisman Trophy campaign and the carousel of coaching changes across the SEC. There’s going to be a lot of “1-0 mindset” thrown around. Alabama’s going to be “just worried about ourselves,” and every opponent will be some version of the best team the Tide has seen on film all year. 

There’s nothing wrong with any of that. But before you start falling asleep to the robotic hum of Alabama’s media machine, remember Simpson’s blunt statement. 

Alabama can’t afford to piss this away. 

Simpson can’t afford to piss this away. 

And most of all, Kalen DeBoer can’t afford to piss this away.