Why Ty Simpson bought Auburn gear growing up

Nov 9, 2024; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson (15) calls for the ball against the LSU Tigers during the second half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

As Ty Simpson grew up playing football in Martin, Tennessee, and because his father is the head coach of UT-Martin’s football program, Simpson had close ties to the program that boasts similar colors to the Auburn Tigers.

Because of this resemblance between the two teams, Simpson said his mother would buy him Auburn gear. However, its purpose was not in support of his new rival that he’ll be facing on Saturday.

“For disclosure, back in the day when I was a little kid, my mom used to buy me Auburn stuff,” Simpson said. “Because it’s the same colors as UT-Martin. So, we would take out the Auburn at put UT-Martin on it, but it would be Auburn colors. So, yeah… UT’s a bit hawkish, so maybe it’ll give me some motivation.”

Any little thing that the players can find for motivation is exactly what the team needs; playing for an SEC Championship appearance isn’t enough, as an Auburn team with nothing to lose always finds a way to give the Tide a scare.

So as the Tide now prepares to face Auburn in the Iron Bowl on Saturday, Simpson will now face the team that eerily resembles his hometown team in terms of its colors. But Simpson knows what the real challenge is and will be ready for it on gameday.