GIF recap: Why Alabama’s downfield passing failed in SEC Championship Game

Dec 6, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson (15) looks on during the first quarteragainst the Georgia Bulldogs during the 2025 SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Much has been made about Alabama’s miserable rushing performance against Georgia over the weekend. The Crimson Tide ended the afternoon with -3 rushing yards on 16 attempts during its 28-7 loss to the Bulldogs, marking just the second time in program history it failed to gain a yard on the ground. 

While Alabama’s stagnant ground game stood out the most among its offensive inefficiencies, the Tide’s inability to move the ball downfield through the air was also glaring. Ty Simpson completed just one of 10 passes that traveled farther than 9 yards past the line of scrimmage against Georgia. The lone completion came on a 16-yard gain to Germie Bernard, while the worst of the throws was intercepted on Alabama’s third possession. 

Alabama’s downfield deficiencies weren’t all on Simpson. The quarterback’s wide receivers let him down on a few occasions, while poor blocking up front created quick pressure on others. 

Here’s a breakdown of all 10 downfield passes over the weekend.