Alabama had another big SEC win Saturday night over the Tennessee Volunteers to bring their record to 6-1.
Ty Simpson played smart football and made big plays when he needed to. He was far more efficient than Joey Aguilar, and made less mistakes.
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There are still things for the Alabama coaching staff to clean up. However, winning 37-20 against the No. 11 ranked team is reason for celebration.
Light up your cigars! Here are Roll Tide Wire’s players of the week vs. Tennessee.
Offensive Player of the Week: Ty Simpson, Quarterback
Ty Simpson had another efficient, mistake free performance vs. a tough SEC opponent. In a conference that prides itself on defense, Ty Simpson shows to be a prolific quarterback who takes care of the football. On the season, Ty has thrown 18 touchdowns with one interception. Those are NFL level numbers that show great decision making and accuracy.
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Ty has a live arm, especially throwing to the middle of the field. He throws with touch and velocity. His ball placement is getting better each week, as was demonstrated in the Ryan Williams acrobatic catch downfield, as well as on the two-yard touchdown pass to Isaiah Horton. He just makes a diverse range of throws very accurately. I do believe when he does declare for the NFL draft, he will be the first overall choice. He is one of the more NFL ready quarterbacks in recent years.
Defensive Player of the Week: Yhonzae Pierre, Outside Linebacker
Oct 18, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joey Aguilar (6) is pressured by Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Yhonzae Pierre (42) during the first quarter at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images
Pierre has emerged as one of the best pass rushers in the SEC. He is an unblockable force with size and speed coming off the edge. Quarterbacks and offensive coordinators have to be aware of him, as he can wreck a game plan by himself. On the night, Yhonzae finished with six tackles, five solo, three sacks, and three TFL. He also forced a safety to give Alabama a 9-7 lead in the second quarter. He also helped put pressure on Joey Aguilar to throw a pick six at the end of the half.
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The bottom line is he a gifted physical presence in the mold of Jason Pierre-Paul. He flies off the edge with relentless pursuit and contact power. As he earns a repuation, he must be accounted for at the line of scrimmage. This can open up different blitz packages for the defense.
Defensive Player of the Week: Zabien Brown, Cornerback
Zabien Brown had a 99-yard interception return for a touchdown to end the first half. This play put the Tide up 23-7, and sent the Alabama crowd into a frenzy to end the half. This was a 14-point swing and very deflating to the Volunteers. Brown does a great job in run support as well. He had seven tackles to include three solo on the evening. Zabien was named to the Coach’s All-Freshman SEC team last season. He started all thirteen games, and recorded three interceptions. He also had a 68-yard fumble return for a score against Mercer.
The sophomore cornerback is starting to make waves as one of the better players at the position in the conference. He has garnered interest from outlets who cover the NFL draft, and appears to have high upside. He is dynamic on returns, and showcased his speed last night, out running the final would be tackler. He is another elite defensive player to keep your eye on.
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This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Yhonzae Pierre among Alabama football players of week vs. Tennessee
