Alabama outlasts Missouri: Ty Simpson's clutch fourth quarter helps No. 8 Crimson Tide hold off Tigers

Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson is an example of the virtues of patience. Instead of leaving Alabama after serving for three seasons as a backup, he stuck it out to eventually win the starting job for one of the most quarterback-friendly coaching staffs in America. 

As a result, he's thriving. In fact, he looks like every bit of a Heisman Trophy finalist. 

The 6-foot-2 and 208-pound Simpson was cerebral in the win against Missouri. He completed 23 of his 31 pass attempts for 200 yards and three touchdowns, including that decisive strike with Hill. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of his game was his composure. 

Missouri's defensive line got after him a lot. He was sacked four times and Missouri's defense finished the game with 14 total quarterback pressures. 

But Simpson didn't wilt. He stuck in there and made clutch throws all afternoon long. That grit will carry him far in the SEC. 

It seems there's a bit of a youth movement going on in Tuscaloosa. Though the Crimson Tide boasts a veteran roster, it was a handful of freshmen that ended up stealing the show on both sides of the ball for Alabama. 

The ultimate highlight came on the final real play of the game when first-year cornerback Dijon Lee Jr. intercepted an overthrown pass from Missouri quarterback Beau Pribula. Lee's snag allowed Alabama to kneel the clock out on its win. He also had one tackle and one pass breakup Saturday afternoon. 

Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams, who made his own impact as a true freshman a year ago, was held without a catch. That allowed rookie Lotzeir Brooks to assert himself as Alabama's alpha in the passing game. He led his team with four catches for 58 yards. 

None were bigger than the 29-yard catch he hauled in from quarterback Ty Simpson on fourth-and-8 late in the fourth quarter. 

Brooks' catch extended a drive that ended in Alabama's decisive touchdown connection between Simpson and running back Daniel Hill. 

Out of all the stars on Alabama's defense, safety Bray Hubbard might shine brightest.

After giving up a pair of touchdowns to Mizzou — a beautiful pass over his head not he first possession and a juke move by QB Beau Pribula that had him slip to the turf — he bounced back quickly with a pass breakup on third down and then an interception to end another Missouri drive after the Tide went up 20-17 early in the third quarter.

Is Hubbard the midseason MVP for the Tide's defense? He has three interceptions, including a pair in the win against Wisconsin earlier this season, and has six picks and two forced fumbles over the last 12 games.  

No. 8 Alabama rode a late-game surge and outlasted a feisty No. 14 Missouri team to improve to 5-1 with a 27-24 win Saturday afternoon. The Crimson Tide have now won five straight games, including three consecutive victories over AP-ranked opponents, since their season-opening setback against Florida State. 

Missouri had a chance to win or tie it late in the fourth quarter, but Missouri quarterback Beau Pribula threw an interception to freshman cornerback Dijon Lee Jr. that then allowed Alabama to kneel the clock out. 

Though it felt like Alabama dominated the first half, the Crimson Tide entered halftime with a narrow 17-10 lead. Missouri quickly eliminated that advantage in the third quarter when it turned a strip-sack of Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson into a five-yard rushing touchdown from Pribula to tie the game. 

From there, Alabama decided to keep the ball out of Missouri's hands. The Crimson Tide had a 9-minute drive that consumed most of the third quarter by the time it ended with a 22-yard field goal from Conor Talty. 

Alabama's defense took over from there. The Crimson Tide forced two straight turnovers -- an interception and a failed fourth-down conversion -- on Missouri's first two drives of the fourth quarter. 

That allowed Alabama's offensiv to embark on an ultimately decisive eight-play touchdown drive that left just over three minutes on the clock. Simpson converted two fourth downs, including a fourth-and-8 that extended the drive and a fourth-and-goal that resulted in a touchdown connection with running back Daniel Hill. 

Simpson continued to show why he's one of the best players in the nation. He was smooth operating against a strong Missouri defense, as he completed 23 of his 31 pass attempts for 200 yards and three touchdowns while withstanding some serious pressure from Missouri's defensive front. 

Saturday's result served as Missouri's first loss of the year. The Tigers are now 5-1, including a 1-1 mark in SEC play. 

• This loss snaps a 15-game home winning streak for Missouri. 
• This is the first time in program history that Alabama has started 3-0 in SEC play with all three wins coming against AP-ranked teams. 
• Alabama has now won seven straight games against Missouri. It hasn't lost to the Tigers since 1975. 
• Alabama is 6-1 against AP-ranked teams under coach Kalen DeBoer, the second-best record in the FBS since he took over. 

Late 4Q: No. 8 Alabama 27, No. 14 Missouri 24 

Missouri is going to have a chance to either tie or win this game. The Tiger defense, which has played fairly well all day, just had its biggest drive yet. Missouri forced Alabama into a quick three-and-out and then didn't fall for the bait when the Crimson Tide tried to draw them offsides on fourth down. The Tigers will take over at their own 18-yard line with 1:17 left and no timeouts, needing at least a field goal. 

Late 4Q: No. 8 Alabama 27, No. 14 Missouri 24 

Missouri still has a tall hill to climb if it wants to come all the way back, but the Tigers still have some life. They scored a much-needed touchdown with an impressively efficient 1:37 drive that ended with a scoring connection between quarterback Beau Pribula and freshman wide receiver Donovan Olugbode. It looks like the Tigers will attempt an onside kick. They still have all three timeouts with 1:40 left to play. 

Late 4Q: No. 8 Alabama 27, No. 14 Missouri 17 

Alabama certainly isn't scared to roll the dice. The Crimson Tide have converted two fourth downs on a crucial drive. This latest one may have just won them the game. Quarterback Ty Simpson took a snap on fourth-and-goal from Missouri's 2-yard line and lofted a pass to wide-open running back Daniel Hill, who secured the ball for a crucial touchdown to give Alabama a two-possession lead with just over three minutes to play. 

It was a beautifully designed play for Alabama, as Hill lined up in the slot and then ran a nice route out into the flat as Missouri's defense focused on other receiving options. This takes a ton of pressure off of Alabama's defense. 

Late 4Q: Alabama 20, Missouri 17

Alabama might be on its way to icing the game if it can score a touchdown after picking up a huge first down on fourth-and-8. Ty Simpson hit a streaking Lotzeir Brooks, and the freshman made the difficult catch over his shoulder to convert the first down with a 29-yard catch.

The 29-yard catch Is the longest play of the afternoon for the Tide. There's 3:54 remaining in regulation,

Mid 3Q: Alabama 20, Missouri 17

Missouri faked a punt on fourth-and-4 as running back Jamal Roberts received the snap and ran over the left side, but he was ruled about one yard short out of bounds by officials at the Tigers' 40-yard line.

The play was reviewed in the booth, and the ruling was upheld.

Alabama takes over the ball at Mizzou's 40-yard line with the opportunity to extend its lead here with 7:02 remaining in regulation. The Tide's Conor Talty missed a 49-yard field goal on the previous possession.

Mid 3Q: Alabama 20, Missouri 17

Conor Talty's 49-yard field goal sailed wide left, and Alabama came up empty on a promising drive.

Mizzou's defense held on third-and-10 to set up the missed field goal. The Tide converted a fourth-and-1 with a 10-yard pass to running back Jam Miller, but Miller was knocked out of the game (at least temporarily) on a big hit near the sideline.

The Tigers' offense needs to get revved up with 9:15 remaining. The last two possessions covered only 31 yards combined and ended with a punt and an interception, respectively. 

Alabama running back Jam Miller, with the help of a pair of trainers, walked to the locker room after a big hit to the shoulder and head area early in the third quarter.

Miller picked up a first down on fourth-and-1 with a nifty flip of the ball from Ty Simpson. The pass picked up 10 yards to put Alabama on Mizzou's 31-yard line.

Miller's examination in the locker room is something to watch as the fourth quarter continues.

Early 3Q: Alabama 20, Missouri 17

Alabama kept the offense on the field on fourth-and-1 at Mizzou's 41, and Ty Simpson picked up the first down with a nifty flip of the ball to Jam Miller as he sprinted right out of the pocket.

Miller took a big hit to the shoulder and helmet area, and hit the turf hard, where he was examined by trainers near the Missouri sideline. We'll have an update soon.

Early 3Q: Alabama 20, Missouri 17

Alabama safety Bray Hubbard just possibly made the biggest momentum-shifting play of the game with an interception of Beau Primula, who lofted a pass to no one downfield.

The Tide takes over on their own 40-yard line with about 13 minutes remaining.

Hubbard, who was on his man for both of Mizzou's touchdowns earlier in the game, has come up big for most of the year. He has six interceptions in the last 12 games, dating back to last season. He has three picks this season, including a pair against Wisconsin.

End 3Q: Alabama 20, Mizzou 17

Alabama seemed to take a page out of Missouri's plans by sticking to the ground game to eat 9 minutes off the clock in the third quarter. The Tide bullied their way to 46 yards on 11 carries during the 17-play drive that gave them a 20-17 lead with 9 seconds remaining in the third quarter.

Mizzou came into this game in the top five nationally in rushing behind Ahmad Hardy, the nation's leading rusher (730 yards), but Alabama effectively took the ball out of Mizzou's hands -- and may have tired the Tigers' defense -- for most of the third quarter.

How does Mizzou respond in a tight game here in the fourth quarter?

Late 3Q: Alabama 20, Missouri 17

Alabama managed to get points on the board with a field goal, but a gigantic mistake by quarterback Ty Simpson erased a touchdown two plays earlier.

Conor Talty hit a 22-yard field goal after the Alabama offense stalled with 9 seconds remaining in the third quarter.

On first-and-goal at the 1-yard line, Simpson stumbled after receiving the snap, and his knee hit the turf before he handed the ball to Jam Miller for a would-be 1-yard touchdown run. 

The Tide has the lead, but the Tigers avoided what could have been a crucial touchdown. 

Alabama busted out its formation with offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor at running back but he was dropped short of the end zone as well.

Alabama played bully ball up front on the drive, running behind the guards to pick up tough yardage. The drive covered 66 yards on 17 plays and drained 9 minutes off the clock.

Missouri has also struggled to cover hitches near the first-down markers most of the day. The Tide picked up a first down on second-and-11 with a Simpson pass to Danny Lewis Jr. for 11 yards inside the red zone.

Early 3Q: Alabama 17, Missouri 17

Beau Pribula faked out safety Bray Hubbard and ran untouched for 5-yard touchdown as Missouri took advantage of an early mistake by Alabama early in the second half.

Hubbard is not going to like watching film of this game. He was the safety in coverage on Mizzou's 26-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter as well. He slipped to the tug as Pribula ran outside and then cut back inside.

We've got a game here in CoMo.

Early 3Q: Alabama 17, Missouri 10

Mizzou has been looking for momentum most of the afternoon and got it on the first play of the second half when Ty Simpson fumbled on an eight-yard sack. Zion Young forced the fumble and Damon Wilson II recovered it at the 19-yard line.

Can Mizzou take advantage?

Halftime: Alabama 17, Missouri 10

Missouri opened the game with a score and ended the first half with another, but the Tigers didn't do much in between and trails Alabama 17-10 at halftime.

Alabama was mostly impressive, particularly on offense, piling up 164 yards and Ty Simpson threw a pair of touchdowns. Simpson is 10-of-15 passing for 89 yards.

Alabama's defense forced three consecutive punts after Mizzou opened the game with a six-play, 78-yard touchdown drive that was capped by a beautiful 26-yard pass by Beau Pribula to tight end Brett Norfleet.

Alabama scored on its first three possessions, but punted after a three-and-out with 3:32 remaining in the second quarter.

Mizzou's final drive stalled at the 17-yard line after 10 plays and Robert Meyer kicked a 35-yard field goal as time expired to cut into the Tide's lead.

The Tigers actually out-gained the Tide with 167 yards but was 1 of 6 on third downs. Alabama was 4 of 6, converting their first three third downs.

"We're way too timid," Mizzou coach Eli Drinkwitz told ESPN at halftime. "We're second-guessing ourselves."

Alabama has held the nation's leading rusher, Ahmad Hardy, to 33 yards on eight carries (4.1 yards per carry).

Late 2Q: Alabama 17, Missouri 7

Jamal Roberts — not Ahmad Hardy, the nation's leading rusher — finally gives Mizzou its first explosive play since the opening possession with a 39-yard run up the gut of Alabama's defense.

The Tide's linebackers just didn't fit the run correctly, allowing Roberts to bust through the second level untouched.

Mizzou faces a second-and-4 at Alabama's 28-yard line after the 2-minute timeout.

Mid 2Q: Alabama 17, Missouri 7

Connor Talty's 46-yard field goal extends the lead for Alabama, but at least Missouri's defense finally got some pressure on quarterback Ty Simpson.

Khalil Jacobs sacked Simpson on third-and-4 to force the kick. The Tigers also got pressure on a missed block by the running back three plays earlier.

Still, the Tide has 155 yards and has a two-possession lead with 7:10 remaining in the first quarter. 

Ty Simpson is 10 of 14 for 89 yards and two touchdowns, with a passer rating of 172. He also has 25 yards rushing.

Early 2Q: Alabama 14, Missouri 7

Not even a holding penalty could slow down LT Overton. The Alabama Bandit had to be held by right guard Curtis Peagler to slow him down, but it didn't matter as Keon Keeley completed the play with a sack to end another Mizzou possession. 

That is the first sack of the game, but you could see the Tide's defense warming up in the middle of the field, pushing Beau Pribula out of the pocket on several plays. 

That's a key to watch here as Mizzou's offense hasn't done much since opening the game with a touchdown on the first possession.

Beau Pribula's third pass attempt should have been picked off by cornerback Dijon Lee Jr. but he dropped the would-be pick along his own sideline with 12:55 remaining.

Early 2Q: Alabama 14, Missouri 7

Ty Simpson has been absolutely surgical so far today. His second touchdown pass might have been his best so far today: a 16-yard dime to Isaiah Horton, who beat his man off the line of scrimmage and was a step ahead as he ran a post toward the middle of the end zone.

Alabama has converted all three third downs. Simpson is 2 of 2 for 34 yards on third downs. He has been stellar on third downs for most of the year.

The Tide's scoring drive, which included a targeting penalty and ejection on Mizzou safety Marvin Burks Jr., spanned 4 minutes, 48 seconds and went 67 yards on 11 plays. 

End 1Q: Missouri 7, Alabama 7 

Alabama is driving and faces second-and-12 at Mizzou's 16 when the second quarter begins.

Mizzou has hurt itself withs several costly penalties, handing the Tide a pair of first downs in the first quarter with a taunting penalty and targeting call. 

Meanwhile, Alabama's Ty Simpson continues to excel. He's 8-of-10 passing for 62 yards and one touchdown. Mizzou's Beau Pribula has thrown only two balls, completing one for a 26-yard touchdown pass to tight end Brett Norfleet on the first possession. 

The issue for Mizzou is their lack of pass rush (and the penalties). The Tide has 99 yards heading into the second quarter. Mizzou has 84 but had to punt on its previous possession.

Alabama freshman receiver Derek Meadows took a high hit on a catch attempt downfield from safety Marvin Burks Jr. as he jumped in the air late in the first quarter.

Meadows appeared to immediately go unconscious and fell to the turf face down, and his body appeared to immediately go limp. He was examined by trainers for several minutes and was helped to his feet. H walked slowly off the field with trainers, and was immediately sent to the locker room.

Burks was charged with targeting and was ejected.

Alabama WR Derek Meadows exits Missouri game after absorbing vicious hit as Tigers DB ejected for targeting

Will Backus

Mid 1Q: Missouri 7, Alabama 7

Missouri just isn't getting much pressure on Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, who was his usual on-target self in leading the Tide down the field to tie the game.

Simpson hit Kevin Riley out of the backfield on an angle route for a 6-yard touchdown pass on second-and-goal.

The Tide was helped by Mizzou penalties, including an unsportsmanlike taunting flag after a huge tackle in the backfield on a screen pass. An offside penalty on third-and-5 at the 7 gave the Tide another first down.

Simpson is 5 of 6 passing for 42 yards and one touchdown. He threw only one bad pass, but it was just over the head of a Mizzou defender who leapt into the air trying to pick off the ball.

Early 1Q: Missouri 7, Alabama 0

Missouri didn't face much resistance from Alabama's defense on the opening possession. The Tigers marched down the field, picking up 52 of their 78 yards on the ground before Beau Primula threw a beautiful pass over the head of safety Bray Hubbard along the right sideline for a 26-yard touchdown pass to tight end Brett Norfleet.

Primula was fantastic on the drive, running three times for 39 yards (two designed runs) and the nation's leading rusher, Ahmad Hardy, added 13 yards on two carries.

No. 8 Alabama at No. 14 Missouri

Noon ET on ABC, fubo (try for free): Alabama has struggled to score more than four touchdowns in its games against mid- to upper-tier power programs, which is fine, particularly with the defense playing so much better of late. Missouri loves to run the ball, ranking third nationally, and leads the nation in time of possession. The Tigers scored 29 in their only SEC game this season. The Tide rank No. 1 in turnover margin, which could make for a lower-scoring game for the explosive Tigers. Picking a winner is difficult, especially with a 3.5-point spread in favor of Alabama, so we'll go with the point total (51.5) and side with the teams sliding just under.  Pick: Under 51.5 -- Brandon Marcello

The country's leading rusher, even after a bye week, is Missouri's Ahmad Hardy.

The sophomore has been Incredible this season after transferring from ULM. He leads the FBS with 730 yards and his yards-after-contact numbers are comparable to those recorded last season by Boise State's Ashton Jeanty.

I wrote a story about Hardy's journey from small-town Mississippi, where he received only one FBS scholarship offer, to ULM and now Mizzou, where he's leading the undefeated Tigers on the field today against Alabama.

'Mighty Man': How Mizzou's Ahmad Hardy rose from Mississippi dirt roads to the country's best running back

Brandon Marcello

Check out the story below.