Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson revealed he suffered a cracked rib during the Crimson Tide\u2019s 38-3 loss to Indiana Hoosiers in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal Thursday at the Rose Bowl.<\/p>\n
Simpson said the injury occurred late in the first half when he took a helmet to the ribs while scrambling for a first down. He fumbled on the play with Indiana recovering, further swinging momentum in a game that was already tilting heavily toward the Hoosiers.<\/p>\n
\u201cI felt like I had a good thing going on that drive when I got hit,\u201d Simpson said. \u201cThe competitor in me wanted the first down. I should\u2019ve been smart and just gotten down.\u201d<\/p>\n
Simpson completed 12-of-16 passes for 67 yards before halftime and underwent X-rays during the break. He started the second half but exited after a three-and-out, saying he realized he couldn\u2019t play through the injury.<\/p>\n
\u201cI made an executive decision and thought about what gave us the best chance to win,\u201d Simpson said.<\/p>\n
Tide backup QB Austin Mack played the remainder of the game, guiding Alabama to its only points on a field goal drive. Mack finished 11-of-16 for 103 yards.<\/p>\n
Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer praised Simpson\u2019s toughness. \u201cThere\u2019s no way he let this team down,\u201d DeBoer said.<\/p>\n