The No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide pulled off a stunning upset. They defeated the No. 8 Oklahoma Sooners 34-24 in a thrilling College Football Playoff (CFP) first-round game. This victory, marked by a remarkable 17-point comeback, wasn’t just a win. It was a historic moment. Alabama became the first team to win a true road game in the expanded 12-team CFP format. This dramatic contest, held in Norman, Oklahoma, has set the Crimson Tide on a path to face No. 1 Indiana in the prestigious Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day.
Oklahoma’s Early Dominance: A Sooner Surge
The game began with the Oklahoma Sooners asserting their dominance. They quickly built a formidable 17-0 lead. Quarterback John Mateer led the charge. He scored an 8-yard rushing touchdown. Lou Groza Award-winning kicker Tate Sandell then drilled an impressive 51-yard field goal. This kick tied an FBS record for most 50-plus yard kicks in a single season. Oklahoma’s defense stifled Alabama’s offense. The Crimson Tide managed only 12 total yards in the first quarter. Mateer then connected with Isaiah Sategna III for a 7-yard touchdown pass early in the second quarter. The Sooners seemed in complete control.
Alabama’s offense appeared stagnant. They went three-and-out on their initial three possessions. The early deficit mirrored “flaws of [their] three previous losses.” Quarterback Ty Simpson, a freshman, initially looked overwhelmed. Oklahoma outgained Alabama 236-100 in the first half. It appeared the home team narrative of previous CFP first rounds would hold strong.
The Tide Turns: Alabama’s Unforgettable Comeback
However, the momentum dramatically shifted. Alabama ignited its offense late in the second quarter. Ty Simpson found true freshman wide receiver Lotzeir Brooks for a 10-yard touchdown. This score narrowed Oklahoma’s lead to 17-7. The turning point came swiftly. Oklahoma punter Grayson Miller dropped a snap. This led to a blocked punt. Alabama recovered at the Oklahoma 30-yard line. Conor Talty then kicked a 35-yard field goal, making it 17-10.
Just four plays later, disaster struck for Oklahoma. John Mateer threw a pivotal “pick-six.” Defensive back Zabien Brown intercepted the pass. He returned it 50 yards for a touchdown. This play, reportedly due to miscommunication, completely tied the game at 17-17 by halftime. Alabama remarkably entered the locker room even, despite having negative rushing yards and only 100 total yards. They had scored 17 unanswered points.
Second-Half Surge: Crimson Tide Seizes Control
Alabama carried its newfound momentum into the third quarter. The Crimson Tide defense held Oklahoma scoreless. Daniel Hill started a key drive with a season-long 30-yard rush. Ty Simpson then connected with Lotzeir Brooks for a 30-yard touchdown. This was Brooks’ second score of the game. Alabama took its first lead, 24-17. Conor Talty added another field goal, this one from 40 yards. The lead extended to 27-17. Alabama’s pass rush intensified. Keon Keeley and London Simmons secured back-to-back sacks. This forced an Oklahoma punt.
Coach Kalen DeBoer praised his team’s “fight.” He highlighted their ability to “create our own breaks.” Ty Simpson settled into the game. He made crucial downfield throws. Simpson finished 18-for-29 with two touchdown passes and no turnovers. Lotzeir Brooks had a breakout night. He led Alabama with 79 receiving yards on nine catches. This included his first two collegiate touchdowns. Germie Bernard also made an “incredible around-the-helmet catch” in the fourth quarter. These individual efforts were vital.
Oklahoma’s Costly Errors and Missed Opportunities
Despite a strong start, Oklahoma “wilted” as Alabama surged. The Sooners experienced struggles in all three phases of the game. Quarterback John Mateer finished with 307 passing yards and two touchdowns. However, his performance was inconsistent. He made “confounding decisions” alongside “beautiful throws.” The second-quarter pick-six was a “backbreaker.” Special teams errors continued to haunt Oklahoma. Punter Grayson Miller shanked another punt. This gifted Alabama prime field position at the OU 35-yard line.
Alabama capitalized swiftly. Daniel Hill scored a 6-yard touchdown run. This extended Alabama’s lead to 34-24. Oklahoma attempted a late rally. Mateer found Deion Burks for a 37-yard touchdown. Burks had an excellent game overall, leading all pass-catchers with 107 yards. But it wasn’t enough. Lou Groza Award winner Tate Sandell, who had been perfect, missed a crucial 36-yard field goal attempt with under three minutes remaining. This would have made it a one-score game. He later missed a 51-yard attempt. These missed opportunities sealed Oklahoma’s fate.
Playoff Implications and Future Outlook
Alabama’s historic road win “busted” a narrative. Previous first rounds of the expanded CFP saw all home teams win easily. This game demonstrated that visitors can indeed succeed. The Crimson Tide, now 11-3, will face No. 1 Indiana in the Rose Bowl. This is a return to Pasadena for Alabama. They first played there in 1926. That year, they pulled off a 20-19 stunner against Washington for a national title.
For Oklahoma, the loss was crushing. It highlighted a need for “maturing” and “growth” on the big stage. The Sooners finished their season 10-3. Mateer’s eligibility concludes, creating quarterback uncertainty. The team’s ceiling was seen as limited by inconsistent offensive performance. This was their first CFP trip under Coach Brent Venables since 2019. Despite strong defense, the offense faltered. This Alabama Oklahoma Playoff game will be remembered for its dramatic shifts and significant implications for both programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Alabama achieve its historic comeback against Oklahoma in the CFP?
Alabama’s comeback was fueled by 27 unanswered points after trailing 17-0. Key turning points included Lotzeir Brooks’ first touchdown, a critical special teams blunder by Oklahoma leading to a blocked punt and an Alabama field goal, and a pivotal 50-yard pick-six by Zabien Brown that tied the game before halftime. In the second half, freshman QB Ty Simpson settled in, and the Crimson Tide capitalized on continued Oklahoma errors, including missed field goals and another special teams mistake, to secure their lead.
Which team will Alabama face next after defeating Oklahoma in the CFP first round?
Following their 34-24 victory over Oklahoma, the No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide will advance to the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. They are set to face the No. 1 seed Indiana Hoosiers. This highly anticipated quarterfinal matchup will take place at the iconic Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on New Year’s Day. Indiana features Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
What were the key factors that led to Oklahoma’s collapse in the College Football Playoff?
Oklahoma’s collapse after building a 17-0 lead was due to a series of critical errors across all three phases of the game. A dropped punt snap led to an Alabama field goal, directly cutting into their lead. Sooners quarterback John Mateer threw a costly 50-yard pick-six that tied the game. Additionally, special teams mistakes continued into the second half with a shanked punt. Lou Groza Award winner Tate Sandell missed two crucial field goals late in the game, ending impressive streaks and squandering opportunities to narrow the deficit.
Conclusion: A Defining Victory for the Crimson Tide
The Alabama Oklahoma Playoff game delivered an unforgettable spectacle. Alabama’s 34-24 triumph over Oklahoma was more than just a score. It was a testament to resilience, strategic adjustments, and capitalizing on opponent errors. This historic road win in the expanded CFP signifies a new era for College Football. For the Crimson Tide, it’s a monumental step towards the Rose Bowl. For the Sooners, it’s a valuable, albeit painful, lesson in the unforgiving nature of championship football. The fight shown by Coach DeBoer’s team will undoubtedly be a narrative as they prepare for the quarterfinal showdown against Indiana.
