Alabama vs. Oklahoma — College Football Playoff Preview…Read More…

Alabama vs. Oklahoma — College Football Playoff Preview…Read More…

In one of the most compelling rematches of the 2025 College Football Playoff, the No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide traveled to Norman, Oklahoma to face the No. 8 Oklahoma Sooners in the first round of the CFP at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, delivering a dramatic and unforgettable contest.

The Sooners entered the game with recent success over Alabama, having beaten the Crimson Tide 23–21 in Tuscaloosa just weeks earlier and holding a series lead in the all‑time matchup. Yet on this night, Alabama flipped the script in a compelling display of resilience and execution.

Oklahoma struck early, racing out to a 17–0 lead in the first half behind solid offensive execution from quarterback John Mateer and key contributions from kicker Tate Sandell, who opened the scoring with a long field goal. For a moment, it looked like the Sooners might repeat their regular‑season success and upset another top opponent.

But Alabama, led by junior quarterback Ty Simpson, refused to fold. Simpson, who finished with 232 passing yards and two touchdown passes, began to find rhythm mid‑second quarter and orchestrated a comeback. His first scoring connection came with freshman wide receiver Lotzeir Brooks, who hauled in a 10‑yard touchdown pass — one of two he scored in the game — sparking life into the Tide’s offense.

The Crimson Tide defense also made pivotal plays. Zabien Brown delivered a huge momentum shift when he returned an interception 50 yards for a touchdown, pulling Alabama even and swinging momentum decisively. From there, Alabama held firm, extending its advantage with a field goal and another Simpson‑to‑Brooks touchdown that gave the Tide their first lead of the night.

In the second half, Alabama’s offense kept clicking, and the defense tightened its grip. Oklahoma trimmed the lead with a touchdown from Mateer to Deion Burks, but crucial missed field goals — including a 36‑yard attempt by Sandell late in the fourth quarter — kept the Sooners from staging a final rally.

By the final whistle, Alabama had completed a stunning 34–24 comeback victory — scoring 27 unanswered points after the early deficit — and punched its ticket to the CFP quarterfinals at the Rose Bowl against No. 1 Indiana.

Ty Simpson (Alabama) stood out with poised quarterback play, navigating the comeback and finding his playmakers when it mattered most. Freshman Lotzeir Brooks delivered perhaps the performance of his young career, finishing with 79 receiving yards and two touchdowns, a season high and crucial factor in the Tide’s victory.

For Oklahoma, John Mateer threw for 307 yards and two scores, and Deion Burks was a consistent target with seven receptions for over 100 yards, but costly turnovers and special teams missteps ultimately swung the game in Alabama’s favor.

Alabama’s win not only avenged past losses but also showcased the program’s ability to fight through adversity and execute in a high‑stakes environment.