UPDATE: In a thrilling College Football Playoff showdown, No. 9 seed Alabama overcame a staggering 17-point deficit to defeat No. 8 Oklahoma, 34-24, on Friday night in Norman, Oklahoma. This victory propels Alabama into the quarterfinals to face the undefeated No. 1 Indiana on January 1, 2024, at the Rose Bowl.
Quarterback Ty Simpson delivered a stellar performance, throwing for 232 yards and two touchdowns. Alabama’s Lotzeir Brooks, a freshman who had yet to score in the regular season, emerged as a standout with two touchdowns and a season-high 79 yards on five receptions.
The game marked the third encounter between these two teams in just over a year, with Oklahoma previously winning both matchups, including a 24-3 victory last November and a narrow 23-21 win last month. This playoff appearance is especially significant as it is the first for Alabama under head coach Kalen DeBoer, who took the helm two years ago.
Despite a strong start from Oklahoma, led by quarterback John Mateer, who passed for 307 yards and two touchdowns, it was a critical interception that swung the momentum in Alabama’s favor. Mateer’s interception was returned 50 yards for a touchdown by Alabama’s Zabien Brown, leveling the score at a pivotal moment just before halftime.
“We played mistake-free football after a rough start,” said DeBoer. “Our guys stayed focused and executed when it mattered the most.”
Oklahoma’s Tate Sandell, the Lou Groza Award winner, showcased his kicking prowess by tying an FBS record with his 24th consecutive field goal, including a remarkable 51-yarder in tough conditions, giving the Sooners an early 10-0 lead. However, as the game progressed, Alabama’s offense began to click, with Simpson connecting with Brooks for a 10-yard touchdown that ignited their comeback.
Alabama continued their surge in the second half, taking the lead with a 30-yard touchdown pass from Simpson to Brooks and extending their advantage with a 40-yard field goal from Conor Talty. Although Oklahoma’s Burks caught a 37-yard touchdown pass from Mateer early in the fourth quarter to narrow the gap to 27-24, missed opportunities sealed the Sooners’ fate.
As the clock wound down, Sandell’s failed attempts from 36 and 51 yards left Oklahoma unable to regain momentum, ending their season at 10-3.
The implications of this loss are significant for Oklahoma, as Mateer’s interception proved to be a defining moment. “We had our chances, but mistakes cost us,” Mateer reflected post-game.
With Alabama set to clash with Indiana and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, fans can expect an electrifying matchup on New Year’s Day. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
