ALABAMA RALLIES PAST OKLAHOMA IN NORMAN, ADVANCES TO THE ROSE BOWL
Updated: Oct 31
NORMAN, Oklahoma — One month after knocking off the Crimson Tide during the regular season, the Oklahoma Sooners faced their rivals once again in a heavyweight rematch, this time on the unforgiving stage of the College Football Playoffs.
At home, Oklahoma entered the first round determined to confirm its upward trajectory, while Alabama, led by Kalen DeBoer, viewed this matchup as the perfect chance for redemption and a must-win opportunity to advance, with no margin for error.
Outplayed in intensity and tempo early on, Alabama nevertheless relied on its composure and opportunism to claw back level by halftime (17–17), capping a first half that was as contrasting as it was revealing of the underlying dynamics.
Carried by an inspired John Mateer, sharp in the intermediate game and constantly on the move, the Sooners initially imposed their will. From the opening drive, Oklahoma set the pace, mixing quick reads with timely runs to stretch the defense. Elusive and decisive, Mateer extended plays and hit tight windows, sending Memorial Stadium into a growing frenzy.
That control quickly translated to the scoreboard, as the Sooners built a 17–0 lead midway through the second quarter. Across the field, Alabama struggled to establish any offensive continuity. Beaten up front and often late with its reads, the Crimson Tide appeared to be reacting to the tempo rather than dictating it.
True to its DNA, Alabama flipped the script on two pivotal sequences. A perfectly executed blocked punt by the special teams unit first provided ideal field position and reignited an offense that had been stifled. Then, just before halftime, the defense delivered a decisive blow: Zabien Brown jumped the route, intercepted the pass, and returned it 50 yards for a momentum-shifting pick-six that instantly erased Oklahoma’s advantage.
At the break, both teams headed to the locker room deadlocked (17–17), after a first half that had been largely controlled by Oklahoma but brutally overturned by Alabama’s efficiency.
Coming out of halftime, Alabama confirmed its surge in confidence. Calmer and more patient in execution, the Crimson Tide gradually took control. Ty Simpson grew more comfortable and connected with Lotzeir Brooks for his second touchdown of the game in the third quarter, allowing Alabama’s offense to create separation. Without ever overwhelming Oklahoma, the Crimson Tide consistently turned its strong moments into points.
On the other side, the Oklahoma Sooners continued to fight, carried by their quarterback, who remained competitive and dangerous through the air. But the early momentum slowly faded. Despite a response early in the fourth quarter that briefly reignited the suspense, Oklahoma was never able to fully reclaim control.
Individually, Simpson delivered a composed and timely performance when Alabama needed it most. The Crimson Tide quarterback finished with 232 passing yards on 18-of-29 completions, throwing two touchdowns with no interceptions. Rather than chasing highlight plays, he protected the football and guided his offense efficiently in key moments.
For Oklahoma, John Mateer carried the home offense for long stretches, posting 307 passing yards (26-of-42) and two touchdowns. However, his interception returned for a touchdown just before halftime loomed large in the final outcome. Despite a higher overall offensive output, the Sooners failed to convert that advantage into a lasting edge on the scoreboard.
More composed in the final quarter, Alabama managed the closing minutes with poise. A final touchdown sealed the outcome and confirmed the turnaround that began before the break. Final score: 34–24, a victory built on efficiency, opportunism, and command of the game’s defining moments.
With the win, the Crimson Tide completes its revenge and moves on in the College Football Playoffs, setting up a showdown with Indiana at the Rose Bowl. For Oklahoma, the elimination leaves a lingering sense of frustration—of a game controlled early, only to slip away once execution and details began to outweigh momentum.
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