In a stunning College Football Playoff comeback, the ninth-seeded Alabama Crimson Tide overcame a 17-point deficit to defeat the eighth-seeded Oklahoma Sooners 34-24 on Friday night in Norman, Oklahoma, advancing to the quarterfinals. The victory sets up a New Year’s Day clash with top-seeded Indiana at the Rose Bowl, showcasing Alabama’s resilience under first-year playoff coach Kalen DeBoer.
Oklahoma dominated early, building a 17-0 lead by the second quarter behind a strong offensive start. Tate Sandell’s 51-yard field goal and John Mateer’s touchdown pass to Isaiah Sategna highlighted the Sooners’ control, as they outgained Alabama 118 yards to 12 in the first period. Alabama struggled initially, with three consecutive three-and-out possessions, but the tide began to turn midway through the second quarter.
The comeback ignited when Ty Simpson found freshman Lotzeir Brooks for a 10-yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to 17-7. Momentum swung decisively after Zabien Brown intercepted Mateer and returned it 50 yards for a touchdown, tying the game at 17. Brown’s play proved pivotal, shifting the energy and setting the stage for Alabama’s offensive surge.
Alabama took its first lead early in the third quarter on Brooks’ second touchdown—a 30-yard reception from Simpson—and extended it with a Conor Talty field goal to make it 27-17. Brooks, who had not scored all season, finished with season highs of five catches for 79 yards, while Simpson passed for 232 yards and two touchdowns, demonstrating composure under pressure.
Oklahoma rallied in the fourth quarter with Mateer connecting with Deion Burks on a 37-yard touchdown to close within 27-24. Burks had seven catches for 107 yards, and Mateer threw for 307 yards, but the Sooners’ hopes faded as Sandell missed two late field goals, ending his streak of 24 consecutive makes. Special teams miscues, including a blocked punt, further hampered Oklahoma’s efforts.
The game marked the third meeting between the teams in 13 months, with Oklahoma having won the previous two. For Alabama, it was DeBoer’s first playoff win since arriving from Washington, highlighting the team’s growth. DeBoer praised his squad’s resilience, saying, ‘I just couldn’t be more proud of these guys,’ while Oklahoma coach Brent Venables acknowledged his team fell short in critical moments.
With the win, Alabama improves to 11-3 and moves on to face Indiana and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza. Oklahoma’s season ends at 10-3, reflecting a year of highs but ultimate disappointment in the playoff. The Crimson Tide’s ability to capitalize on turnovers and maintain focus after a slow start underscores their playoff readiness.
Looking ahead, Alabama will prepare for a challenging quarterfinal against Indiana, aiming to continue their postseason run. The victory not only avenges earlier losses to Oklahoma but also establishes Alabama as a formidable contender in the expanded playoff format, with implications for future recruiting and program momentum.
