BREAKING: In a thrilling comeback, No. 9 Alabama overcame a staggering 17-point deficit to defeat No. 8 Oklahoma 34-24 in the first round of the College Football Playoff on Friday night. This stunning victory secures Alabama’s place against unbeaten No. 1 Indiana in the quarterfinals at the Rose Bowl on January 1.
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson led the charge with 232 passing yards and two touchdowns. Remarkably, freshman Lotzeir Brooks, who had not scored in the regular season, shone with two touchdowns, five catches, and 79 yards overall.
The match marked the third encounter between these teams in just over a year, with Oklahoma previously besting Alabama in two consecutive games. However, the momentum shifted dramatically as Alabama demonstrated resilience and tactical prowess under head coach Kalen DeBoer, marking their first playoff appearance since his tenure began.
Oklahoma’s quarterback John Mateer threw for 307 yards and two touchdowns but was haunted by a critical interception returned 50 yards for a touchdown by Alabama’s Zabien Brown, tying the game late in the second quarter. Despite a strong start, Oklahoma faltered, missing key opportunities that could have changed the game’s outcome.
Oklahoma’s standout kicker, Tate Sandell, tied an FBS record with his 24th consecutive made field goal but stumbled late, missing two crucial attempts that could have kept the Sooners in contention.
With Alabama’s comeback, including a pivotal touchdown from Simpson to Brooks in the third quarter, the Crimson Tide took control of the game, ultimately scoring 27 unanswered points after trailing 17-0.
THE TAKEAWAY: Alabama’s ability to maintain composure and execute under pressure was key to their victory. The Crimson Tide displayed a mistake-free game after a rocky start, while Oklahoma’s costly mistakes, particularly the interception, proved detrimental.
This remarkable turnaround sets the stage for an electrifying matchup against Indiana, where Alabama will face Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Fans can expect a high-stakes contest as both teams vie for a spot in the semifinals.
Stay tuned for further updates as the College Football Playoff continues to unfold.
