Alabama overcame a 17-point deficit to beat Oklahoma 34-24 in the first round of the College Football Playoff.
Game Overview
Alabama entered the game trailing 17-0 after Oklahoma’s early field goal and two touchdown passes. The Crimson Tide went three-and-out on its first three possessions before Ty Simpson found freshman Lotzeir Brooks for a 10-yard touchdown that cut the lead to 17-7. A 50-yard interception return by Zabien Brown tied the game at 17-17.
Key Performances
- Ty Simpson – 232 yards passing, 2 touchdowns.
- Lotzeir Brooks – 5 catches, 79 yards, 2 touchdowns, season highs.
- John Mateer – 307 yards passing, 2 touchdowns for Oklahoma.
- Zabien Brown – 50-yard interception return for a touchdown.
- Deion Burks – 7 catches, 107 yards, 1 touchdown for Oklahoma.
- Tate Sandell – 51-yard field goal, 24th consecutive successful kick of 50+ yards.
Road to the Playoffs
Alabama (11-3) will face No. 1 seed Indiana and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza at the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1. Oklahoma (10-3) had previously beaten Alabama 24-3 in November and 23-21 in a recent road game.
Key Takeaways
- Alabama played mistake-free ball after a shaky start and scored the final 27 points.
- Oklahoma’s second-quarter interception was a turning point that shifted momentum.
- The game highlighted Alabama’s resilience and Oklahoma’s strong kicking game.
Alabama’s comeback cements its place in the College Football Playoff, setting up a showdown with Indiana in the quarterfinals.
