No. 9 Alabama (10-3) at No. 8 Oklahoma (10-2) | Friday, 8 p.m. EST (ABC/ESPN)
Oklahoma and Alabama will meet again with far more at stake this time, as the longtime powers collide in the first round of the College Football Playoff. It’s a rare postseason rematch that carries both recent history and a chance at something unprecedented for the Sooners.
Oklahoma edged Alabama 23-21 in Tuscaloosa earlier this season, and a second victory would make the Sooners the first program to beat the Crimson Tide twice in the same season since 1893. Oklahoma has also quietly owned the series of late, winning four of the past five meetings, though Alabama fans still remember the Tide’s 45-34 victory over the Sooners in the 2018 playoff.
This matchup pits Oklahoma’s relentless defense against an Alabama offense searching for rhythm after a humbling loss. The Crimson Tide were routed 28-7 by Georgia in the SEC championship game, a result that exposed some lingering issues — particularly in pass protection.
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson will again be under the microscope. In the first meeting, Oklahoma sacked Simpson four times, and that was without defensive end R Mason Thomas, the Sooners’ top pass rusher. Thomas is back from injury, strengthening a front that already leads the nation in sacks and tackles for loss. Simpson, typically an efficient passer, has struggled recently when pressured, making this a difficult matchup against an Oklahoma defense that ranks fifth nationally in rushing yards allowed, ninth in total defense and seventh in points allowed.
If Alabama is going to advance, it will likely need a spark from its playmakers. Germie Bernard leads the Tide in receptions (57) and receiving yards (762), while freshman standout Ryan Williams remains the biggest home-run threat. Williams has 42 catches for 631 yards and four touchdowns, though he has been quiet of late, failing to top three receptions or 45 yards in each of the past four games.
Oklahoma’s offense is anchored by balance and timely execution. Quarterback John Mateer is a true dual threat who has delivered repeatedly in big moments this season. While Mateer’s aggressiveness can lead to forced throws and interceptions, he also has a knack for producing a few critical plays when the Sooners need them most.
On the perimeter, Oklahoma wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III is a matchup problem. A first-team All-SEC selection, Sategna caught 65 passes for 948 yards and seven touchdowns during the regular season and adds another dimension as a dangerous punt returner.
The first meeting was decided by two points, and this one shapes up as another physical, high-stakes battle between blueblood programs. Alabama enters with postseason pedigree and urgency, while Oklahoma brings defensive dominance and the confidence of having already beaten the Tide once. One of college football’s most storied rivalries adds a new chapter Friday night — with a spot in the CFP quarterfinals on the line.
