No. 4 Alabama hosts No. 11 Oklahoma on Saturday in a showdown loaded with College Football Playoff stakes, history and pressure for both programs.
Since a season-opening loss to Florida State, Alabama (8-1, 6-0 SEC, No. 4 CFP) has reeled off eight straight wins and become the first SEC team to beat four ranked opponents in four consecutive weeks without a bye. Tide quarterback Ty Simpson has emerged as a Heisman contender, completing 67% of his passes for 2,461 yards with 21 touchdowns and just one interception. His ability to generate explosive plays could be crucial against an Oklahoma defense that leads the SEC in yards and points allowed.
The Sooners (7-2, 3-2, No. 11 CFP) arrive in must-win mode after a 2-2 stretch, which includes a loss to Texas. But a road victory against then-No. 14 Tennessee kept their playoff hopes alive. Oklahoma also brings confidence from last season’s stunning 24-3 win over Alabama. It was a result the Tide have not forgotten. Just like last year, Kalen DeBoer's team was surging and got knocked off by the Sooners.
“There are players that didn’t experience that,” DeBoer said. “The ones that did better remember.”
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer continues searching for consistency after thumb surgery, averaging 183.5 passing yards with two touchdowns and four interceptions over his last four games. His dual-threat ability helped lift the Sooners past the Vols, but facing an Alabama defense with 16 takeaways presents another level of challenge.
Turnovers could decide the game. Alabama ranks fourth nationally at plus-10 in turnover margin, while Oklahoma sits 110th at minus-five.
With both teams boasting top-tier red-zone offenses, execution and avoiding mistakes may determine who keeps their playoff dreams intact.
Alabama hosts Oklahoma on Saturday afternoon (3:30 p.m. ET, ABC).
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