UPDATE: In a thrilling comeback, No. 9 seed Alabama overcame a staggering 17-point deficit to defeat No. 8 Oklahoma 34-24 on Friday night, securing a spot in the next round of the College Football Playoff. This victory propels Alabama to face the unbeaten top seed Indiana in the prestigious Rose Bowl on January 1, 2024.
Freshman quarterback Ty Simpson showcased his skills, throwing for 232 yards and two touchdowns. Notably, Lotzeir Brooks, who had not found the end zone during the regular season, emerged as a star with two touchdowns and season highs of five receptions for 79 yards.
Friday’s matchup marked the third meeting between the two teams within 13 months, with Oklahoma previously defeating Alabama twice. The Sooners had won 24-3 last November and 23-21 just last month, but Alabama’s resilience proved decisive this time.
The game began with Oklahoma quickly establishing dominance, with quarterback John Mateer passing for 307 yards and two touchdowns. However, a critical interception thrown by Mateer was returned by Alabama’s Zabien Brown for a 50-yard touchdown, tying the game just before halftime and shifting momentum in Alabama’s favor.
“We stayed focused and played mistake-free football after a rough start,” said Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer.
Oklahoma initially led 17-0 after a 51-yard field goal from Lou Groza Award winner Tate Sandell, who tied the FBS single-season record for most field goals of 50 yards or more. However, after Alabama’s strong rally, they took the lead early in the third quarter with a 30-yard touchdown pass from Simpson to Brooks.
Alabama extended their lead to 27-17 with a 40-yard field goal by Conor Talty. Despite a late touchdown from Burks bringing Oklahoma within three points, missed field goals by Sandell ultimately sealed Oklahoma’s fate.
This victory is monumental for Alabama, marking their first playoff appearance under coach DeBoer. As they prepare for Indiana and Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza, anticipation builds for a clash of titans in the Rose Bowl.
As the dust settles from this exhilarating matchup, fans will be keeping a close watch on Alabama’s next steps as they aim for a championship run. Stay tuned for the latest updates as we continue to cover this developing story.
