Norman, Okla.– ty simpson Passed for 232 yards and two touchdowns and the No. 9 seed alabama Overcame 17-point deficit to defeat No. 8 oklahoma 34-24 Friday night in the first round of the College Football Playoff.
“I couldn’t be more proud of these guys,” Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer said. “Resilience. That’s kind of been a theme all season, but it showed tonight on the road. Down 17, coming back the way we did just scoring one at a time — just really stayed the course.”
alabama freshman Lotzeer Brookswho did not score a single touchdown in the regular season, had a season high of five catches and two for 79 yards.
This was the third meeting between the schools in 13 months. Oklahoma defeated Alabama 24–3 at home last November Defeated the Crimson Tide 23-21 on the road last month.,
DeBoer claimed his first playoff win for the Crimson Tide since arriving from Washington two years ago. Alabama (11-3) advances to play No. 1 seed Indiana and Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza In the quarterfinal game at the Rose Bowl on January 1.
of oklahoma john mater Passed for 307 yards and two touchdowns, but he threw a costly interception against Alabama. zbn brown Returned 50 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter. deon burks Had seven catches for 107 yards and a score for the Sooners (10-3).
“It was a really good game with some really good moments for the Sooners,” Oklahoma coach Brent Venables said. “And obviously, some very bad-time moments as well – the coaching, the playing, the things that have helped us be successful all year. Tonight, when we needed it most, we didn’t have what it took.”
of oklahoma tate sandellThe Lou Groza Award winner for the nation’s best kicker set an FBS single-season record for most field goals of 50 or more yards with his eighth goal. He drilled a 51-yarder in a strong wind to give the Sooners a 10–0 lead at the end of the first quarter, his 24th consecutive field goal.
The Sooners outgained the Crimson Tide 118 yards to 12 yards in the opening period, and the dominance continued in the second quarter. Miter’s 6-yard touchdown pass Isaiah Sategna Oklahoma’s lead increased to 17–0.
Alabama, which was punted three times on its first three possessions, finally got its offense going midway through the second quarter when Simpson hit Brooks for a 10-yard score to cut Oklahoma’s lead to 17–7. Later in the quarter, Brown’s interception return tied the score at 17.
Brooks caught a 30-yard touchdown pass from Simpson early in the third quarter to give Alabama its first lead. The Crimson Tide took a 27–17 lead on a 40-yard field goal. Connor TaltyCompleted a run of 27 consecutive points for Alabama.
“There was no doubt in my mind at all,” Simpson said. “I mean, the guys we have, the players, the coaches. Like, 17-nothing, I mean, it’s nothing to us. Give us the ball, we’ll go down, do what we do.”
Burks caught a 37-yard touchdown pass from Mateer two plays later in the fourth quarter to cut Alabama’s lead to 27–24.
With Alabama leading 34–24, Sandell missed from 36 yards out with just over three minutes remaining. He missed again from 51 yards with a little more than a minute remaining.
Sandell’s missed field goals were not the only special teams struggles for the Sooners.
All-SEC punter grayson miller Had a blowout in the second quarter and had his delayed punt blocked Tim Keenan IIIDeep Crimson Tide established in Oklahoma Territory. Talty kicked a field goal to increase Oklahoma’s lead to 17–10.
Oklahoma got a temporary boost from 50 Cent.
The rapper performed his 2003 hit “Many Men (Wish Death)” between the third and fourth quarters. The Sooners have used it as a promotional song in recent weeks. Two plays later, Mateer connected with Burks for a touchdown.
