In a stunning College Football Playoff first-round showdown, the No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide erased a 17-point deficit and handed the No. 8 Oklahoma Sooners a heartbreaking 34–24 loss at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, OK. What began as a dream night for Oklahoma fans — fueled by early dominance and a raucous home crowd — quickly turned into a crushing defeat that ended the Sooners’ playoff run. (WSLS)
How the Game Unfolded
Oklahoma started the game with almost unstoppable momentum. Quarterback John Mateer connected on a scoring pass early, and kicker Tate Sandell — the nation’s top field-goal maker — hit a 51-yard kick, giving the Sooners a commanding 17-0 lead. For a moment, it looked like Oklahoma was on track to make serious noise in the playoff. (WRAL News)
But the second half told a completely different story.
Alabama’s offense finally found its rhythm. Freshman quarterback Ty Simpson was a catalyst, finishing with 232 passing yards and two touchdowns as the Tide rallied. Freshman wide receiver Lotzeir Brooks, who had not scored a touchdown all season, delivered big plays — including two touchdowns and a season-high five catches for 79 yards. (College Football Playoff)
Defensively, Alabama turned the tide with a critical interception returned for a touchdown by cornerback Zabien Brown, tying the game and swinging momentum fully to the visiting Crimson Tide. (WSLS)
Turning Point: Alabama’s 27-Point Run
After falling behind early, Alabama scored 27 unanswered points — a remarkable turnaround that encapsulated the team’s resiliency and strategic adjustments.
The Crimson Tide defense tightened its coverage, forcing Oklahoma into mistakes. Meanwhile, Alabama’s offense executed more consistently, turning opportunities into points. Key standout moments included:
- Simpson’s precise connection to Brooks to get the comeback started.
- Brown’s pick-six, which energized the Tide and silenced the crowd.
- A long field goal by Conor Talty that gave Alabama its first lead.
- Oklahoma’s missed kicks in the fourth quarter that ultimately sealed their fate. (College Football Playoff)
Despite a late score by Oklahoma that cut the lead to three, Alabama’s momentum couldn’t be stopped, and the Tide held on for the 34–24 victory. (WRAL News)
What This Means for Both Teams
Alabama
For Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer, this victory marked his first College Football Playoff win with the Crimson Tide. The comeback underscores the team’s resilience, a hallmark of DeBoer’s leadership since arriving from Washington. The Tide will now advance to the CFP quarterfinals to face No. 1 Indiana at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2026. (College Football Playoff)
This win also counters some preseason skepticism. Critics questioned Alabama’s inclusion after a 10-3 regular season, but on this night, the Tide delivered when it mattered most.
Oklahoma
For the Sooners, the loss is a crushing end to what had been a promising night — and season. Oklahoma’s defense and special teams faltered at key moments, and costly mistakes proved too much to overcome. A season that once felt like a potential breakthrough now ends in heartbreak at home. (The Washington Post)
The Narrative Around the Game
The storyline of this matchup was more than just a playoff game — it was a collision of expectations.
Oklahoma fans entered Norman expecting a historic win, even celebrating early with live performances that energized the crowd between quarters. One such moment came courtesy of rapper 50 Cent, whose appearance briefly lifted spirits as the Sooners tried to mount a comeback late in the game. (AP News)
However, Alabama’s comeback will likely define headlines and narratives in the college football world. The game is already being discussed as one of the most memorable CFP first-round comebacks in recent history.
Alabama’s rally — overcoming a 17-point deficit — was a dramatic turn in the College Football Playoff narrative this season, epitomizing the unpredictability and excitement of college football’s new 12-team format. With the Tide now moving on to a marquee matchup against Indiana, and the Sooners left to wonder what might have been, this game will resonate with fans long after the final whistle. (CBS Sports)
