BREAKING: In a thrilling comeback, the No. 9 seed Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the No. 8 Oklahoma Sooners, 34-24, after rallying from a staggering 17-point deficit on Friday night in Norman, Oklahoma. This victory propels Alabama into the next round of the College Football Playoff, where they will face the unbeaten top seed, Indiana, on January 1, 2024, at the Rose Bowl.
Alabama’s quarterback, Ty Simpson, showcased his skills by passing for 232 yards and two critical touchdowns. Freshman Lotzeir Brooks, who had yet to score in the regular season, made a stunning impact with two touchdowns, five catches, and a season-high 79 yards receiving. The Crimson Tide’s dramatic turnaround marks their first playoff appearance under coach Kalen DeBoer, who took the helm two years ago.
The game unfolded with Oklahoma taking an early lead. Quarterback John Mateer threw for 307 yards and two touchdowns, but a pivotal interception returned for a touchdown by Alabama’s Zabien Brown shifted momentum late in the second quarter, tying the game at 17-17 just before halftime.
Oklahoma initially dominated, outgaining Alabama 118 yards to 12 in the first quarter, and a 51-yard field goal by kicker Tate Sandell gave the Sooners a commanding start. However, Mateer’s touchdown pass to Isaiah Sategna extended their lead to 17-0 early in the second quarter.
Alabama responded midway through the second quarter, with Simpson connecting with Brooks for a 10-yard touchdown. The Crimson Tide took the lead for the first time early in the third quarter when Brooks caught a 30-yard touchdown pass. Following a 40-yard field goal from Conor Talty, Alabama led 27-17.
Oklahoma fought back with a 37-yard touchdown from Mateer to Burks early in the fourth, narrowing the gap to 27-24. However, missed field goals from Sandell, who had previously set an FBS record for 50-yard field goals, sealed Oklahoma’s fate as Alabama secured their comeback victory.
“Alabama played mistake-free football and stayed focused after a rough start,” said Coach DeBoer. “The perseverance they showed tonight was incredible.”
As the playoffs progress, all eyes will now be on Alabama as they prepare to challenge Indiana’s Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if Alabama can build on this momentum and continue their playoff run.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
