With the College Football Playoff now just hours away, Alabama finds itself in familiar territory - facing Oklahoma in a high-stakes rematch that carries more weight than ever. The last time these two met, it was Oklahoma who walked out of Tuscaloosa with a narrow 23-21 win, thanks in large part to a 3-0 edge in turnovers. Statistically, Alabama owned that game - nearly doubling the Sooners in total yardage - but giveaways proved costly, and in football, the scoreboard is the only stat that matters.
Now, with a trip to the national title game on the line, Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer will need more than just a cleaner game - he’ll need a few key players to rise to the moment. Here are three Crimson Tide X-factors who could swing Friday night’s matchup in Alabama’s favor.
1. Michael Carroll - Freshman RT vs. Oklahoma’s R Mason Thomas
Let’s start in the trenches, where games like this are so often won or lost. Alabama’s right tackle Michael Carroll, a true freshman, is stepping into one of the toughest assignments of his young career - containing Oklahoma’s star edge rusher R Mason Thomas.
Thomas didn’t suit up in the first meeting due to injury, but he’s off the availability report and ready to go this time. And you can bet Brent Venables will be dialing up ways to get Thomas into favorable matchups, often lining him up across from Carroll. That battle could define how successful Alabama’s offense is on Friday night.
Now, Carroll isn’t going in blind. Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb will likely give him some help - expect tight ends like Josh Cuevas, Kaleb Edwards, and Danny Lewis Jr. to chip Thomas off the edge to buy Carroll a little breathing room.
That said, Carroll’s not just a placeholder. He’s a physical presence at the point of attack, and Thomas, who leans more on power than speed, may find this isn’t an easy win.
It’s a tall task for a freshman, no doubt. But Carroll’s got the tools, and if he can hold his own, it opens up everything Alabama wants to do offensively.
2. Josh Cuevas - The Return of a Reliable Target
Here’s a name Alabama fans will be thrilled to see back on the field: senior tight end Josh Cuevas. After missing the last three games, Cuevas has been upgraded to probable and is expected to play against Oklahoma. That’s a big deal.
Cuevas was Alabama’s leading receiver in the November matchup, hauling in six catches for 80 yards and a touchdown. He was a constant outlet for quarterback Ty Simpson, especially when the pocket broke down or the Sooners’ coverage tightened.
His return couldn’t come at a better time. Simpson has missed having that steady presence over the middle, and Cuevas brings more than just hands - he’s a capable blocker, too. His ability to chip on edge rushers like Thomas could be just as valuable as his production in the passing game.
If Cuevas is anywhere near full strength, he could be a difference-maker once again.
3. Keon Keeley - Time for a Breakout Performance
With Bandit linebacker LT Overton ruled out again due to illness - the same issue that kept him sidelined for the SEC Championship Game - Alabama will need someone to step up on the edge. Enter Keon Keeley.
Keeley split snaps with Jordan Renaud against Georgia, with Renaud getting the start and slightly more reps. That rotation could continue, but Keeley might be the better fit for this particular matchup.
Oklahoma’s run game has been inconsistent all year, and if the Sooners are forced to lean heavily on quarterback John Mateer, it could be Keeley’s time to shine. He’s the more explosive pass rusher of the two, and if Alabama can get Oklahoma into predictable passing situations, Keeley has the tools to cause real disruption.
This could be the moment where Keeley, a former 5-star recruit, turns potential into production on the biggest stage.
Bottom Line
Alabama has the talent to win this game - they showed that in the stat sheet a month ago. But talent alone won’t get it done. Execution, discipline, and a few timely performances from players like Carroll, Cuevas, and Keeley could be the difference between going home early or playing for a national championship.
The Tide are looking for redemption. These three could be the ones to help deliver it.