When Alabama and Oklahoma take the field Friday night for their College Football Playoff first-round clash, weather won’t be the wild card-it’ll be the wind.
According to the latest forecast from James Spann of the Alabama Weather Network, fans can expect clear skies over Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma, when the Crimson Tide and Sooners kick off at 7 p.m. CT. Temperatures are projected to hover in the mid-to-low 50s throughout the game-crisp, but manageable for December football.
But while the skies may be calm, the wind could stir things up. Spann notes that breezy conditions are expected during the game, which could factor into special teams play. That means punters, kickers, and returners will need to stay sharp-one gust at the wrong time could shift field position or change the outcome of a crucial kick.
For two teams that don’t leave much margin for error, even subtle weather elements like wind can become game-changers. Alabama’s methodical approach on offense and Oklahoma’s explosive playmaking ability both rely on timing and execution. A swirling breeze could test both quarterbacks’ ability to place the ball accurately downfield, and could also influence decisions on fourth downs or long field goals.
The stakes are sky-high: the winner punches a ticket to the CFP quarterfinals, where No. 1 seed Indiana awaits. The Tide and the Sooners are no strangers to postseason pressure, and with clear conditions and a touch of wind, this one’s shaping up to be a clean, fast-paced battle-weather permitting.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CT on Friday, Dec. 19, with national coverage on both ABC and ESPN.