Alabama vs. Oklahoma: Crimson Tide Eye Redemption in College Football Playoff Clash
The College Football Playoff is here, and Alabama's road to the national title starts with a familiar foe - Oklahoma. The Crimson Tide, slotted at No. 9, will face the No.
8 Sooners in a first-round showdown that doubles as a rematch from earlier this season. That game?
A 23-21 Oklahoma win that left Alabama with more questions than answers. Now, with everything on the line, the Tide get a shot at payback - and a ticket to the Rose Bowl to face top-ranked Indiana.
Game Time, Broadcast Details
Circle the calendar: Friday, Dec. 19.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CT from Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman.
The game will be broadcast nationally on ABC, with the familiar voices of Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit on the call. Holly Rowe and Laura Rutledge will report from the sidelines.
If you're streaming, Fubo is among the options - and yes, they’re offering a free trial for new users.
The Stakes
This isn’t just a playoff game - it’s the first CFP appearance of the Kalen DeBoer era at Alabama. And it comes with a chance to rewrite the narrative that’s been hanging over this team since that narrow loss to Oklahoma earlier in the season.
That game exposed some cracks in Alabama’s offensive rhythm, but it also gave them a blueprint for what needs to change. Now, with weeks to regroup and recalibrate, the Tide are hoping to show they’ve evolved.
The Odds
As of Thursday, Dec. 18, the betting line is razor-thin. Alabama is a slight underdog at +1, with a moneyline of -105 and an over/under set at 40.5 points. Translation: Vegas sees this as a toss-up - and possibly a defensive slugfest.
What Needs to Change for Alabama
Let’s be clear: Alabama’s offense hasn’t exactly been firing on all cylinders. That first matchup with Oklahoma highlighted some of the growing pains under a new coaching staff and system.
But if there’s one thing Alabama has historically done well, it’s adapt under pressure. The offensive line will need to hold up better in pass protection, and the Tide’s playmakers have to find ways to create separation against a physical Oklahoma secondary.
On the defensive side, Alabama has to contain Oklahoma’s run game, which wore them down in their last meeting. Winning first and second down will be key - force the Sooners into third-and-longs, and the Tide’s pass rush can go to work.
The Intangibles
This is where things get interesting. Alabama’s locker room has leaned into the underdog narrative - a rare position for a program that’s used to being the hunted.
That chip on their shoulder could be the emotional edge they need. Meanwhile, Oklahoma is playing at home, in front of a raucous crowd, with the confidence of a team that’s already beaten Alabama once this year.
But the postseason is a different animal. Mistakes are magnified.
Momentum swings are seismic. And for Alabama, this is about more than just advancing - it’s about proving they belong on the biggest stage in college football once again.
What’s Next
The winner of this heavyweight clash will move on to face No. 1 Indiana in the Rose Bowl on January 1.
For Alabama, it’s a chance to extend their season and take another step toward a national title. For Oklahoma, it’s about validating a season that’s already seen them knock off some of the sport’s biggest names.
One thing’s for sure - come Friday night, we’ll find out just how far Alabama has come since that early-season stumble.