Alabama Advances, But Ryan Williams Struggles to Make an Impact in CFP Win Over Oklahoma
Alabama’s 34-24 win over Oklahoma in the first round of the College Football Playoff was another step toward Pasadena - but for Ryan Williams, it was another frustrating chapter in a season that’s been marked by missed opportunities.
The freshman wide receiver, who burst onto the scene as a 17-year-old phenom, has had moments of brilliance this year. But Saturday night in Norman wasn’t one of them. Williams finished with just one catch for five yards - the lowest single-game yardage total of his young Crimson Tide career - and notched his 10th drop of the season in a game where Alabama needed every ounce of offensive efficiency to hold off a surging Sooners squad.
A Costly Drop in a Tight Game
Coming out of halftime locked in a 17-17 tie, Alabama was looking to shift the momentum. Ty Simpson, who’s shown flashes of growth as the season’s gone on, went back to a familiar target in Williams. But the pass slipped right through the freshman’s hands - a drop that stalled the drive and forced a punt.
That miscue gave Oklahoma a chance to keep the pressure on, and while Alabama ultimately weathered the storm, it was a moment that underscored the inconsistency that’s crept into Williams’ game down the stretch.
Missed Opportunities and Misfires
Earlier in the second quarter, Simpson had looked Williams’ way again. This time, the throw was off-target, and Williams couldn’t adjust in time, falling to the turf as the ball sailed past. It was another near-miss in a game where Alabama’s offense had to work for every inch.
Williams wouldn’t record a catch until late in the fourth quarter, when he finally hauled in a short pass on Alabama’s fourth drive of the final frame. The five-yard gain brought up a fourth-and-9, and Oklahoma quickly called timeout to regroup. That would be the extent of Williams’ contribution on the stat sheet.
Tide Turn to the Ground Game and Bernard’s Highlight Catch
While Williams struggled to find his rhythm, Alabama leaned on its run game to control the tempo in the second half. On their third drive of the third quarter, the Tide chewed up clock with a run-heavy approach, shaving about a minute off the game time - not a huge chunk, but enough to keep Oklahoma chasing.
And when Alabama needed a spark through the air, it was Germie Bernard who stepped up. With the Tide up 34-24, Simpson found Bernard on the outside for what might’ve been the catch of the night - a 24-yard grab that saw Bernard pin the ball against the back of a defender’s helmet as he came down with it. That play set up a Daniel Hill touchdown run to extend Alabama’s lead.
Williams, meanwhile, didn’t see a target on that drive.
Looking for a Breakout That Didn’t Come
After Oklahoma cut the lead to three early in the fourth quarter with a touchdown pass from John Mateer to Deion Burks, Alabama needed someone to answer. A moment like the one Williams delivered against Georgia in 2024 - the kind that made him a household name - would’ve been timely.
But it didn’t come. Williams wasn’t targeted on the ensuing drive, which ended with a sack on third-and-11 and a punt from midfield. It was another drive where Alabama’s offense couldn’t quite find its footing - and another where Williams was a non-factor.
Season Stats Reflect Up-and-Down Campaign
Through three quarters, Williams had yet to record a yard. His postseason production so far includes 33 yards on two catches - both coming in the SEC Championship loss to Georgia.
Against Oklahoma back in November, Williams had three catches for 45 yards. But this time around, the Sooners kept him bottled up.
This marks the third game this season in which Williams has gone without a catch - the others came against Missouri and Auburn. And unless he finds the end zone in the next round, it’ll be his fourth straight game without a touchdown.
Alabama’s moving on, and the Tide’s offense continues to find ways to win. But for Ryan Williams, the spotlight that once seemed so natural has dimmed a bit. There’s no doubt the talent is there - the question now is whether he can put it all together when the lights are brightest.