When No. 9 Alabama and No.
8 Oklahoma square off Friday to open the 2025 College Football Playoff, it won’t just be a first-round clash-it’ll be a rematch with revenge on the line. Less than a month ago, the Sooners edged out the Crimson Tide 23-21 in a game defined by Alabama’s own mistakes.
Now, with a shot at redemption and a playoff run at stake, Alabama has a real chance to flip the script. But to do that, they’ll need to clean up some critical areas that cost them the first time around.
Let’s break down the four keys Alabama needs to hit if they want to walk out of Norman with a win-and keep their national title hopes alive.
1. Protect the Football and the Quarterback
Turnovers and sacks-two words that haunted Alabama in the last meeting. The Tide coughed up the ball three times, and Oklahoma didn’t waste the opportunities.
Ten of their 23 points came off Alabama turnovers, including a pick-six and a costly strip sack that flipped field position. Quarterback Ty Simpson was under siege, taking four sacks, and that pressure proved pivotal.
Here’s the thing: Oklahoma leads the nation in total sacks this season with 41. That’s not a stat you ignore.
Meanwhile, Simpson has been sacked 25 times-more than any other quarterback in the CFP field. Add to that the fact that he’s thrown four of his five interceptions in the last five games, and you’ve got a recipe that Alabama absolutely has to fix.
If Simpson can stay upright and avoid forcing throws, Alabama’s offense has the firepower to put points on the board. The margin for error in the playoff is razor-thin, and ball security might be the single most important factor in this game.
2. Attack the Secondary
Oklahoma’s defense is no joke. They lead the SEC in both total defense and scoring defense, and they’re second against the run. But if there’s one area where they’re vulnerable, it’s the secondary.
Several quarterbacks-Ty Simpson included-have managed to throw for over 300 yards against this unit. Simpson moved the ball well in the first matchup, but turnovers derailed promising drives. If he can replicate that yardage without the giveaways, Alabama’s offense could find real rhythm.
The Sooners are tough up front and stout against the run, so Alabama may need to lean on Simpson’s arm to stretch the field and soften up the defense. That means smart reads, quick decisions, and trust in his receivers to make plays.
3. Win the Hidden Yardage Battle
It’s easy to focus on offense and defense, but special teams loomed large in the first meeting-and not in a good way for Alabama. A 42-yard punt return early in the game gave Oklahoma a short field that led to points. Later, a missed field goal proved to be the difference in a two-point loss.
In playoff football, hidden yardage matters. Giving away field position or leaving points on the board is the kind of thing that gets you sent home early. Alabama can’t afford to hand the Sooners any freebies-especially when Oklahoma’s offense hasn’t been lighting it up.
4. Shut Down the Run and Make Oklahoma Earn It
Oklahoma’s offense has struggled to find consistency, particularly since quarterback John Mateer injured his hand earlier this season. He’s thrown for under 200 yards in four of his last six starts, and the Sooners’ ground game hasn’t picked up the slack.
Alabama’s defense, which leads the SEC in pass defense, is built to handle quarterbacks like Mateer. But the real key will be keeping the Sooners’ rushing attack in check. Last time out, Alabama held them to just 74 yards on the ground-and that’s the kind of performance they’ll need to repeat.
If the Tide can force Oklahoma into third-and-long situations and make them drive the length of the field without help from turnovers or short fields, they’ll be in control. This is a game where Alabama’s defense can set the tone-and maybe even steal a few possessions of their own.
Bottom Line: Alabama’s path to victory is clear, even if it won’t be easy. Clean up the turnovers, protect Simpson, take advantage of Oklahoma’s secondary, tighten up special teams, and bottle up the run game. Do that, and the Tide won’t just be avenging a regular-season loss-they’ll be advancing in the College Football Playoff with real momentum.
Friday night’s rematch isn’t just about who’s better on paper. It’s about execution, discipline, and who can rise to the moment. Alabama has the tools-they just need to use them.