Alabama Rallies Past Oklahoma in CFP Thriller, Sends Message on Special Teams Importance
The College Football Playoff kicked off with a heavyweight rematch as Alabama squared off against Oklahoma, and for the first quarter, it looked like the Sooners were ready to deliver a repeat performance. Oklahoma came out firing, jumping to a 17-0 lead and putting Alabama on its heels early. The Sooners were crisp, aggressive, and looked every bit like the team that had knocked off the Tide earlier in the season.
But if there’s one thing we’ve learned over the years, it’s this: Alabama doesn’t panic.
Nick Saban’s crew weathered the storm, clawed their way back into the game, and by halftime, the scoreboard read 17-17. What followed was vintage Alabama-calm, calculated, and relentless. The Tide took over in the second half, outscoring Oklahoma and closing the door on a 34-24 win that sends them to the next round and sends a loud message to the rest of the playoff field.
For Georgia, watching from afar, there was plenty to take in. But if there’s one clear takeaway from this game, it’s this: special teams matter. A lot.
Special Teams: The Hidden Third of the Game That Can Flip a Season
It’s easy for fans-and sometimes even coaches and players-to focus on offense and defense. Those units get the headlines, the highlight reels, and most of the credit. But Friday night was a masterclass in how special teams can quietly (or not so quietly) swing a game’s momentum and, in this case, possibly decide a season.
Oklahoma learned that the hard way.
There were three critical moments on special teams that helped tilt this game in Alabama’s favor. The first came in the opening half when Oklahoma’s punter mishandled a snap, leading to a blocked punt.
That miscue gifted Alabama prime field position, which they quickly turned into a touchdown. Just like that, momentum shifted.
Then came the fourth quarter. Down by 10 and desperate to close the gap, Oklahoma opted for field goals on back-to-back possessions-logical decisions given the game situation.
But both kicks missed. And in a playoff game, those are the kinds of moments that separate contenders from champions.
Alabama didn’t just capitalize on Oklahoma’s mistakes-they made them pay for them. That’s what great teams do in December.
What Georgia Should Take From This
Kirby Smart’s program is no stranger to big moments, and it’s hard to imagine Georgia overlooking any phase of the game. But this matchup was a timely reminder that special teams isn’t just a detail-it’s a difference-maker. One bad snap, one missed block, one missed kick… and your season could be over.
Georgia has the talent. They have the coaching. But in a playoff setting, where every possession counts and the margin for error shrinks to nothing, special teams execution can be the deciding factor.
If Alabama’s win over Oklahoma proved anything, it’s that being sound in all three phases of the game isn’t just a coaching cliché-it’s the blueprint for surviving and advancing in the College Football Playoff.
The lesson is clear. Don’t overlook special teams.
Not now. Not in the postseason.
Not when everything’s on the line.