The 2025 College Football Playoff is officially underway, and Friday night in Norman delivered all the drama you’d expect from a win-or-go-home showdown. Alabama, staring down a 17-point deficit on the road against Oklahoma, looked like they were about to be sent packing.
But instead of folding, the Crimson Tide flipped the script in stunning fashion, outscoring the Sooners 34-7 the rest of the way to punch their ticket to the Rose Bowl. Now, they’re headed west to face top-ranked Indiana on New Year’s Day.
Let’s break down how Alabama pulled off the comeback, what it means for Kalen DeBoer’s squad, and where this leaves Oklahoma after a wild ride of a season.
1. Oklahoma’s second-quarter meltdown changed everything
For the first 20 minutes of this game, Oklahoma had Alabama on the ropes. The Sooners came out swinging, with quarterback John Mateer getting things started on the ground, followed by a 51-yard field goal and a touchdown pass to Isaiah Sategna.
The crowd at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium-83,550 strong-was electric. The Sooners were up 17-0 and had the Tide looking rattled.
But then came the unraveling.
First, a poorly executed punt gave Alabama a short field, and the Tide capitalized immediately to cut the lead to 17-10. Then, with just over a minute left in the half, Oklahoma tried to get aggressive instead of running out the clock. That decision backfired in the worst possible way-a pick-six that tied the game and completely flipped the momentum.
That sequence was the turning point. The Sooners went from total control to total chaos in a matter of minutes.
The crowd quieted, the energy shifted, and Alabama smelled blood. It wasn’t just about the scoreboard-Oklahoma lost the psychological edge, and they never got it back.
2. Kalen DeBoer delivers a signature win in Year 2
Replacing a legend like Nick Saban is one of the toughest gigs in sports. But Kalen DeBoer is starting to make it look like the right hire, and Friday night might’ve been his biggest moment yet in Tuscaloosa.
This wasn’t just a come-from-behind win. This was a statement.
Alabama didn’t just survive-they adjusted, imposed their will, and closed the door on a dangerous Oklahoma team in their own house. That’s the kind of performance that gets remembered.
DeBoer’s squad has had its ups and downs this season, but when it’s mattered most, they’ve answered the call. Now, they’re headed to Pasadena for a Rose Bowl showdown with undefeated Indiana.
The Hoosiers have been the story of the season, but Alabama knows this stage. They’ve been here before, and they’re playing like a team that’s not done yet.
For DeBoer, reaching the CFP quarterfinals in just his second season isn’t just a milestone-it’s validation. Alabama demands championships, yes, but first, you’ve got to get to the dance. And now they’re one of the final eight standing, with a shot to keep climbing.
3. Oklahoma’s season ends, but the turnaround was real
The ending was harsh, no doubt. But let’s not lose sight of what Brent Venables and the Sooners accomplished this year.
Just 12 months ago, Oklahoma limped to a 6-7 finish, capped off by a one-point loss to Navy in the Armed Forces Bowl. Fast forward to 2025, and they flipped the script-10 wins, a 6-2 SEC record in just their second year in the conference, and a College Football Playoff appearance that had them hosting a first-round game. That’s a massive leap.
Yes, this team lived on the edge all season. There were turnovers, special teams miscues, and more than a few nail-biters.
But they made those chaotic moments work for them-until they didn’t. Against Alabama, the same volatility that made them dangerous all year finally caught up to them.
Still, Oklahoma earned every bit of their place in the playoff. They beat Michigan out of conference.
They knocked off Alabama in the regular season. They made the CFP.
That’s not just progress-that’s a program reasserting itself on the national stage.
The final result stings, but the foundation is stronger than it’s been in years.
What’s Next
For Alabama, it’s full steam ahead to the Rose Bowl and a shot at the No. 1 seed. For Oklahoma, it’s time to regroup-but with a clear sense that they’re back in the national conversation. Friday night gave us a classic playoff clash, a comeback for the ages, and a reminder that in college football, no lead is ever safe-and no program is ever out of it for long.