Alabama vs. Oklahoma: A CFP Rematch with History-and Revenge-on the Line
Friday night in Norman isn’t just another College Football Playoff opener-it’s a high-stakes rematch between two blue-blood programs with unfinished business. No.
9 Alabama heads to No. 8 Oklahoma looking to rewrite a chapter that didn’t go their way just a month ago.
The Sooners stunned the Tide in Tuscaloosa, a 23-21 win that not only vaulted Oklahoma into the playoff picture but also handed Alabama a rare home loss in November.
Now, Alabama faces a challenge that’s as psychological as it is physical: beat a team that’s already beaten them this season. That’s something the Tide have never done in their storied history.
And if Oklahoma pulls it off again? It would mark three straight wins over Alabama since joining the SEC-an almost unheard-of run against a program with Alabama’s pedigree.
Let’s break down what’s at stake and what to watch when these two collide in Norman.
Alabama’s Revenge Tour Starts Now
Alabama enters this game at 10-3, still very much alive in the title chase, but with a chip on its shoulder. That November loss to Oklahoma wasn’t just a scoreboard shock-it was a wake-up call. The Sooners’ defense forced three turnovers, including a pick-six, and held Alabama’s offense in check in a way few teams have managed this season.
The Tide’s offensive struggles in recent weeks haven’t helped. Injuries in the backfield have slowed their rhythm and forced more pressure onto the quarterback to make plays.
But there’s good news for Alabama fans: two of the top three running backs, including starter Jam Miller, are expected to return. That could be a game-changer.
A healthy backfield gives Alabama the balance it needs to open up the playbook and keep Oklahoma’s aggressive defense honest.
It’s also worth noting that Alabama doesn’t just lose and move on. Under Nick Saban, this program has long thrived on turning losses into fuel. And when it comes to revenge games, few teams are better at flipping the script.
Oklahoma’s Defense Is Built for This Moment
Oklahoma’s rise this season hasn’t been powered by flash-it’s been built on grit, especially on the defensive side of the ball. The Sooners come into this one with the No. 7 scoring defense in the country, and that unit has been the backbone of their 10-2 campaign. It’s also the reason they’ve racked up three wins over ranked opponents.
In that November win over Alabama, it was the defense that set the tone. Three takeaways, including a momentum-swinging pick-six, were the difference in a tight game. That’s the formula again tonight: create chaos, win the turnover battle, and take the pressure off a struggling offense.
Because make no mistake-Oklahoma’s offense has questions to answer.
Can the Sooners’ Offense Keep Up?
For all the defensive dominance, Oklahoma’s offense has been stuck in neutral for the better part of two months. The Sooners haven’t scored more than two touchdowns in an SEC game since early October, and that kind of production won’t cut it in the playoff.
Quarterback John Mateer has been playing through a surgically repaired hand, and while he’s had a couple of extra weeks to rest, it remains to be seen whether he’s fully back or still limited. That’s a critical factor. Mateer doesn’t need to throw for 350 yards, but he does need to sustain drives, avoid turnovers, and make a few key throws to keep Alabama’s defense from teeing off.
The Sooners don’t need a shootout-they just need enough offensive rhythm to complement their defense. If they can do that, they’ve got a real shot at making history.
What’s at Stake
This isn’t just a playoff game-it’s a legacy game. For Alabama, it’s about proving they can bounce back, adjust, and stay in the hunt for another title. For Oklahoma, it’s a chance to validate their place among the SEC elite and show that November’s win wasn’t a fluke.
The stakes are sky-high, the storylines are rich, and the atmosphere in Norman will be electric.
Get ready-this one’s going to be a war.