Alabama Crimson Tide suffered a devastating 24-3 loss to the Oklahoma Sooners on Saturday, dealing a significant blow to their College Football Playoff (CFP) hopes. Alabama vs Oklahoma football, This Week 13 matchup revealed the challenges facing Alabama as the Sooners capitalized on the Crimson Tide’s mistakes to secure bowl eligibility for the 26th consecutive season.
Let’s dive into the game highlights, key takeaways, and what this means for Alabama’s postseason aspirations.
Game Highlights: Alabama vs Oklahoma Football
- Jalen Milroe’s Struggles: Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe had a tough night, throwing three interceptions. The Sooners’ defense limited him to just 164 passing yards and a mere 7 rushing yards on 15 attempts.
- Oklahoma’s Dominance: Oklahoma’s quarterback Jackson Arnold and running back Xavier Robinson led the charge with 257 rushing yards. Their physical offense outpaced Alabama, especially in the first half, where the Sooners gained 205 rushing yards.
- Defensive Excellence by Oklahoma: The Sooners’ defense held Alabama to a season-low 70 rushing yards, forcing multiple turnovers that shifted momentum in their favor.
- Key Turnovers: Two back-to-back interceptions thrown by Milroe in the third quarter led to 14 points for Oklahoma, solidifying their 24-3 lead.
What Went Wrong for Alabama?
Alabama’s head coach, Kalen DeBoer, cited “uncharacteristic mistakes” as the turning point. The Crimson Tide failed to gain momentum, with drops, turnovers, and missed opportunities haunting their performance.
“We need to be better in all aspects,” DeBoer admitted. “The turnovers and lack of execution cost us the game.”
The loss also marked Alabama’s first three-loss season since 2010. Their offense, plagued by missteps, managed only five first downs in the second half and struggled to recover from a lackluster start.
Implications for the College Football Playoff
This defeat drastically affects Alabama’s chances of making the CFP. With three losses and their fate out of their hands, the Crimson Tide must now focus on the Iron Bowl against Auburn and hope for favorable results across the league.
Georgia has already clinched a spot in the SEC Championship, making Alabama’s path to the playoffs even more complicated.
What’s Next for Alabama?
Alabama’s next challenge is the Iron Bowl against Auburn. The Crimson Tide need a victory to maintain any slim hope of postseason contention. Players and coaches alike emphasized the need to regroup and finish strong.
“It’s all about finishing,” said Jalen Milroe. “We’ve got to seize every opportunity and compete as a team.”
refrence : www.espn.com/college-football/story