(Photo: The Park Tavern)
College Football Playoff- First Round
(9) Alabama Crimson Tide at (8) Oklahoma Sooners
Alabama (10-3):
When I last saw them play, it was on Saturday, December 6th, in Atlanta for the SEC Championship Game against a team they have dominated over the years: the Georgia Bulldogs. This was also a rematch of a regular-season game in Athens, where they snapped Georgia’s home winning streak in September. However, in the SEC title game, it seemed like they forgot they had a game to play—Alabama didn’t show up and were punched in the mouth by their conference rivals. This was by far the worst they had looked since the shocking Week 1 loss to the Florida State Seminoles. Any time I’ve watched the Crimson Tide, I’ve said their offense is better when Jam Miller is on the field—and boy, did they miss him in that game! I’ve argued throughout the year that he makes their offense go and is their most important player, comparing his impact to James Cook with the Buffalo Bills. A few weeks back, they were held scoreless through the first three quarters, while their usually strong defense was overwhelmed. Another thing I noticed after the game was the criticism of Kalen DeBoer, with some fans wanting him gone. Last I checked, Nick Saban didn’t win it all immediately, but this fanbase expects a championship every year—they’re spoiled. Tonight, the Tide return to the College Football Playoff.
Oklahoma (10-2):
This year was the best I’ve seen them look in many years. If you follow the game closely, the SEC can be a cutthroat conference—you either make it or you don’t. The first time I got to watch and preview one of their games was in Week 2 against the Michigan Wolverines, which was also my first time seeing John Mateer play. This program has been blessed with outstanding quarterbacks: Sam Bradford, Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, Jalen Hurts, and Caleb Williams. Four of those players won Heisman Trophies—can we call this program “Quarterback U”? The Sooners were one of the most complete teams in the country at one time, capable of scoring with anyone. Their offense averaged 26 points per game, while the defense—under Brent Venables’ guidance—allowed only 13 points per game and remained punishing throughout. Lately, their offense has been inconsistent, as they haven’t scored more than two touchdowns in a game since October 25th. Their defense has truly been the backbone. Tonight in Norman, they face a rematch with the Crimson Tide.
Alabama X-Factor: Jam Miller
He’s back! I can guarantee that with him on the field, Alabama’s offense looks completely different. Jam controls tempo, keeping the Tide out of obvious passing downs and limiting the Oklahoma pass rush. He forces defensive honesty—Oklahoma likes to pressure and disguise their looks, but a productive running game will pull safeties down and open up play-action opportunities. Jam is explosive yet reliable; when he has a lane, he attacks it at full speed.
Oklahoma X-Factor: Deion Burks
Isaiah Sategna gets much of the attention, and rightfully so, but Deion is equally crucial. His speed stretches the Alabama secondary vertically, forcing safeties to cover him and opening space for the running game and underneath routes. Even if he only sees 4–5 targets, one big play can shift momentum for the Sooners.
Final Thoughts:
These teams met on November 15th in Tuscaloosa, and Oklahoma stunned everyone with their second consecutive win over Alabama. The Sooners’ defense scored 17 points off three Crimson Tide turnovers. Tonight is a rematch, with the winner advancing to Pasadena to face the top-seeded Indiana Hoosiers. Both offenses have shown inconsistency: Oklahoma ranks near the bottom of CFP offenses, and Alabama’s ground game can be stale. I believe this game will once again come down to minimizing mistakes. For Alabama, it’s key to win on first down, avoid penalties, establish Jam Miller early, and limit explosive plays, as Oklahoma thrives on chunk plays. For Oklahoma, the goal is to hit big plays, contain Jam Miller, force Alabama into passing situations, and protect Mateer against a growing pass rush. The Sooners have dominated the Crimson Tide in their last two games, what’ll happen tonight in Norman under the lights?
