BREAKING: Alabama has pulled off a stunning comeback, defeating Oklahoma 34-24 in the first round of the College Football Playoff on Friday night. The No. 9 seed Crimson Tide rallied from a staggering 17-point deficit to secure their spot in the quarterfinals against unbeaten No. 1 seed Indiana.
In a thrilling showdown at Norman, Oklahoma, Alabama’s quarterback Ty Simpson threw for 232 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing poise under pressure. Freshman receiver Lotzeir Brooks, who had no touchdowns during the regular season, emerged as a star with two scores and a season-high 79 yards on five receptions.
The game marked the third meeting between these two teams in just over a year. Oklahoma had previously triumphed in two encounters, including a 24-3 victory last November and a close 23-21 win last month. However, Alabama’s resilience shone through as they overcame an initially sluggish performance.
Oklahoma’s quarterback John Mateer threw for 307 yards and two touchdowns, but a critical interception returned for a touchdown by Alabama’s Zabien Brown shifted the momentum late in the second quarter, tying the game at 17-17.
Despite a strong start, including a 51-yard field goal by Tate Sandell that set an FBS record for most field goals of over 50 yards in a season, Oklahoma struggled to maintain their lead. The Sooners had earlier jumped to a 17-0 advantage, but Alabama responded with a series of powerful plays that left fans on the edge of their seats.
Alabama’s comeback began with Brooks’ 10-yard touchdown reception, followed by Brown’s interception return that rejuvenated the Crimson Tide’s offense. The team surged ahead with a 30-yard touchdown from Simpson to Brooks early in the third quarter, extending their lead to 27-17 with a 40-yard field goal from Conor Talty.
Oklahoma attempted to close the gap with a 37-yard touchdown catch by Deion Burks, cutting Alabama’s lead to 27-24 early in the fourth quarter. However, critical missed opportunities, including two failed field goals by Sandell, sealed Oklahoma’s fate.
“Alabama played mistake-free ball and remained focused after a tough start,” said Coach Kalen DeBoer. “Our team showed incredible grit to come back like this.”
The victory not only propels Alabama (11-3) into the next round but also sets the stage for a highly anticipated matchup against Indiana on January 1, 2024, featuring Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
As the football world looks ahead, all eyes will be on the Rose Bowl, where Alabama aims to continue their momentum against the top-seeded Hoosiers. This dramatic turnaround is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of college football and the heart-stopping moments that define the postseason.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as we approach the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff.
