If you’re looking for pedigree in one of the games in the first round of the College Football Playoff then the meeting of Alabama and Oklahoma is your meeting. Including this year, the teams have combined for 14 appearances and three titles with the lion share of those coming from the Crimson Tide’s success under Nick Saban.
This is the first playoff for Kalen DeBoer in his two seasons as Alabama coach. But he does have the previous experience of taking Washington to the title game in the 2023 campaign. Oklahoma has been to the playoff four times previously and yet to win a game. Is this finally the time for the Sooners to break through?
If they do, it will happen with defense leading the way. In the previous meeting between the teams five weeks ago, Oklahoma forced three turnovers and pulled out a road win in Tuscaloosa. Alabama will need to avoid those miscues in what should be a low-scoring game.
Which team will advance to a meeting with Indiana in the Rose Bowl? Our experts weigh in with their predictions.
Matt Hayes
Unless the Alabama offense has had a reawakening in the last two weeks, what happened in Tuscaloosa in November will play out again in Norman. And probably just as ugly. Oklahoma finally gets its first playoff win and keeps its streak against the Crimson Tide going. Oklahoma 20, Alabama 17.
Jordan Mendoza
Alabama didn’t look good toward the end of the season, including the home loss to Oklahoma. It would make sense the Crimson Tide would again struggle against the Sooners, but the extra time off should give the Alabama offense some time to get back in rhythm. But its defense wins the day to get a revenge win and move onto the Rose Bowl. Alabama 20, Oklahoma 19.
Paul Myerberg
What did Alabama learn from this year’s loss to Oklahoma? (And last year’s, too.) Look for the rematch to be decided on defense and by which team avoids the type of crucial turnover that could tip the game in either direction. Despite dropping two in a row to the Sooners, the Crimson Tide have more room for error. Alabama 20, Oklahoma 13.
Erick Smith
Oklahoma’s margin for error has been slim with its offense struggling to generate consistent success and its elite defense and special teams providing field position and points. Alabama has more balance and ability to generate big plays in the passing game. The Tide just need to play clean. It’s a tough ask. But they somehow pull it out. Alabama 24, Oklahoma 21.
Eddie Timanus
In all likelihood, we’re in for another defensive slog that typified the early matchup between the teams. The side that gets the most opportunities with a short field will slip by, and the Tide will be able to create more such chances. Alabama 20, Oklahoma 13.
Blake Toppmeyer
If Alabama loses to Oklahoma for the third time in the past 13 months, Crimson Tide fans will direct Kalen DeBoer to a copy of “100 Things to Do in Ann Arbor Before You Die.” Neither offense enters this game playing well, but the Sooners possess an elite defense. That, plus home-field advantage, is a powerful combination. Oklahoma 19, Alabama 17.