- Alabama completed a stunning comeback victory over Oklahoma, scoring 27 unanswered points after falling behind 17-0.
- Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer improved to 4-0 on the road against top 10 opponents.
- The Crimson Tide’s resilience and defensive adjustments proved crucial in overcoming a potent Sooners offense.
- Oklahoma suffered its fifth all-time loss in the College Football Playoff, continuing a frustrating postseason history.
NORMAN, Okla. — A monumental comeback unfolded Friday night at Memorial Stadium as Alabama erased a 17-0 deficit to defeat Oklahoma 34-24 in a College Football Playoff game. The victory wasn’t just about overcoming a significant point spread; it was a testament to the Tide’s unwavering composure and ability to capitalize on opponents’ mistakes, proving that Alabama can win even when outgained.
The atmosphere was electric as Oklahoma stormed out to an early lead, fueled by a raucous crowd and the anticipation of a surprise performance by superstar rapper 50 Cent in the fourth quarter. But what began as a Sooners celebration quickly transformed into a display of Alabama’s signature grit and strategic adjustments.
“We didn’t expect 50 Cent to show up, but the crazy thing about that is we always listen to ‘Many Men’ on Friday, so we definitely got some juice right there, for sure,” said Alabama linebacker Deontae Lawson.
By the time 50 Cent took the stage, Alabama had seized control of the game, scoring 27 consecutive points. The Tide’s dominant performance included five sacks, a blocked punt, and a pivotal pick-six. As “Many Men” echoed through the stadium—intended as a rallying cry for Oklahoma—it was Alabama players who were dancing on the field while the rapper performed near the goal line.
Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer’s strategic prowess was on full display, extending his impressive record to 4-0 on the road against top 10 teams. Even Oklahoma’s “Hard to Kill” mantra—emblazoned on 50 Cent’s black hoodie—felt appropriated by the victorious visitors.
This game was billed as Oklahoma’s moment to break through playoff frustration, but instead, the Sooners suffered a devastating collapse, falling to 0-5 all-time in the CFP. Oklahoma has now been on the losing end of two of the largest comeback wins in playoff history, both involving 17-point deficits: a 2017 loss to Georgia and Friday night’s defeat.
How did the Tide orchestrate this turnaround? Like so often happens with Alabama, they didn’t panic. They’ve demonstrated resilience on the road all season, winning every true road game since a Week 1 loss to Florida State, including a hard-fought victory at Georgia. Even a recent SEC Championship Game loss to Georgia couldn’t shake their confidence.
“I guess we can thank you guys for that,” Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson told reporters. “Y’all kinda wrote us off in a sort of way, so appreciate that.”
“There’s enough confidence within our group,” DeBoer added. “We can see the doubters, we can see the naysayers and still go play our game. This group is tight enough to where there’s never been any finger pointing.”
The Tide’s recent successes have come despite being outgained in their last two wins, a testament to their ability to convert opponents’ errors into scoring opportunities with ruthless efficiency.
Defensive coordinator Kane Wommack implemented a crucial shift in strategy, sealing the edges, abandoning zone coverage for man-to-man, and effectively neutralizing Oklahoma’s dangerous crossing and drag routes. The result was a dramatic turnaround: OU managed only 70 yards on the five possessions following their initial 17-0 lead.
Out-gained, but not outclassed
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“Our DBs were begging for it,” Wommack explained. “By the time we got to the second half, they wanted it and that’s what you want, right? You want kids that are fighters, that want the ball in their court. They want to be challenged. They want to go challenge people and our players won this game. They won the game with sheer will.”
Alabama initially struggled on offense, gaining only 12 yards while Oklahoma built their lead. However, Simpson then led a nine-play, 75-yard touchdown drive, capped off by a 10-yard strike to freshman phenom Lotzeir Brooks.
Minutes later, Tim Keenan III blocked a punt, setting up a field goal that narrowed the gap. The decisive blow came just before halftime with Zabien Brown’s 50-yard pick-six, intercepting a pass intended for an out route and instantly erasing the 17-point deficit.
Redemption from Atlanta
“I didn’t feel the same resolve in Atlanta that I felt here tonight,” Alabama offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb said. “Even when it was 17-0, talking to Ty on the headset, getting with some of the coaches, I felt like there was a belief that the defense was going to make a play and nobody was giving up.”
Grubb noted that Alabama’s coaches had challenged the team following their lackluster performance two weeks prior. Falling behind early doesn’t signify defeat, echoing similar situations in past games, including a loss to Oklahoma last year and a setback against Georgia in Atlanta.
“What was behind us wasn’t anything we could control anymore, but greatness lies in the future,” DeBoer stated.
DeBoer quiets critics, quells rumors
Alabama entered the playoff as the first three-loss team to ever qualify, and many questioned their legitimacy. Friday night, they became the first road team to ever win a playoff game.
This success is a testament to DeBoer’s coaching ability. His 20-5 record against ranked opponents is among the best in the nation, and his 4-0 record in true road games against top 10 teams would impress even his predecessor, Nick Saban.
Speculation surrounds DeBoer’s future, with potential interest from Michigan. However, he appears committed to the Crimson Tide, at least through the Rose Bowl, where they will face No. 1 Indiana. The quarterfinals of the College Football Playoffs await.
The rumors will likely persist, but clarity on Michigan’s plans is expected soon. Will Michigan wait to pursue DeBoer until after the transfer portal opens on Jan. 2? And what if DeBoer defeats Indiana?
Those questions remain for athletics director Warde Manuel to answer, or perhaps DeBoer and Alabama’s athletic director Greg Byrne can quell the speculation by agreeing to a contract extension next week.
Interestingly, this quarterfinal matchup between Alabama and Indiana has more Indiana connections than Alabama tradition, given DeBoer’s history coordinating a prolific offense for the Hoosiers in 2019. Indiana’s Curt Cignetti also served on Saban’s initial Alabama staff. Both coaches began their careers at the NAIA and Division II levels, achieving an 80 percent win rate throughout their careers.
Alabama will be underdogs against Indiana, a surprising position just a year or two ago, but the landscape of college football is constantly evolving.
Who knew college football’s new coaching hub would be Indiana?
And who knew Alabama would spoil Oklahoma’s night?
Confidence isn’t lacking for the Tide. The same team doubted in Atlanta has now become the first SEC team to win four consecutive games against ranked opponents. Yet, they also suffered a loss to a struggling Florida State team in Week 1.
For now, Alabama’s winning streak continues—and they’ve even managed to adopt a mantra along the way, courtesy of 50 Cent and the Sooners.
“What did Kobe say?” Simpson offered. “We’re not done yet. That’s all I can say.”
