In a stunning turn of events that sent shockwaves through the college football world, the Alabama Crimson Tide’s hopes for a College Football Playoff berth were dealt a severe blow following a shocking 24-3 loss to the Oklahoma Sooners on Saturday night. The defeat, which marked Alabama’s third of the season, showcased uncharacteristic mistakes and offensive struggles that left head coach Kalen DeBoer searching for answers.
Costly Turnovers and Offensive Woes
Alabama’s typically potent offense sputtered throughout the game, with quarterback Jalen Milroe throwing three interceptions and the team managing a mere 70 rushing yards – their lowest total of the season. The Sooners capitalized on these mistakes, with cornerback Eli Bowen’s interception setting up a touchdown run by freshman rusher Xavier Robinson, extending Oklahoma’s lead to 17-3 in the third quarter.
The Crimson Tide’s woes continued on the ensuing possession, as Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis jumped Milroe’s throw and returned it 49 yards for a touchdown. The pick-six gave Oklahoma a commanding 24-3 advantage, marking Alabama’s largest deficit against an unranked opponent since 2003.
DeBoer: “Uncharacteristic Things Happened”
Following the game, a visibly frustrated DeBoer lamented his team’s early mishaps, stating, “Some simple things, uncharacteristic things, happened early in the game where we didn’t get the momentum on our side.” He pointed to drops, lost balls, and other odd occurrences that hindered Alabama’s offensive rhythm.
“I thought [Milroe] was actually putting the ball where he needed to. We just needed to help him out a little bit.”
– Kalen DeBoer, Alabama Head Coach
Sooners Dominate on the Ground
While Alabama struggled, Oklahoma’s rushing attack flourished. The Sooners amassed 257 yards on the ground, with quarterback Jackson Arnold and freshman Xavier Robinson leading the charge. Oklahoma’s 205 first-half rushing yards were the most Alabama has allowed in a half since 2007.
The Crimson Tide’s defensive woes were compounded by the loss of second-leading tackler Deontae Lawson, who exited the game with a lower body injury in the second quarter. His absence was felt as Oklahoma continued to gash Alabama’s defense in the second half.
Playoff Hopes Hang in the Balance
Entering Week 13, Alabama appeared poised to clinch a spot in the SEC Championship Game and bolster their College Football Playoff resume. However, the loss to Oklahoma has left the Crimson Tide’s postseason aspirations in jeopardy. Even with a victory over Auburn in the Iron Bowl next week, Alabama will need significant help from other contenders to secure a place in the 12-team playoff field.
The stunning defeat also allowed No. 10 Georgia to clinch a berth in the SEC title game, further complicating Alabama’s path to the playoff. With their fate no longer in their own hands, the Crimson Tide must now focus on finishing the regular season strong and hoping for favorable results elsewhere.
Moving Forward: “It’s All About Finish”
Despite the setback, quarterback Jalen Milroe remains optimistic about Alabama’s future. “It’s all about finish,” he said after the game. “We’ve got to finish. There’s so much left for the football season. We’ve got to get everyone together to have a like-mindedness and just keep on competing.”
As the college football season nears its climax, Alabama finds itself in an unfamiliar position – on the outside looking in. The loss to Oklahoma served as a stark reminder that even the mightiest can fall, and that no team is immune to the chaos that defines the sport. For the Crimson Tide, the path forward is clear: win the Iron Bowl, hope for help, and never underestimate the importance of finishing strong.
