The Alabama Crimson Tide football team endured a disappointing outing against the Oklahoma Sooners, suffering a 24-3 defeat at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. This loss marked a historic low for the Crimson Tide, as it was the first time since 2011 that the team failed to secure a touchdown in a game. This defeat also represented Alabama’s third loss of the season, a first since 2010.
As Alabama (ranked No. 7) prepares for the traditional Iron Bowl, it is imperative to reflect on the team’s performance in this lackluster game.
**Offense: F**
The offensive performance was subpar, with the team managing only three points throughout the game. Quarterback Jalen Milroe struggled to gain momentum, often trapped by Oklahoma’s defense. Despite his efforts, he led the team with just 15 carries for a mere seven yards, and the offense turned the ball over three times through interceptions. Even though Alabama entered halftime trailing by only a touchdown, the calamity continued with two interceptions at the beginning of the second half, squandering a critical opportunity to regain control. The disjointed passing and ineffective running game led to an unforgettable day for an offense that was unable to rise to the occasion.
**Defense: D**
Defensively, Alabama struggled to contain Oklahoma’s potent rushing attack, allowing over 200 yards on the ground in the first half alone. Although the Sooners were relatively quiet in the passing game, they didn’t need to rely on it. The defense allowed only seven points in the second half, which resulted from a short field after an interception. In total, Oklahoma gained 242 yards in the first half but managed just 83 in the second, providing a glimmer of hope for Alabama’s offense, which unfortunately could not capitalize on these opportunities. This improvement saved the unit’s grade from receiving an F.
**Special Teams: B**
On special teams, Graham Nicholson successfully converted his only field goal attempt, while punter James Burnip averaged 42.8 yards per kick, despite a misstep with a 23-yard punt. Returner Ryan Williams had a modest performance, gaining eight yards on three returns, and mistakenly fielded a punt that hindered his team’s position. Special teams did manage to force a missed field goal from Oklahoma in the first quarter but overall lacked the spark needed to aid a faltering offense and a vulnerable defense.
**Overall: F**
In summary, Alabama’s trip to Norman was a dismal failure, resulting in an overall grade of F for the team. Initially positioned to vie for a spot in the SEC Championship Game and potentially the College Football Playoff, the defeat against Oklahoma significantly dimmed those hopes.
Looking ahead, the Crimson Tide have the opportunity to regroup and refocus as they prepare for the Iron Bowl. History has shown that strong teams can rebound from tough losses, and with a rivalry game on the horizon, they have a chance to redirect their season towards a more positive outcome. The resilience and fighting spirit that Alabama has demonstrated in the face of adversity can be key to navigating this challenging period.