No. 7 Alabama is set to face a pivotal challenge in its quest for a spot in the College Football Playoff as they travel to Norman to take on Oklahoma. With an overall record of 8-2 and a conference standing of 4-2, the Crimson Tide’s hopes for an SEC title hinge on a must-win scenario against the Sooners. Brent Venables’ Oklahoma squad is aiming to secure bowl eligibility and deliver a decisive victory in their inaugural season as SEC members.
Historically, Alabama and Oklahoma are two of college football’s powerhouses, boasting over 1,900 combined wins and 25 national championships. However, their matchups have been infrequent; this game marks just their seventh encounter. Oklahoma currently leads the all-time series 3-2-1, although Alabama triumphed in their last showdown—a 45-34 victory during the 2018 College Football Playoff Semifinal.
As the two teams prepare for what promises to be an exhilarating matchup, Alabama aims to maintain its championship aspirations while Oklahoma seeks to cement its own legacy in the SEC with a significant win.
The game is scheduled for Saturday, November 16, at 7:30 p.m. ET, taking place at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma. Fans will be able to catch the action on ABC or via live stream on platforms like fubo.
Key points to note include Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe, who has had a remarkable season with 32 total touchdowns (15 passing, 17 rushing), leading the SEC and ranked third nationally in the FBS. His effectiveness in the red zone has been instrumental in Alabama’s offensive success.
On the other hand, Oklahoma has shown progress with sophomore quarterback Jackson Arnold, whose return has revitalized their offense. Since taking the reins back, Arnold has completed 63% of his passes for 705 yards and five touchdowns without a single interception, contributing to a significant uptick in the team’s offensive performance.
For Oklahoma, a victory would mark the 26th consecutive season of bowl eligibility, a streak that is the second-longest in the nation, only trailing behind Georgia. The Sooners are also looking to continue their impressive run of home finale wins, having succeeded in 21 of the last 22 years.
Analyzers predict that Oklahoma’s consistent defense will be key in limiting Alabama’s high-powered offense. While the Sooners may not tally enough points for a direct victory, they could potentially keep the score under the betting line.
This matchup not only represents a showdown between two storied programs, but it also offers Oklahoma a chance to assert its presence in the SEC while keeping Alabama on its toes in the playoff race.
In a season filled with excitement and unexpected developments, both teams have everything to play for, making this a can’t-miss game for college football fans.