No. 7 Alabama faces a crucial matchup as they head to Norman to take on Oklahoma for the first time as fellow members of the SEC. With an overall record of 8-2, including a 4-2 mark in conference play, Alabama is looking to secure its place in the College Football Playoff race and can’t afford any setbacks. Conversely, Brent Venables’ Sooners are aiming to achieve bowl eligibility in their inaugural SEC season, making this a significant contest for both teams.
Despite both teams being among the most successful in college football, with over 1,900 combined wins and 25 national championships, they have only met a handful of times. This matchup marks their seventh encounter, with Oklahoma leading the series 3-2-1. Alabama emerged victorious in their last game against Oklahoma, a thrilling 45-34 win during the 2018 College Football Playoff Semifinal, but historically, Oklahoma has been tough in regular-season play, winning both previous matchups.
The game is set against a backdrop of high stakes and promises an electrifying atmosphere as Alabama aims to keep its championship hopes alive while Oklahoma looks to spoil those plans and bolster its own program pride.
Viewing details for the game are as follows:
– Date: Saturday, Nov. 16
– Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
– Location: Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Norman, Oklahoma
– TV: ABC
– Live stream: fubo (available for a free trial)
Key storylines include Alabama’s dynamic quarterback, Jalen Milroe, who has tallied 32 touchdowns (15 passing, 17 rushing) this season, making him a major force in the SEC. His remarkable ability to score on the ground has propelled Alabama’s offense to lead in red zone efficiency.
Meanwhile, Oklahoma has shown notable improvement with Jackson Arnold back as quarterback. After a mid-season benching, Arnold has exhibited a strong resurgence, completing 63% of his passes over the past four games and guiding the offense to an average of 417 yards per game in their last three outings.
The Sooners are chasing an impressive milestone: a win would secure their 26th consecutive bowl eligibility, solidifying their status as one of the nation’s elite programs in this respect, only behind Georgia.
Looking ahead to predictions, while Oklahoma’s offense has struggled at times, their defense remains steady and capable. The speculation is that even with the home-field advantage, Oklahoma may not be able to outscore Alabama but could potentially keep the game’s total points lower than expected.
In summary, this clash between Alabama and Oklahoma is not just about maintaining playoff hopes, but also about tradition, pride, and the challenge of establishing themselves in the SEC landscape. This game promises excitement and could play a pivotal role in both teams’ seasons, with a bright future for both should they rise to the occasion.