Alabama Football Stuns Oklahoma After 17-Point Hole — The Comeback That Shook the CFP 😱

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The air was electric in Norman, Oklahoma. Tens of thousands packed Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on December 19, 2025, expecting fireworks as Oklahoma football and Alabama football faced off in the College Football Playoff first round. And what unfolded was exactly that: a dramatic comeback, a clash of styles, and a test of will that Alabama ultimately passed with flying colors. College Football Playoff+1

This wasn’t just another Alabama game. It was redemption. It was rivalry. It was a measuring stick for both programs as they chase national glory in the new era of CFP games.

Setting the Stage: Sooners vs Crimson Tide

This matchup had layers. Oklahoma entered with a strong 10–2 record and the benefit of home turf. The Sooners, led by head coach Brent Venables, had already beaten Alabama twice in 13 months, including a close road win earlier this season. WBMA

Alabama, under second-year head coach Kalen DeBoer, had ups and downs in 2025. With a 10–3 regular-season record, the Tide showed flashes of brilliance but also vulnerabilities — especially in offense. So this Okahoma vs Alabama rematch was about more than advancing in the college football playoffs. It was about narrative and momentum. College Football Playoff

Kickoff was slated for 8:00 p.m. Eastern on ABC/ESPN, with live streaming available on platforms like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and others for fans tuning in from home. Decider

First Quarter: Sooners Strike First

From the opening whistle, Oklahoma seized command. The Sooners’ offense looked sharp and decisive. Quarterback John Mateer engineered the first touchdown on the ground, and kicker Tate Sandell booted a long field goal to make it 10–0. Before long, Oklahoma extended its lead to 17–0 midway through the second quarter. ESPN.com

For a couple of quarters, it looked like OU football was going to write another chapter of frustration for Bama. The Sooners outgained Alabama early and capitalized on momentum. Meanwhile, the Tide’s offense was stagnant, struggling to sustain drives. Wikipedia

Turning the Tide: Alabama’s Fight Back

Here’s the thing about Alabama: they don’t quit.

Midway through the second quarter, quarterback Ty Simpson — who finished with 232 passing yards and two touchdowns — connected with freshman standout Lotzeir Brooks for a touchdown that got the Tide on the board. College Football Playoff

That score sparked something. A fumbled snap and a blocked punt set up a field goal, and then a Zabien Brown pick-six tied the game at 17 right before halftime. In a span that felt like minutes, Alabama had erased a 17-point deficit. College Football Playoff

Once the momentum shifted, the Crimson Tide didn’t look back.

In the third quarter, Brooks hauled in another Simpson touchdown, and kicker Conor Talty added a long field goal to give Bama their first lead. That run of 27 straight points was the heart of the comeback. College Football Playoff

Late Drama and the Final Outcome

Oklahoma did respond early in the fourth quarter with a deep connection from Mateer to Deion Burks, pulling within three points. But the Tide steadied, and running back Daniel Hill added a late rushing touchdown to extend the lead. Alabama’s defense, which had struggled early, clamped down when it mattered most. CBS Sports

When the clock hit zero, the scoreboard read Alabama 34, Oklahoma 24. It was a signature road win in the CFP, and it punched Alabama’s ticket deeper into the postseason. KOCO

What This Means for Alabama and Oklahoma

For Alabama

This win felt like a turning point. The Tide faced adversity early but showed resilience — a trait often associated with national championship teams. Kalen DeBoer earned his first historic playoff win with Alabama, and the team now looks ahead to a quarterfinal clash at the Rose Bowl against Indiana on New Year’s Day. ClutchPoints

Simpson’s performance and Brooks’ breakout moments are signs of life for a Bama offense that had struggled for consistency. And the defense’s second-half adjustments underscore a unit capable of bending without breaking. All of that matters as the Tide sets sights on the deeper stages of the CFB Playoffs.

For Oklahoma

The loss stings. The Sooners entered with huge momentum, and a win would’ve meant not only bragging rights but validation of their program’s resurgence. Instead, missed opportunities and critical mistakes — including turnovers and failed field goals — tilted the game away late. Despite that, Oklahoma’s season still boasts a 10-win campaign and a return to the CFP after several years. WBMA

Coach Venables has plenty to build from, but questions remain about consistency and late-game execution.

Key Players and Takeaways

• Ty Simpson (Alabama): Efficient and composed under pressure. His connection with Brooks was the backbone of the comeback. College Football Playoff

• Lotzeir Brooks: Breakout effort with two touchdown catches and a season-high performance. College Football Playoff

• Tate Sandell (Oklahoma): Early hero with long field goals but missed late kicks that might have changed the game. Wikipedia

• John Mateer: Threw for over 300 yards and kept Oklahoma in it, but the interception proved costly. Wikipedia

Data doesn’t lie: Alabama’s 27 unanswered points after falling behind 17-0 were decisive. Consistency exploited Sooner mistakes and flipped the narrative from early frustration to a road playoff win. College Football Playoff

Looking Ahead: Alabama’s Journey Continues

With this win, the Crimson Tide advance to the quarterfinal round of the 2025–26 College Football Playoff, where they’ll take on top-seeded Indiana at the historic Rose Bowl on January 1, 2026. That game has national championship implications — not just for Alabama but for the entire CFB Playoffs landscape as the expanded bracket unfolds. Wikipedia

For fans thinking about where to watch the next games, major networks like ESPN/ABC will carry the action, and streaming options remain strong for college football viewers nationwide — because this is a stage the sport has elevated year after year. Decider

Final Thoughts

The Alabama vs Oklahoma playoff game hit all the marks of a classic — early tension, dramatic swings, personal breakout performances, and a finish that felt both earned and emotional. If you’re a fan of college football, these are the moments that make the sport feel alive. Alabama’s comeback wasn’t just about points on the board; it was about identity and momentum as the Tide pursues a championship run.

Roll Tide. And buckle up — this season’s CFP games aren’t finished yet.

References

1. Alabama rallies from 17-point deficit to beat Oklahoma 34-24 in CFP first round. College Football Playoff recap. College Football Playoff

2. Oklahoma hosts Alabama in historic CFP showdown: kickoff time and details. Evrim Ağacı

3. Where to watch Alabama vs. Oklahoma: TV and streaming details. Decider

4. NCAA CFP preview: Alabama at Oklahoma scheduling and tournament context. College Football Playoff

5. ESPN recap with scoring summary and player stats. ESPN.com