Alabama Mounts Stunning 17-Point Comeback, Topples Oklahoma in Playoff Thriller

The No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide staged a massive comeback to defeat the No. 9 Oklahoma Sooners 34-24 on Friday night. The College Football Playoff first-round game was held at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman. Alabama erased a 17-point first-half deficit to secure the dramatic road victory.

This win sends Alabama to the 2026 Rose Bowl against top-ranked Indiana. It also marked the Crimson Tide’s first win over Oklahoma since the Sooners joined the SEC. According to ESPN, the 17-point comeback is one of the largest in program playoff history.

Key Plays and Performers Define Pivotal Win

The game turned on a crucial play just before halftime. With Oklahoma leading 17-10, Sooners quarterback John Mateer threw an interception directly to Alabama cornerback Zabien Brown. Brown returned it 50 yards for a game-tying touchdown as time expired in the second quarter.

That momentum shift was monumental. Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer said the play gave his team life heading into the locker room. The Crimson Tide defense then forced several key stops in the second half to complete the rally.

Offensively, freshman receiver Lotzeir Brooks was a standout. He set a new career high with 79 receiving yards and caught both of quarterback Ty Simpson’s touchdown passes. Simpson himself posted his highest passer rating since mid-October, managing the game effectively after the early struggle.

Rose Bowl Berth Earned Through Defensive Grit

The broader impact of this win is a coveted spot in the Rose Bowl. Alabama will face the undefeated Indiana Hoosiers for the first time ever. This opportunity was forged by a resilient defensive performance that overcame a shaky start.

The defense registered five sacks and won the critical turnover battle. Key players like linebacker Deontae Lawson, who had a season-high 10 tackles, led the effort. This marked a stark contrast to Alabama’s regular-season loss to Oklahoma, where losing the turnover margin proved fatal.

For the Sooners, the loss ends their season in heartbreaking fashion. The team built a commanding lead but could not withstand Alabama’s relentless pressure in the final three quarters. The Crimson Tide’s season, however, continues with a national semifinal on the line.

Alabama’s stunning comeback over Oklahoma proves their playoff mettle and resilience. The Crimson Tide now advance with confidence to the Rose Bowl, carrying the momentum of a historic win.

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What was the turning point in the Alabama vs. Oklahoma game?

The turning point was Zabien Brown’s 50-yard interception return for a touchdown as the first half ended. It tied the game 17-17 and completely shifted momentum to Alabama after they trailed by three scores.

Who was the standout player for Alabama?

Several players stood out. Cornerback Zabien Brown had the pivotal pick-six. Freshman receiver Lotzeir Brooks caught two touchdowns and set a career-high in yards. Linebacker Deontae Lawson anchored the defense with 10 tackles.

Where is Alabama playing next?

Alabama earned a berth in the 2026 Rose Bowl, which is a College Football Playoff semifinal. They will face the No. 1 ranked Indiana Hoosiers for a chance to play for the national championship.

How did this game differ from Alabama’s regular-season loss to Oklahoma?

In November, Alabama lost the turnover battle 3-0 and lost. In this playoff rematch, they won the turnover margin and did not give the ball away, which was the key difference in reversing the result.

Was Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer injured?

According to AP reports, Mateer has been managing a hand injury since September. He played the entire game and threw for 307 yards, but the critical interception before halftime was a major factor in the outcome.