#9 University of Alabama @ #8 University of Oklahoma
🇺🇸December 19th 8:00PM ET | 🇯🇵 December 20th 10:00AM
The 9th seed will take the lead in this season’s CFP first round.University of Alabama(10 wins, 3 losses) and the 8th seed.oklahoma university(10 wins, 2 losses). This game will be played at Memorial Stadium, the home of the highly seeded University of Oklahoma. And the winner of this match isrose bowlNo. 1 seed inindiana universitywill advance to the quarterfinals where they will face off against.
Will it be Alabama’s “revenge”?
The most interesting thing about this game is that it is a rematch of the regular season matchup that took place just one month ago. In the last matchup, held at Alabama’s home in mid-November, Oklahoma won 23-21.
Reference articleSeparation Saturday[2025 12th week review]
The University of Alabama played against the University of Oklahoma during last year’s regular season, but even though they had a good chance of making the playoffs if they had won, they lost and ended up missing the playoffs. And we lost again this year, losing two in a row. The regret is doubled.
Additionally, after this year’s match, Oklahoma players took photos in the center of the field, and some Oklahoma players reportedly spat on the Alabama logo, which Alabama players naturally view as the utmost disrespect. L.B.justin jefferson(Justin Jefferson) said, “That type of disrespect will be addressed on the field,” and it seems likely that they will approach the game with a strong desire for revenge, which would be perfect bulletin board material.
Related Podcasts#249 Bulletin board material that increases the fighting spirit of athletes
Clash of elite defenses
As was the case in the previous match, considering each team’s defensive capabilities, it is said that this match will not be a high-scoring affair, but rather a low-scoring match that will be a comparison of defensive capabilities.
| oklahoma university | University of Alabama | |
| Number of goals conceded | 13.9 ppg (7th) | 17.4 ppg (12th) |
| total defense | 273.6 ypg (9th) | 309.4 ypg (12th) |
| Number of sacks | 3.4 pg (1st) | 1.92 pg (>50th) |
| TO margin | -2 (67th) | 7 (T26th) |
brent venablesThe University of Oklahoma’s defense, led by coach Brent Venables, has been one of the best in the nation this season. They are ranked 3rd in the Defense SP+ rankings (an index of defensive strength released by ESPN), have the lowest run success rate in the nation (1st), and are 3rd in the nation in tackle-for-loss and sack-producing Havoc rate, making them an extremely destructive unit.
On the other hand, the University of Alabama’s defense is also strong, ranking 8th in the nation in the Defense SP+ ranking, and is particularly good in pass defense, ranking first in the nation in the number of long passes of 20 yards or more allowed.
Is turnover the difference between winning and losing?
Oklahoma’s last win was largely due to the self-destruction of Alabama’s offense. Alabama committed three turnovers in that matchup, including one for 87 yards.pick sixOklahoma University used these turnovers as starting points to score 17 points.
The key to Alabama’s victory is to avoid giving the ball away carelessly. Considering the Oklahoma defense is extremely strong against the run, QBTy SimpsonIt can be said that everything will depend on how well (Ty Simpson) passes his ability against Oklahoma’s top-class defense without making any mistakes.
Meanwhile, Oklahoma’s Q.B.john mateer(John Mateer) has been questioned about his stability in passing, and the key point to watch for Alabama’s defense is how well the strong defensive front can break down the opposing OL and put pressure on Mateer.
Advantages of holding a home event
This is the first time the University of Oklahoma has participated in the CFP since 2019, and the first time since the CFP became a 12-team system. And it will be their first ever playoff game to be held on campus. It is highly expected that the huge cheers from home will give them a boost, but interestingly, I hear many opinions in the betting market that the University of Alabama has a narrow advantage.
That’s because despite their seeding, analysts view Alabama as the most dangerous visiting team in the opening round, concluding that Oklahoma has the best chance of an upset despite being a higher seed.
Since the CFP began in 2014, the University of Oklahoma has yet to win a single playoff game. All eyes will be on them to see if they can defeat Alabama in this home game and earn their first CFP victory since the 2014 season.
Worth a look
