Alabama Erases 17-Point Deficit, Advances Past Oklahoma 34-24

Ty Simpson throws two touchdowns, Zabien Brown delivers a pick-six, and Alabama surges past Oklahoma to reach the Rose Bowl quarterfinal

No. 9 seed Alabama overcame a 17-point deficit to defeat No. 8 Oklahoma 34-24 on Friday night in Norman, advancing in the College Football Playoff at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Quarterback Ty Simpson passed for 232 yards and two touchdowns, while freshman Lotzeir Brooks produced a breakout night with two touchdown receptions.

How Alabama flipped a 17-0 hole into a road win

Oklahoma controlled the opening quarter, outgaining Alabama 118-12 and using a 51-yard field goal into the wind to build momentum. The Sooners extended the lead to 17-0 early in the second quarter on a 6-yard touchdown pass from John Mateer to Isaiah Sategna, while Alabama’s offense opened with three straight three-and-outs.

Alabama’s response began midway through the second quarter when Simpson connected with Brooks for a 10-yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to 17-7. The defining swing followed later in the quarter: Zabien Brown intercepted Mateer and returned it 50 yards for a touchdown to tie the game 17-17 and reset the contest before halftime.

Brooks’ breakout and Simpson’s composure powered the surge

Brooks, who had not scored a touchdown during the regular season, delivered season highs with five catches for 79 yards and two scores. He added a 30-yard touchdown reception early in the third quarter to give Alabama its first lead, rewarding Simpson’s calm approach after the early offensive struggles.

Alabama kept stacking points with a 40-yard field goal by Conor Talty, capping a 27-point unanswered run that turned a 17-0 deficit into a 27-17 advantage.

Oklahoma’s big-yardage night, one backbreaking mistake

Mateer threw for 307 yards and two touchdowns, and Deion Burks caught seven passes for 107 yards and a score. Oklahoma briefly reignited the game early in the fourth quarter when Mateer hit Burks for a 37-yard touchdown to cut Alabama’s lead to 27-24.

But the second-quarter interception returned for a touchdown proved decisive, and Oklahoma couldn’t land the final punch after getting within one possession.

Special teams swings shaped the margins

Oklahoma kicker Tate Sandell, the Lou Groza Award winner, drilled a 51-yarder to build the early lead, then missed from 36 yards with under three minutes remaining and again from 51 yards with just over a minute left.

Oklahoma also had a punt blocked in the second quarter after punter Grayson Miller dropped the snap; the short field helped Alabama add points during its comeback run.

Game statistics summary

• Final score: Alabama 34 – Oklahoma 24
• Comeback: Alabama trailed 17-0 and answered with 27 straight points
• Alabama passing: Ty Simpson 232 yards, 2 TD
• Alabama highlight: Zabien Brown 50-yard interception return TD (pick-six)
• Oklahoma passing: John Mateer 307 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
• Top receiver note: Lotzeir Brooks 5 catches, 79 yards, 2 TD

Next Up

Alabama (11-3) advances to play No. 1 seed Indiana and Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza in a quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1. Oklahoma finishes 10-3 after the third meeting between the programs in 13 months.

FAQs – Alabama Erases 17-Point Deficit, Advances Past Oklahoma 34-24

10 Best Things to Do Around Gaylord Family–Oklahoma Memorial Stadium

1. Gaylord Family–Oklahoma Memorial Stadium (Owen Field)
2. OU Football Stadium Tours
3. OU Football Game Day Information
4. OU Campus Corner
5. Oklahoma Memorial Union
6. Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art
7. Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History
8. National Weather Center Tours
9. Bizzell Memorial Library (OU Libraries)
10. Lake Thunderbird State Park

10 Best Hotels Around Gaylord Family–Oklahoma Memorial Stadium

1. NOUN Hotel, Norman, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
2. Embassy Suites by Hilton Norman Hotel & Conference Center
3. Fairfield Inn & Suites Norman
4. Courtyard Norman
5. Residence Inn Oklahoma City Norman
6. Hilton Garden Inn Norman
7. Hampton Inn & Suites Norman Conference Center Area
8. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Norman (IHG)
9. StoneHill Norman, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
10. NCED Conference Center and Hotel