Oklahoma and Alabama Set for High-Stakes College Football Playoff Rematch
The 2025 College Football Playoff officially kicks off this Friday with a thrilling rematch between No. 8 Oklahoma and No. 9 Alabama, set to take place at the Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman. These two programs have already faced off earlier this season, when Oklahoma pulled off a dramatic 23-21 victory in Tuscaloosa. Now, the stakes are even higher as both teams look to make a deep postseason run.
Oklahoma comes into this matchup with a 10-2 record and plenty of momentum. The Sooners started the season strong, winning their first five games, but suffered an early setback against Texas. Quarterback John Mateer, returning from hand surgery, struggled initially, but he and the Sooners bounced back impressively, stringing together key victories over Tennessee, Alabama, Missouri, and LSU. A huge part of Oklahoma’s success has been its dominant defense, which ranks seventh nationally in scoring defense, allowing just under 14 points per game. The team leads the country with 41 sacks, averaging over three per game, and also boasts a top-five rushing defense, limiting opponents to just 81 yards on the ground. On offense, Oklahoma isn’t explosive, but they have been nearly perfect in the red zone, converting all 32 opportunities into scores—a streak the Crimson Tide will be eager to end.
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Alabama enters the game at 10-3 after a rollercoaster season. The Tide stumbled out of the gate with a loss to Florida State but quickly regained form by snapping Georgia’s 33-game home winning streak in Athens, a victory that revitalized their playoff hopes. Alabama finished strong with four wins over ranked teams, but also suffered a tough loss to Georgia in the SEC Championship Game. Led by quarterback Ty Simpson, the Tide possess a potent passing attack, averaging over 270 yards per game. Wide receivers Ryan Williams and Germie Bernard have been game-changers in the air, while the defense’s secondary stands out, allowing the sixth-fewest passing yards nationally.
This matchup promises to be a defensive chess match. Both teams struggle in the running game, which could limit offensive explosiveness. Oklahoma’s red zone efficiency will be tested against Alabama’s opportunistic defense, while the Tide will look to avoid turnovers, which proved costly in their first encounter. Alabama’s Ty Simpson is expected to surpass 250 passing yards, potentially outgaining Mateer, who will likely aim for just over 200 yards. Meanwhile, the impact of key players like Ryan Williams could tip the scales if he finds the field more than in previous games.
Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET on ABC and ESPN, with streaming available on Fubo. The winner will advance to face No. 1 Indiana in the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day, keeping fans on edge as the season’s first playoff round unfolds. For Oklahoma, a win would mark a historic achievement, as beating Alabama twice in one season has not been accomplished since 1893. For Alabama, a victory would prove that the Tide remain a formidable force even in the post-Saban era. Either way, college football fans are in for a high-stakes showdown that promises drama, defense, and decisive moments from start to finish.
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