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Oklahoma’s College Football Playoff run ended with a familiar ache. A strong start undone by a brutal finish and two missed kicks that will linger long after the 34-24 loss to Alabama.
The Sooners surged to a 17-0 first-half lead against Alabama Crimson Tide, but the tone shifted quickly after halftime. Alabama outscored Oklahoma Sooners 34-14 over the final three quarters to secure a victory in the opening round of the College Football Playoff.
Quarterback Ty Simpson led the rally, throwing for 232 yards and two touchdowns as the Tide steadily wore down Oklahoma’s defense, who has been the heartbeat of the Sooners as of late.
The Sooners still had chances late. While trailing 34-24 with just over five minutes remaining, Oklahoma drove to Alabama’s 18-yard line before kicker Tate Sandell missed a 36-yard field goal attempt with 2:53 left.
The kick appeared good in real time and remained debatable on replay, setting up one of the most controversial moments of the playoff’s opening round.
Oklahoma’s defense forced a quick stop, giving Sandell another opportunity with an onside kick. This time, however, his 51-yard attempt fell short of the crossbar — the first consecutive misses of his career.
The result also quieted critics who questioned Alabama’s playoff inclusion over Notre Dame Fighting Irish, as the Tide showed they could match up with the nation’s elite.
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer threw for 307 yards with two touchdowns and an interception and added a rushing score, his second straight 300-yard passing game after nine weeks without one.
Alabama advances to face top seed and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day.
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