OU football vs Alabama: What to know about Crimson Tide in CFP rematch
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NORMAN — OU football will be tasked with facing Alabama. Again.
This time, as the No. 8 seed in the College Football Playoff and hosting the No. 9 seed Crimson Tide in the first round.
The Sooners rebounded from losses to Texas and Ole Miss to finish the season with four consecutive victories — at Tennessee, at Alabama, vs. Missouri and vs. LSU.
Here's what you need to know about the Crimson Tide ahead of the first playoff game of the Brent Venables era:
Last time out between Sooners, Crimson Tide
Although the Sooners left Tuscaloosa victorious on Nov. 15, they were mostly outplayed by Alabama.
The Crimson Tide outgained OU 406 to 212 yards. However, Alabama turned the ball over three times and missed a field goal.
The Crimson Tide feel like they let a win slip away and will be out for revenge in the first round of the playoff.
Kalen DeBoer's first playoff appearance with Tide
The Sooners essentially ousted Alabama from playoff contention last season after a 24-3 victory in Norman.
Meaning, coach Kalen DeBoer had to hear about the Crimson Tide not being a playoff team last year all offseason.
Now, DeBoer — who coached Washington to the 2024 CFP title game — helped Alabama punch its ticket after finishing 10-3 with an SEC title game appearance.
Crimson Tide offense led by Ty Simpson has struggled on the ground
Alabama's offense goes as quarterback Ty Simpson goes.
He's thrown for 3,268 yards and 26 touchdowns with only five interceptions this season. With a plethora of weapons at his disposal, including talented sophomore Ryan Williams, the Crimson Tide are one of the most dangerous passing teams in the country.
However, Alabama has struggled on the ground the past few weeks.
The Crimson Tide finished with minus-3 yards against Georgia in the SEC championship game. DeBoer said starting running back Jam Miller, who missed the SEC title game against the Bulldogs, has a "strong chance" of playing against the Sooners.
Alabama will bring talented defense to Norman
While OU boasts one of the nation's most productive defenses, Alabama's unit isn't far off.
The Crimson Tide rank 12th nationally in points allowed per game. Its pass defense ranks No. 7, giving up 157.7 yards per game. The run defense ranks No. 36, allowing 125.6 yards per game.
Linebacker Justin Jefferson leads the Tide with 67 tackles and linebacker Yhonzae Pierre leads with 12 sacks.
Crimson Tide were outmatched in SEC title game
Alabama appeared completely outmatched in Saturday's loss to the Bulldogs.
The Crimson Tide were 3 of 14 on third down and lost the turnover battle.
But, the Crimson Tide defeated Georgia earlier this season.
OU will undoubtedly have its hands full in the rematch.
Colton Sulley covers the Oklahoma Sooners for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Colton? He can be reached at csulley@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @colton_sulley. Support Colton's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OU football vs Alabama: What to know about Crimson Tide in CFP rematch
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