What challenges will OU football face vs Alabama in CFP rematch?
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NORMAN — When Alabama’s logo was unveiled next to OU’s during the College Football Playoff selection show Sunday, most were shocked.
Not only to see the Crimson Tide stay put at No. 9 after being thumped by Georgia in the SEC Championship Game, but to be pitted against the Sooners for the second time this season and what will be the third time in 391 days.
“The challenge of playing someone you didn’t play is getting to know who they are and you really don’t have a great idea of how you match up in certain areas,” Venables said. “This is one where there is familiarity with both teams.”
Alabama will travel to Norman to face the eighth-seeded Sooners at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on ABC and ESPN. The winner will face No. 1 seed and Big Ten champion Indiana in the quarterfinals at the Rose Bowl.
OU edged the Crimson Tide 23-21 on Nov. 15 on the road, giving Alabama its first home loss in SEC play since 2019. The Sooners also knocked the Crimson Tide out of the playoff hunt when they posted a 24-3 home win over Alabama last season.
It’s safe to say both teams know each other well.
“The third time we’re playing in just over a year, obviously, we have tendencies and they have tendencies,” Venables said. “They have certain matchups they like, we have certain matchups we like. At the end of the day, you can throw all that out. It’s time to start completely over. All that matters is what you do here moving forward.”
The Crimson Tide outgained OU 406-212 last time out. But Alabama turned the ball over three times and missed a field goal.
Defenses coached by Venables have been successful playing teams multiple times in the same season. However, he says there’s no secret sauce involved and the Sooners will have their work cut out for them.
“If you’re playing a team for the second time, the second time you’re playing, you’re in the championship, you’re both worthy to be there,” Venables said. “For whatever reason, we’ve been on the right side of it. This is, again, Alabama. The quality of their roster, the quality of their staff … We’re going to get their best shot.
“It’s a team that, again, they look back at our game and I know that they feel strongly that had they taken care of the ball, that would have won the game.”
Brent Venables says hosting a playoff game in Norman will be ‘electric’
The College Football Playoff is headed to Norman.
Following a 6-7 season that ended with a loss to Navy in the Armed Forces Bowl, OU fans have been rewarded with a home playoff game. The Sooners are 8-3 in December home games and this season’s first-round CFP contest will mark the latest home game in the calendar year in OU’s 131-year history.
“It means a lot. It’s been a big advantage for us all year. I’m sure it will be again,” Venables said. “Just as far as it’ll be an electric environment, one where they’re gonna show up with great passion and energy and make it difficult for the opponent to communicate, all those types of things, the advantages that you get.”
OU is in the playoff for the fifth time but will make its first appearance in the 12-team format era.
The Sooners exceeded expectations this season, rebounding from losses to Texas and Ole Miss to finish with four consecutive victories — at Tennessee, at Alabama, vs. Missouri and vs. LSU.
Now, OU will begin its quest toward a national title in front of its home fans.
“Our fanbase is incredibly hungry,” Venables said. “They’ve been waiting for this moment a long time. That opportunity is sitting right in front of us. It’ll be exciting.”
OU football injury updates: Jake Maikkula, R Mason Thomas questionable to play vs. Alabama
OU cornerback Gentry Williams will not play in the Sooners’ first-round College Football Playoff game against Alabama, Venables announced Sunday.
Williams, who has not played since injuring his shoulder against South Carolina on Oct. 18, underwent surgery recently.
“We’ll see on the other guys,” Venables said, referring to defensive end R Mason Thomas and starting center Jake Maikkula.
Thomas hasn’t played since injuring his quad when he returned a fumble 71 yards for a touchdown against Tennessee on Nov. 1.
Maikkula was dealing with an infection that caused him to be hospitalized for a few days and miss the Sooners’ regular-season finale against LSU. In his absence, Febechi Nwaiwu slid over from his starting guard spot to snap the ball.
“They’re two good players, they are starters, excellent players,” Venables said. “Jake touches the ball every snap. So, there’s a lot of impact and influence in the things that guy does and R Mason is one of the more explosive defensive players in the country. So if they can play, they can play, if they can’t, they can’t. That’s football. It’s late in the year, they’ve got guys that are down. That’s just part of the game.”
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 faces challenge of beating Alabama again in CFP rematch
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