ESPN 'College GameDay' coming to OU-Alabama CFP game. Are they good luck for Sooners?

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ESPN’s “College GameDay” is heading to Norman for the rematch of the regular-season game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Alabama Crimson Tide in the first round of the College Football Playoff.

This will be the third time OU has faced Alabama in the last 13 months, so far tallying an undefeated record. It’s safe to say, though, that this time around, it means even more, as whoever loses can wave goodbye to national championship dreams.

“College GameDay” coverage will begin at 5 p.m. on the University of Oklahoma’s South Oval before moving into Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 19.

Since its first episode in 1987, “College GameDay” has traveled to Norman 10 times, not including next week’s appearance.

But when the crew is in town, have they been good luck for the Sooners? Here’s a look at how OU has performed when ESPN’s “College GameDay” films in Norman.

How does OU perform when College GameDay is in town?

Overall, College GameDay seems to be good luck for OU.

Of the 10 times the ESPN program visited Norman, the Sooners won 7.

vs. Michigan (2025)

College GameDay traveled to Norman for the second week of the 2025 season, when No. 18 OU defeated No. 15 Michigan. Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer added his name to Heisman talks through a stellar performance, with a passing touchdown and two rushing touchdowns, totaling 345 yards.

OU 24, Michigan 13

vs. Tennessee (2024)

OU got its revenge this year, but in 2024, with ESPN on site, the Sooners fell to the Tennessee Volunteers, spoiling OU’s SEC debut. Former OU assistant coach Josh Heupel was back in Norman for the first time since exiting in 2014, and threw the Sooners to a disappointing conference opener, holding OU to just 222 total yards.

Tennessee 25, OU 15

vs. Oklahoma State (2020)

In the most recent College GameDay visit to Bedlam, OU, led by quarterback Spencer Rattler, established a 21-0 lead in the first quarter. Rattler finished the game with five total touchdowns, one rushing, and threw for 301 passing yards.

OU 41, OSU 13

vs. Notre Dame (2012)

No. 5 Notre Dame defeated No. 8 Oklahoma in Norman to end OU’s chances of a national title, boosting the Fighting Irish to an undefeated season. At the time, the Sooners were 79-4 under Bob Stoops at home. Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te’o was the Heisman runner-up that year, losing to Johnny Manziel.

Notre Dame 30, OU 13

vs. Texas Tech (2008)

Bob Stoops’ Oklahoma Sooners defeated No. 2 Texas Tech in dominating fashion in 2008. Ranked No. 5, the Sooners handed the Red Raiders their first loss of the season and forced a three-way tie with Texas to the top of the Big 12 South standings.

OU 65, Texas Tech 21

vs. Missouri (2007)

In a ranked matchup, No. 6 Oklahoma took down No. 11 Missouri in a Big 12 regular-season game. The two teams faced off again in December for the conference championship, with the Sooners claiming another win, this time at 38-17.

OU 41, Missouri 31

vs. Oklahoma State (2003)

In a dominating Bedlam performance, top-ranked OU defeated No. 14 OSU. The loss was not only a statement from head coach Bob Stoops and his team, but it also ended OSU’s chances to play in a BCS game.

OU 52, OSU 9

vs. Kansas State (2001)

This top 11, back-and-forth matchup ended in a one-point win for the Sooners. OU led 14-0 in the first quarter and 28-14 at halftime, but Kansas State, led by quarterback Ell Roberson, fought back in the second half.

OU 38, Kansas State 37

vs. Nebraska (2000)

No. 3 Oklahoma defeated No. 1 Nebraska after coming back from a 14-0 deficit in the first quarter. With the win, OU moved to No. 1 in the polls. Sooner fans celebrated by storming the field and tearing down the goalposts. OU scored all 31 in the second half.

OU 31, Nebraska 14

vs. Colorado (1995)

Colorado defeated Oklahoma in a Big Eight regular-season conference game.

Colorado 38, OU 17

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Is ESPN ‘College GameDay’ good luck for OU? See Sooners record during visits

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