John Mateer will play his best game with OU football and more CFP bold predictions
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NORMAN — Playoff time in Oklahoma is almost here.
The Sooners host Alabama in the first round of the College Football Playoff on Friday at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. OU previously defeated the Crimson Tide 23-21 on the road on Nov. 15.
The Oklahoman's Jenni Carlson, Joe Mussatto and Colton Sulley teamed up for bold predictions ahead of the first-round College Football Playoff matchup.
Alabama scores on special teams
Alabama's Cole Adams returns a punt for a touchdown. Adams is more of a sure-handed, fair-catcher than a home-run threat, but I just wanted to highlight the lone Oklahoman on Alabama's roster. The redshirt sophomore from Owasso was No. 5 on The Oklahoman's Super 30 rankings of the state's top prospects in the 2023 class. Adams has 13 career receptions, including one for a touchdown, but his primary role is as a return man. The Sooners have allowed a punt return for a touchdown — to Texas' Ryan Niblett in the Cotton Bowl — so maybe there will be an opening for Adams to have a magical moment back in his home state.
— Joe Mussatto, columnist
John Mateer plays his best game as a Sooner
OU's passing game showed signs of life against LSU. The Sooners recorded 318 yards through the air, their most since the season opener. Not entirely sure what this tells us, but Mateer was seen practicing this week without tape on his throwing hand for the first time since he underwent surgery in September. I think the time off will prove to be beneficial for offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle and OU's offense. I wouldn't be surprised if Mateer plays like the Mateer we saw pre-injury — or even better.
— Colton Sulley, OU beat writer
OU defense intercepts Ty Simpson three times
Brent Venables has had nearly three weeks to prepare his defense for Ty Simpson. That does not bode well for the Alabama quarterback, especially since it appears that the Sooners broke something in him the last time these two teams played. Before that November game, Simpson had thrown just one interception to go along with 21 touchdown passes. From the OU game on, he has five touchdown passes and four interceptions, including two against Eastern Illinois. I tend to think Venables and the Sooners are a tad better than the Panthers. And with Alabama's lagging run game, Simpson will have to throw, playing right into OU's hands.
— Jenni Carlson, columnist
OU vs. Alabama
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. Friday at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman (ABC/ESPN)
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: College Football Playoff bold predictions for Oklahoma vs Alabama
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