Roll Tide Wire staff predictions for Alabama vs. Oklahoma in Week 12
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You could certainly make an argument that the Week 12 matchup with Oklahoma is one of the biggest games of the season for the Alabama Crimson Tide.
As to why, that is because this game has massive College Football Playoff stakes attached for both teams, with the Crimson Tide likely needing to avoid a second loss with a road trip to Auburn still looming on the schedule. For the Sooners, Oklahoma already has two losses, and a third loss here to the Crimson Tide could be costly for their CFP aspirations.
This is also a game in which Alabama suffered a disappointing road loss in Norman a year ago, 24-3, a game where the Crimson Tide saw their CFP hopes disappear with a third loss.
So, can the Crimson Tide continue their winning streak Saturday against a loaded Oklahoma team that features one of the nation’s top defenses?
Following are Roll Tide Wire’s predictions for the Week 12 showdown between Alabama and Oklahoma.
Matt Melton’s prediction: Alabama Crimson Tide 33, Oklahoma Sooners 26
Oklahoma has one of the best defenses in college football, and I expect the Sooners to make things difficult for the Crimson Tide on Saturday afternoon. However, I expect Alabama to still see success offensively, and win a game in which the Crimson Tide will play motivated after last season’s defeat in Norman, though it will likely come by a close margin of victory.
Steve Holley’s prediction: Alabama Crimson Tide 24, Oklahoma Sooners 23
Defense, special teams, and turnovers will be the name of the game Saturday afternoon and on into the evening in Tuscaloosa. I think Ty Simpson improves on some deep throws from last week, but this is truly an elite defense that Brent Venables and staff have put together.
Can Alabama’s defense put in the same effort against John Mateer and company as it did against LSU? I don’t have very much faith in Alabama’s run game at the moment outside of Daniel Hill, but if both Simpson improves and the defense matches its effort from last week agajnst LSU, Alabama wins this. Expect a full 60-minute knockdown, drag-out Saturday at Bryant-Denny.
Rob King’s prediction: Alabama Crimson Tide 28, Oklahoma Sooners 25
Alabama wins in a close one at home. Pierre and Overton successfully rush the passer. Ty Simpson and Ryan Grubb own time of possession. Ryan Williams has over 130 yards receiving and a touchdown. Isaiah Horton gets a touchdown. Ty is efficient, and has a Heisman drive at end of game. Kicker has a game-winning field goal.
Jake Boico’s prediction: Alabama Crimson Tide 31, Oklahoma Sooners 14
The Alabama defense will have another excellent opportunity to shine against John Mateer and the Sooners’ offense on Saturday afternoon. The unit allowed just nine total points during last weekend’s victory against LSU, and I believe the Oklahoma offense could struggle immensely against one of the best defensive units in all of college football. The Alabama defense as a whole will need to contain Mateer throughout all four quarters in Tuscaloosa, but ultimately the Tide will defeat the Sooners by a score of 31-14.
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This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Alabama football vs. Oklahoma Sooners predictions for Week 12
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