Alabama overcame a 17-point hole in Norman to rally past Oklahoma in the College Football Playoff first round, winning 34–24 on 92.9 FM ESPN. The Crimson Tide fell behind 17-0 early but responded with a balanced attack, Ty Simpson threw for 232 yards and two TDs and freshman Lotzeir Brooks scored twice to lead the comeback.
A big 50-yard interception return by Zabien Brown sparked the turnaround, and Alabama outscored the Sooners 34–7 the rest of the way to secure the road victory and advance in the CFP bracket. Oklahoma’s John Mateer finished with 307 yards and two touchdowns but also a costly pick-six that shifted momentum. Alabama now moves on to face top-seeded Indiana in the Rose Bowl quarterfinal on January 1.
Saturday’s CFP first-round games:
• No. 10 Miami vs. No. 7 Texas A&M — 11 a.m. (winner meets Ohio State in Cotton Bowl).
• No. 11 Tulane at No. 6 Ole Miss — 2:30 p.m.
• No. 12 James Madison at No. 5 Oregon — 6:30 p.m.