NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
Fourth-ranked Alabama didn’t exactly call the matchup against No. 11 Oklahoma a revenge game, but the Crimson Tide ended up back in the loss column on Saturday.
After defeating Alabama 24-3 in Norman last year, the Sooners traveled to Tuscaloosa this weekend to bolster their College Football Playoff chances. Oklahoma ultimately did just that, pulling off a 23-21 upset of Alabama.
Even a raucous Bryant-Denny Stadium crowd failed to derail Oklahoma’s defense from its playmaking tendencies. The Sooners’ defense produced 17 points off three turnovers en route to the win.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON Pakinomist
The Oklahoma Sooners celebrate after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. (David Leong/Imagn Images)
The win boosts Oklahoma’s playoff odds, but also injects uncertainty into the Tide’s road to Atlanta for the Southeastern Conference title game. It probably won’t be a fatal blow for Alabama, but the Tide now faces a must-win in two weeks against archrival Auburn in the Iron Bowl.
Former defensive back Eli Bowen returned an interception 87 yards for a touchdown, while linebacker Kip Lewis had two sacks. OU snapped Alabama’s 17-game winning streak and handed second-year coach Kalen DeBoer his first loss in Tuscaloosa.
TEXAS A&M MOUNTS RECORD-BREAKING COMEBACK TO GO UNBEAT
The Sooners were a bubble team in last week’s CFP rankings, but Saturday’s win could make them a playoff lock if they can take care of business at home against Missouri and LSU.
The Oklahoma Sooners celebrate their 23-21 victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 15, 2025 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Alabama had a chance late, but Ty Simpson’s fourth-down pass to Ryan Williams fell incomplete.
Oklahoma ran out the clock from there and sparked a spirited celebration by its visiting fans. OU held Alabama to 57 yards over its final four drives, which proved to be the difference.
Jam Miller (26) of the Alabama Crimson Tide is stopped by Peyton Bowen (22) and Owen Heinecke (38) of the Oklahoma Sooners as he carries the ball during a game at Bryant Denny Stadium on November 15, 2025 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Butch Dill/Getty Images)
John Mateer threw for 138 yards and scored on the ground to lead Oklahoma’s offense. Simpson passed for 326 yards with a touchdown and an interception.
Despite dominating in nearly every category, Alabama made a number of mistakes that proved costly. In addition to the turnover, Alabama missed a 36-yard field goal and allowed a 46-yard punt return that set up Oklahoma’s first score.
The Crimson Tide will host Eastern Illinois next week.
