The Crimson Tide erased a 17-point deficit to claim a thrilling 34-24 victory over Oklahoma, mounting one of their most impressive comebacks of the season.
Alabama found themselves in an early hole as Oklahoma jumped out to a commanding 17-0 lead. John Mateer orchestrated the Sooners’ hot start, tossing a seven-yard touchdown to Isaiah Sategna III and rushing for an eight-yard score himself. Tate Sandell’s 51-yard field goal gave Oklahoma a seemingly comfortable cushion.
The momentum swing accelerated when defensive back Zabien Brown picked off Mateer and returned it 50 yards for a touchdown just before halftime, knotting the game at 17-17. The pick-six proved to be the turning point.
But the Crimson Tide refused to fold. Ty Simpson engineered the comeback with poise and precision, completing 18-of-29 passes for 232 yards and two touchdowns. The quarterback found his rhythm in the second quarter, connecting with Lotzeir Brooks for a 10-yard score to finally get Alabama on the board.
Brooks emerged as Simpson’s favorite target, hauling in five catches for 79 yards and both of Alabama’s receiving touchdowns, including a crucial 30-yarder in the third quarter. Daniel Hill sealed the victory with a six-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter, giving the Crimson Tide their final 10-point margin.
Despite Mateer’s solid stat line (26-of-41, 307 yards, two touchdowns) and Deion Burks’ seven-catch, 107-yard performance, Oklahoma couldn’t sustain their early dominance. The Sooners managed just seven points in the second half as Alabama’s defense clamped down when it mattered most.
