Friday evening, the Alabama Crimson Tide‘s season was on the line with a road game against Oklahoma in the first round of the CFP.
A battle between the No. 8 and No. 9 seeds, this was one of two first-round rematches in the CFP earlier this season, with Oklahoma having previously defeated Alabama in Tuscaloosa on November 15 and 21.
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As for the rematch, Oklahoma also took a sizable lead in that contest, but Alabama came back strong to win in Norman in what will be one of the most memorable returns in recent Crimson Tide history, 34-24.
Here’s a look at some instant reactions to Alabama’s CFP first-round win over Oklahoma on Friday night.
Alabama dominates final three quarters
Alabama started this game about as poorly as any in recent memory, eventually trailing 17-0 at one point early in the second quarter. Since falling behind by 17, Alabama has outscored Oklahoma 34-7 to earn the victory.
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Simpson to Brooks on fourth down was a turning point
Trailing 17-0 in the second quarter, Ty Simpson connected with Lotzeir Brooks on a fourth-and-2 from the six-yard line, which scored a touchdown. This was probably the turning point of the contest, as it gave Alabama some momentum when it didn’t have any, and was followed by some huge plays in the second quarter, like a blocked punt by Tim Keenan III, as well as a 50-yard pick-off by Zabien Brown, to tie the game, from which the Crimson Tide never looked back.
Alabama wins turnover battle
Heading into Friday night’s game, Alabama had committed a total of six turnovers over the last two seasons against the Oklahoma defense. In this victory, Alabama did not turn the ball over at all and forced an Oklahoma interception that was returned for a pick six, something the Sooners had done to the Crimson Tide in each of the previous two games.
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Alabama wins special teams
The special teams game was key Friday night, and comparing the two, one could certainly argue that Alabama won the battle. Conor Talty also went 2 for 2 on field goals, while Tate Sandell went 1 for 3.
Alabama heads to the Rose Bowl
Following Alabama’s win over Oklahoma, the Crimson Tide now advance to the CFP Quarterfinals where a matchup with No. 1 seed Indiana awaits. This game will be played on New Year’s Day, January 1, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.
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This article was originally published on Roll Tide Wire: Alabama football’s instant reactions to CFP’s first-round win over Oklahoma
