Not even Vegas can make up its mind on what could unfold on Friday night in Norman when the No. 8 Oklahoma Sooners meet the No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide for a rematch at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in the first round of the College Football Playoff.
Just over a month ago, the Sooners were seemingly dominated by the Crimson Tide, but thanks to three turnovers, they knocked off mighty Bama 23-21 in Tuscaloosa and halted the longest active home winning streak in the FBS. Now, the Sooners get Bama in Norman, where they won 24-3 last season, with more on the line than there's ever been before for a game inside Memorial Stadium.
Score prediction for Oklahoma-Alabama in College Football Playoff
In that last meeting on Nov. 15, Alabama put up 406 total yards against OU compared to the 212 the Sooners mustered up. The Crimson Tide had 23 first downs while OU had 12. Alabama controlled the game with a 34:28 time of possession.
But the Sooners forced three turnovers, including a pick-6, that ultimately led to 17 of OU's 23 points in the win. Three more points came thanks to a 42-yard punt return from Isaiah Sategna III that set up a field goal. And when the game was on the line, the Sooners didn't let Bama budge.
And for those who call Round 1 a fluke, the Sooners beat Alabama the same way last year with an even worse team.
It was ugly. But that's just OU football in 2025. Actually, that was also OU football for decades under the likes of Bud Wilkinson and Barry Switzer when the Sooners ruled college football.
Brent Venables has already stated his team wins football games, not beauty contests. And Friday night in Norman, there will be a football game. The kind of defensive battle that your ancestors grew up watching, and no one today apparently wants to.
Experts and fans have overcomplicated this matchup for nearly two weeks now.
The Sooners have already proven they can beat this same Alabama team but in a much more challenging situation on the road. OU also has its best pass rusher back in R Mason Thomas, who missed Round 1 with a quad injury. Quarterback John Mateer is also looking healthier. The Sooners might actually be healthier than they've been all season. Kalen DeBoer, while fighting off rumors of leaving, has also never proven he can beat Venables and the Sooners.
On the foot of Lou Groza Award winner Tate Sandell, the Sooners keep winning football games, not beauty contests.
Prediction: Oklahoma 20, Alabama 17