Kirk Herbstreit: Oklahoma could give Alabama all they can handle

No. 11 Oklahoma will take on No. 4 Alabama Saturday in a matchup that with have massive implications on the SEC and College Football Playoff races. With two losses already, this is a must-win matchup for the Sooners on the road.

ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit previewed the marquee matchup in the SEC on Saturday during an appearance on SportsCenter ahead of ESPN College GameDay. He made the case for Oklahoma to upset the white-hot Crimson Tide during Week 12.

“I think Oklahoma is a very interesting team with John Mateer early in the year with him making plays. He had the thumb injury, then they slowed down,” Herbstreit said. “I called the game in Knoxville a couple of weeks ago, and he came alive in that second half. Can he bottle that up in today in Tuscaloosa and the rest of the year? Because they have had a gauntlet to get through.”

Mateer appeared to be one of the best quarterbacks in the country before injuring his hand vs. Auburn and having surgery in late September. He hasn’t looked quite the same in the weeks since, but has shown flashes.

During OU’s last matchup, Mateer led the Sooners to a 33-27 victory over a ranked Tennessee team during Week 10. Neyland Stadium, like Bryant-Denny, is looked at as one of the toughest venues for road teams to win in. Mateer pulled off the win vs. the Volunteers, and is looking to pull off the upset on Saturday at Alabama.

Mateer threw for 159 yards and an interception, but made the most impact on the ground with 16 carries for 80 yards and a touchdown. The Sooners QB has over 300 rushing yards and six touchdowns on the ground this season on top of his nearly 2,000 yards passing.

“I think the Sooners, with Mateer, if he can scramble around and make plays,” Herbstreit said. “They could give Alabama all they could handle today in Tuscaloosa.”

Saturday’s matchup between Alabama and Oklahoma is one of two massive games within the conference. No. 10 Texas travels to No. 5 Georgia in a game with similar stakes on the line. Herbstreit will be on the call for that matchup in Athens.

Kickoff between the Sooners and Crimson Tide is set for 3:30 p.m. ET. ABC will air the national broadcast.