Oklahoma upsets Alabama in Tusaloosa, keeps CFP chances alive

Oklahoma came into Saturday with a tough task. Not many go into Tuscaloosa to beat Alabama, let alone with major implications on the line. The Sooners losing would bring them to three losses on the season, likely putting their College Football Playoff chance on life support.

Well, they are instead alive and well. Brent Venables got a signature win he has been searching for over the past couple of seasons in a way you would expect a program led by him would. Oklahoma went to Bryant-Denny Stadium and walked out winners, 23-21.

Defensive plays were the name of the game for OU. One of the best units in all of college football was without its top player, R Mason Thomas. His presence was missed but not crucial to the result. Oklahoma got plenty of pressure on the Alabama offensive line and forced quarterback Ty Simpson into mistakes.

Three turnovers proved to be crucial, leading to points for quarterback John Mateer from the get-go. A Ryan Williams fumble on a punt return led to a field goal, while Simpson directly gave one to Oklahoma via a pick-six. Simpson then fumbled late in the third quarter, leading to what would eventually turn into the game-winning field goal.

Overall, the offensive numbers are not going to jump off the page. But Mateer delivered when the moment mattered the most.

Breaking down College Football Playoff situations of Alabama, Oklahoma

Oklahoma should be set for quite a rise when Tuesday’s rankings come out. Previously at No. 11 and the first team out of the projected 12-team field, you can imagine they will now be placed ahead of Alabama. The Crimson Tide was at No. 4, holding the top spot for a one-loss team.

Two games remain on the schedule, both in Norman. Missouri comes to town this time next week, before hosting LSU a couple of days after Thanksgiving. Winning out will for sure get them into the College Football Playoff. It’s possible there is even breathing room, depending on how other teams fare.

Alabama will be disappointed in the loss but certainly still controls its own destiny. Eastern Illinois comes to town for a buy game. Then, everything comes down to the Iron Bowl in Jordan-Hare Stadium, something nobody wearing crimson wanted to hear.

Two wins and Kalen DeBoer is in the CFP in his second season in charge. Another loss and Alabama is likely watching from home once again.