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Fourth-ranked Alabama didn’t outright call the matchup against No. 11 Oklahoma a revenge game, but the Crimson Tide once again found itself in the loss column Saturday.
After beating Alabama 24-3 in Norman last year, the Sooners traveled to Tuscaloosa this weekend to bolster their College Football Playoff chances. Ultimately, that’s exactly what Oklahoma did, earning a 23-21 victory over Alabama.
Even a raucous crowd at Bryant-Denny Stadium couldn’t derail Oklahoma’s defense from its play-making trend. The Sooners defenders produced 17 points off three turnovers en route to the victory.
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The Oklahoma Sooners celebrate after beating the Alabama Crimson Tide at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. (David Leong/Imagn Images)
The win boosts Oklahoma’s playoff chances, but also injects uncertainty into the Tide’s path to Atlanta for the Southeastern Conference title game. It probably won’t be a knockout blow for Alabama, but the Tide now face a must-win in two weeks against rival Auburn in the Iron Bowl.
Sooners defensive back Eli Bowen returned an interception 87 yards for a touchdown, while linebacker Kip Lewis had two sacks. OU ended Alabama’s 17-game winning streak at home and handed second-year coach Kalen DeBoer his first loss in Tuscaloosa.
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The Sooners were a bubble team in last week’s CFP rankings, but Saturday’s win could put them in the playoffs if they can take care of business at home against Missouri and LSU.
The Oklahoma Sooners celebrate their 23-21 victory against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 15, 2025 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Alabama had a chance late, but Ty Simpson’s fourth-down pass to Ryan Williams fell incomplete.
Oklahoma ran out the clock from there, sparking a spirited celebration from its visiting fans. OU held Alabama to 57 yards on its final four drives, which proved to be the difference.
Jam Miller (26) of the Alabama Crimson Tide is stopped by Peyton Bowen (22) and Owen Heinecke (38) of the Oklahoma Sooners while carrying the ball during a game at Bryant Denny Stadium on November 15, 2025 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Butch Dill/Getty Images)
John Mateer threw for 138 yards and scored on the ground to lead the Oklahoma offense. Simpson passed for 326 yards, with one touchdown and one interception.
Despite dominating in almost every category, Alabama made a series of mistakes that proved costly. In addition to the turnovers, Alabama missed a 36-yard field goal and allowed a 46-yard punt return that set up Oklahoma’s first score.
The Crimson Tide will host Eastern Illinois next week.
