Despite entering the game as 14-point favorites, the Crimson Tide struggled to find their footing. Oklahoma's defense seized momentum in the third quarter with two crucial interceptions, while relentless pressure on quarterback Jalen Milroe disrupted Alabama's offense throughout the night.
The Sooners gained control just before halftime, scoring late in the second quarter to secure a 10-3 lead. On Alabama’s third play of the second half, freshman cornerback Eli Bowen made a game-changing play, earning his first career interception by reading a short screen pass to fellow freshman Ryan Williams and returning it to the Alabama 14-yard line.
Oklahoma extended its lead to 14 points just five plays later, with Xavier Robinson powering into the end zone for his second rushing touchdown of the night.
Alabama's following possession ended just as quickly and disastrously. On the fifth play, Jalen Milroe was intercepted by Kip Lewis, who returned the pick 49 yards for a touchdown, further cementing Oklahoma's dominance.
Any hope Alabama had for a comeback evaporated in the fourth quarter after a controversial — and likely incorrect — officiating call. Ryan Williams appeared to make a spectacular fourth-down touchdown catch that could have trimmed Oklahoma’s lead to two scores. However, a late flag was thrown, and officials ruled illegal touching, claiming Williams had been improperly covered on the line of scrimmage.
Replays suggested otherwise. Williams was the only receiver on his side of the field aligned on the line, with a tight end also on that side. Alabama had seven players on the line of scrimmage, while the receivers flanking Williams were properly set behind it.
To be clear, the officiating decision wasn’t the deciding factor in Alabama’s loss. Three turnovers and a lackluster running game played much larger roles. Oklahoma’s defense excelled in containing Jalen Milroe, limiting his longest run to just 11 yards. Milroe also struggled through the air, completing only 11 of 26 passes for 164 yards. Alabama’s three points marked the team’s lowest output since 2004.
On the other side, Oklahoma secured its sixth win to become bowl-eligible, extending a bowl streak that dates back to 1998.
How Many SEC Teams Will Make the Playoff?
Missing the playoff would mark a significant disappointment for Alabama in Kalen DeBoer’s first season as head coach, succeeding the legendary Nick Saban. With chaos needed in the final weeks, Alabama’s path to the postseason looks exceedingly narrow.
The Crimson Tide now sit at 8-3 overall and 4-3 in the SEC, officially out of SEC title contention, with four teams — Texas, Texas A&M, Georgia, and Tennessee — ahead of them in the standings. Each of those teams has a clearer path to the College Football Playoff, particularly if Texas A&M defeats Texas and wins the SEC Championship despite their dramatic four-overtime loss to Auburn in Week 12.
The SEC entered Week 13 with six teams in playoff contention, but that number has likely dwindled to four, or perhaps three, depending on how the remaining games unfold.
For Alabama to have any hope, it would require a series of unlikely outcomes: Georgia losing to Georgia Tech, Tennessee falling to Vanderbilt, and Texas defeating Texas A&M. Such a scenario would leave just one one-loss SEC team and one two-loss team, but even that might not be enough to keep Alabama’s playoff chances alive, depending on what happens in the ACC and other conferences.
Under Nick Saban, Alabama made the four-team playoff eight times in 10 seasons. Now, in the first year of the expanded 12-team playoff, the Crimson Tide appear on the verge of missing out entirely — unless the chaos intensifies over the next two weeks.
How Many SEC Teams Will Make the Playoff?
Missing the College Football Playoff would be a major letdown for Alabama in Kalen DeBoer’s debut season as head coach, following Nick Saban’s legendary tenure. With Alabama’s chances now hanging by a thread, they’ll need a chaotic finish to the regular season to keep their hopes alive.
The Crimson Tide are 8-3 overall and 4-3 in the SEC, officially out of SEC title contention with four teams — Texas, Texas A&M, Georgia, and Tennessee — ahead in the standings. Each of those teams has a more straightforward path to the playoff. Texas A&M, for instance, could secure the SEC Championship and a playoff berth if they defeat Texas, despite their narrow four-overtime loss to Auburn in Week 12.
The SEC entered Week 13 with six playoff contenders, but that number has now likely shrunk to four — or even three — depending on upcoming results.
For Alabama to stay in contention, several unlikely outcomes must align: Georgia would need to lose to Georgia Tech, Tennessee would have to fall to Vanderbilt, and Texas would need to beat Texas A&M. Even in this scenario, Alabama’s chances would depend on how the playoff picture unfolds in the ACC and other conferences.
During Saban’s tenure, Alabama reached the four-team playoff eight times in 10 seasons. Yet in the inaugural year of the 12-team playoff, the Crimson Tide are at serious risk of missing out altogether — unless the final two weeks of the season deliver extraordinary chaos.
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