Oklahoma forced three turnovers and its defense came up with a big stop late to lift the 11th-ranked Sooners to a 23-21 win over No. 4 Alabama on Saturday in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
The win keeps the Sooners (8-2, 4-2 in SEC play) in contention for a College Football Playoff berth while keeping the Crimson Tide from clinching a spot in the SEC Championship Game.
Alabama (8-2, 6-1) outgained Oklahoma 406-212, but the turnovers and timely stops from the Sooners defense helped them pull off the victory.
Oklahoma trailed late in the third quarter when D-lineman Taylor Wein hit Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson in the backfield, forcing a fumble that was recovered by linebacker Kendal Daniels in Alabama territory.
The Sooners settled for a 24-yard field goal from Tate Sandell — his third of the game — early in the fourth quarter to take a 23-21 lead, and the defense made it hold up.
Oklahoma forced a quick three-and-out, but the offense couldn’t add to the lead, giving the ball back to the Crimson Tide at their own 6 with 7:14 remaining.
Alabama converted one third down and one fourth down, driving past midfield, but Peyton Bowen broke up Simpson’s fourth-down pass to Ryan Williams near midfield in the final minute to seal the victory.
Simpson threw for 326 yards and a touchdown but was sacked four times and threw a critical interception, plus the fumble.
John Mateer was 15-of-23 passing for 138 yards for the Sooners.
The loss was Alabama’s first at home under head coach Kalen DeBoer.
Oklahoma jumped out to a 10-0 lead early thanks to special teams and defense.
After a quick three-and-out from Alabama to start the game, Isaiah Sategna returned the subsequent punt 42 yards to put the Sooners in good field position and set up Sandell’s first field goal.
Late in the first quarter, Eli Bowen’s 87-yard interception return for a touchdown extended Oklahoma’s lead.
The interception was just the second of the season for Simpson.
Alabama finally got going offensively on the next drive, which finished with Daniel Hill’s 1-yard touchdown run. Hill added another touchdown in the second half.
After another Crimson Tide turnover, this time on a fumbled punt return, Mateer broke through for a 20-yard touchdown run.
Alabama responded, pulling to within 17-14 on Josh Cuevas’ 25-yard touchdown reception.
The Crimson Tide had a chance to tie it or take the lead going into halftime, driving 69 yards in the final 3:16, but Wein got a hand on Conor Talty’s 36-yard field goal attempt as time expired.
–Field Level Media
