No. 8 Seed Oklahoma And 9th-seeded Alabama Meet Again In First Round.

Ninth-seeded Alabama (10-3) at No. 8 seed Oklahoma (10-2), Friday, 8 p.m. EST (ABC/ESPN)


BetMGM College Football Odds: Alabama by 1 1/2.


Series record: Oklahoma leads 5-2-1.


Oklahoma coach Brent Venables and Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer started the season dealing with pressure from their wild fanbases. Oklahoma has actually rebounded from a 6-7 season, and a win would strengthen Venables' status while providing him a 3rd win over Alabama in 13 months. DeBoer already is in the shadow of Nick Saban, the six-time nationwide champ coach he replaced. The Crimson Tide missed out on the playoff last season. Failing to win a playoff video game his first two seasons and losing to Oklahoma for the 2nd time this season would rile up a fanbase that has lofty expectations.


Alabama QB Ty Simpson vs. Oklahoma pass rush. Oklahoma sacked Simpson four times in the very first meeting, and that was without R Mason Thomas, the group's leading pass rusher. Thomas is back from injury. Simpson, normally an efficient passer, has actually had a hard time in recent weeks versus pressure. That's not excellent versus an Oklahoma group that leads the country in sacks and tackles for loss.


Alabama: WR Ryan Williams. He's been quiet lately, but he's capable of breaking out. The big-play danger has 42 catches for 631 backyards and four goals this season. But he hasn't had more than 3 catches or 45 lawns the previous four games.


Oklahoma: QB John Mateer. He is a double danger who has made numerous clutch plays this season. He tends to come up with a couple of prompt plays per game, but he in some cases requires the ball, leading to interceptions.


If Oklahoma wins it would end up being the very first program to beat Alabama twice in a season because 1893. ... Oklahoma has actually won 4 of the past five meetings. ... Oklahoma WR Isaiah Sategna III was a first-team All-SEC choice after capturing 65 passes for 948 backyards and 7 touchdowns in the regular season. He's also a hazardous punt returner. ... Oklahoma won the first conference 23-21 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. ... Alabama lost the SEC title game 28-7 to Georgia. ... Oklahoma ranks 5th nationally in hurrying backyards permitted per video game, ninth in total defense and seventh in points enabled. ... Alabama beat Oklahoma 45-34 in the playoff in 2018. ... Germie Bernard leads Alabama in (57) and backyards receiving (762 ).


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