Alabama’s SEC Championship Game and playoff hopes are over after suffering a 24-3 defeat at Oklahoma.
The Crimson Tide were outplayed and outcoached in all aspects of the game. Alabama trailed by seven at halftime, but interceptions on the first two possessions of the second half led to 14 points and a 21-point lead that was too far out of reach.
Here are a few takeaways from the game.
Special Teams
Alabama was far from perfect on special teams Saturday. Kicker Graham Nicholson was the only positive spot in special teams, connecting on his only field goal attempt. Punter James Burnip has been a game-changer all season, but tonight was not his night. Burnip averaged 42 yards per punt but had a couple of terrible shanks. On punt returns, Alabama had blockers getting hit by short punts and returners fielding the ball on the goal line.
Terrible Turnovers
The number one thing that will get you beat in college football is turnovers. Jalen Milroe was responsible for three interceptions. One of the interceptions was because Milroe’s arm was hit but the other two were terrible decisions. The three turnovers led to 14 points for the opponent including a pick-six.
Rush Defense Got Embarrassed
Alabama’s rush defense got absolutely embarrassed Saturday night. By halftime, the Crimson Tide defense got shredded by Oklahoma for 205 rushing yards on the ground, with most of the damage done by quarterback Jackson Arnold. The Crimson Tide had no answer for the Sooners' RPO plays and surrendered 257 rushing yards. Jackson Arnold led the Sooners with 131 yards. Xavier Robinson also ran for 107 for Oklahoma.
Quarterback Rush Comparison
It’s not often that Jalen Milroe gets outrushed by the opposing quarterback. Jackson Arnold not only out-rushed Milroe, it wasn’t even close. Arnold out-rushed Milroe 131 yards to seven. Arnold was heavily involved in the run game as he rushed the ball 25 times. Milroe was unable to get anything going despite the 15 carries he had on the night.
Outcoached
The Alabama coaching staff did not have their team ready to play and got outcoached by the Oklahoma staff. Offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan continued to try and force Milroe runs despite them repeatedly not working. The Alabama offense consistently took much time shifting players on numerous plays that led to timeouts being taken, delay of game penalties and rushing the snap. On the defensive side of the ball, they still have yet to figure out how to stop the read option. They were facing a one-dimensional offense, and they were unable to dial anything up to stop it.
The Crimson Tide will host Auburn on November 30 at 2:30 p.m., and the game will be broadcast on ABC.
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