No. 4 Alabama will host No. 11 Oklahoma at Bryant-Denny Stadium for just the eighth matchup between the two teams.
The Crimson Tide are 2-4-1 all-time against the Sooners, with an 0-3 record in the regular season.
Here are a few things to watch this Saturday.
- Revenge Game
Last season’s loss against Oklahoma left a sour taste in Alabama’s mouth as it ended the Crimson Tide’s hopes of making the College Football Playoffs. Alabama hasn’t forgotten the brutal loss from last season and is hoping to get revenge like they did against Vanderbilt earlier in the season. An Alabama win would practically knock Oklahoma out of the playoffs and put the Crimson Tide in an excellent position to make the playoffs.
- Turnover Differential
Turnovers could decide the game on Saturday, and Alabama has a huge edge in that category. The Crimson Tide come in with one of the best turnover margins in the country, with a +10 margin, tied for fourth in the nation. Oklahoma is one of the worst in the country, holding a negative five turnover differential, falling in at 112th in the nation. The winner in the turnover battle will most likely walk away victorious.
- Handling the Pressure
Oklahoma will more than likely apply pressure, knowing that Alabama has to pass the ball to generate its offense. How will Ty Simpson handle the pressure when the pocket collapses? If he stays in there too long, he could be vulnerable to strip sacks, something that he has allowed in each of the last four games. If he steps up in the pocket when the pass protection breaks down, he should be able to hit some big plays to open receivers.
- Limit the Quarterback Run
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer is battling a hand injury that has limited his passing game, but it hasn’t slowed down his rushing attack. Coming off a 16 carry 80 yard rushing performance against Tennessee, the Crimson Tide must not allow Mateer to have a similar game, or Alabama could find itself the victim of an upset.
- Oklahoma Secondary
The Sooners’ defense comes in ranked as the 22nd best pass defense, allowing only 181.8 yards per game, but are they legit? Oklahoma has put up great defensive numbers early in the season against what would be considered bad passing teams. In their last two games against better passing offenses, the Sooners have allowed an average of 354 yards through the air, including allowing Tennessee to throw for 393 yards and 315 passing yards to Ole Miss in a loss. If Alabama’s offensive line can give Simpson time, he could have similar success.
Alabama will host Oklahoma on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. The game will be televised on ABC.
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