Oklahoma Upsets No. 7 Alabama, Cripples Crimson Tide’s Playoff Hopes

Alabama was dealt its third loss of the season in Norman on Saturday night.

Nov 23, 2024; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Germie Bernard (5) is up ended during the first quarter against the Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images / William Purnell-Imagn Images

NORMAN, Okla.–– The No. 7 Alabama football team (8-3, 4-3 SEC) went into Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium looking to stay alive for the College Football Playoffs. Those dreams were crushed in Norman as the Sooners (6-5, 2-5 SEC) upset the Crimson Tide 24-3, leaving Alabama with more than two losses before the Iron Bowl for the first time since 2007.

Alabama’s offense struggled to open the game as they managed just 97 first half yards and scored just a single field goal on five drives. The Crimson Tide’s quarterback, Jalen Milroe, had minus-two rushing yards and nine carries, embodying the difficulties of the first half. 

Oklahoma’s offense, on the other hand, performed well in the first half, amassing 242 yards with 205 yards on the ground. The Sooners only scored 10 points, but left points on the field after dropping a trick-play touchdown. Sooners freshman running back Xavier Robinson broke the tie in Oklahoma's favor with an 18-yard touchdown run for the only touchdown of the opening half. 

The Crimson Tide's offensive problems continued in the second half as Milroe threw two interceptions on the opening two possessions with the latter going for a Kip Lewis 49-yard touchdown return, sinking Alabama into a three-score deficit. Meanwhile, Oklahoma’s Jackson Arnold had one of his best games, particularly making a difference in the game with his legs. There was a controversial penalty early in the fourth quarter which negated a sensational Ryan Williams touchdown grab, but its ultimate impact on the game was negligible. Standout Crimson Tide linebacker Deontae Lawson was injured in the first half and did not return.

Alabama, which did not score an offensive touchdown in a game for the first time since Nov. 5, 2011, is now 1-3 in conference road games in Kalen DeBoer’s first season. The Crimson Tide faces Auburn at home next weekend for its regular season finale, and will await its bowl game destination afterwards, win or lose.

How It Happened:

Fourth Quarter

Alabama vs. Oklahoma box score / Will Miller

• Final: Oklahoma beats Alabama 24-3, holding the Crimson Tide out of the end zone and sealing the deal on the visitors' SEC title hopes, and likely hopes for the College Football Playoff as well. This follows a premature field storming and short delay, Oklahoma's first since 2000.

• At the two-minute timeout, Oklahoma still has the ball and is driving deep into Alabama territory. It seems the Sooners are now poised to run out the clock on this upset, still leading 24-3.

• On 4th down with 10 to go at the seven-minute mark, Jalen Milroe is hit, sending the ball in the air where it's intercepted by the Sooners. Oklahoma takes over on downs with 6:53 remaining.

• Jalen Milroe comes right back into the game. He dumps a pass off to Jam Miller but Alabama faces a third-and18. Milroe's able to find Germie Bernard over the middle for a first down but the clock is down to 8 minutes in the game.

• Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe is down on the sideline after the play. He walks off the field with Jeff Allen and Kalen DeBoer, but Ty Simpson comes in.

• A Josh Cuevas one-handed catch gets Alabama off the goal line, but a holding penalty backs them right back up to their own 20-yard line.

• Ryan Williams is forced into fielding the ball at the two-yard line and the Crimson Tide has 98-yards and 21-points to make up in the last 10:20 to play.

• Jackson Arnold takes a sack and Oklahoma opts to punt in plus territory. A good punt will pin Alabama back deep in their own territory.

• Oklahoma is moving down the field and the fans in the stands are chanting "over rated".

• Alabama's Ryan Williams pulls in a 36-yard touchdown pass on fourth-and-three. The officials are sorting out a penalty on the field. They call illegal touching, carries a loss of down penalty and Oklahoma takes over on downs.

• Alabama opens the fourth quarter with a third-and-two from the Oklahoma 22. The Crimson Tide must come away with a touchdown on this drive to keep the comeback hopes alive.

Third Quarter

• Jalen Milroe breaks his biggest run of the game to move Alabama across the 50. Alabama is moving first-and-10 from the Oklahoma 43 yard line.

• Alabama's really struggling with pass protection, particularly at right tackle with Elijah Pritchett. The Oklahoma defensive line has controlled this entire game.

• After a handful of plays the Crimson Tide defense gets off the field. Oklahoma punts for the first time since their opening drive of the game.

• Oklahoma moves the ball off the goal line with a series of runs, one being a Jackson Arnold scamper. Arnold has 18 carries for 105 yards.

• According to ESPN Stats and Info, Oklahoma's 24-3 lead over the Crimson Tide represents Alabama's largest deficit against an unranked opponent since 2003.

• James Burnip's 63-yard punt downs the ball at the 2-yard line and gives Alabama's defense 98 yards worth of field to defend.

• Every yard is a challenge for Alabama as Oklahoma is winning at the line of scrimmage. Another third-and-long for Alabama end in an incompletion and Jame Burnip is on to punt as things ar elooking bleak for the Crimson Tide.

• The Crimson Tide's offense is back on the field for the third time in the half, will this drive end in an interception as well? Alabama certainly looks rattled here in Norman.

• Linebacker Kip Lewis intercepts a Jalen Milroe pass and takes it down the sideline for a pick-six. The Sooners have taken a stranglehold on this game as they line up for an extra point. Oklahoma 24, Alabama 3. 8:05 left in the third quarter.

• Alabama's next drive has moved out to the Crimson Tide 45-yard line after a few handoffs to Jam Miller.

• Xavier Robinson cashes in the turnover with a one-yard score. It's his second of the night and it gives Oklahoma a two score lead. Oklahoma 17, Alabama 3. 11:37 left in the third quarter.

• Alabama's Jalen Milroe throws an interception on a screen pass to Eli Bowen. Bowen was sitting on the screen pass and took his interception back to the Alabama 14-yard line.

• Alabama opens the second half at their own 25-yard line as they face a seven-point deficit.

Halftime

First Half Stats / First Half Stat

The Crimson Tide has struggled offensively and defensively on the night. Alabama could be facing a 17-3 deficit if not for a dropped touchdown pass, but alas, it's still a one-score game. The Crimson Tide can go to the locker room and regroup as they receive the ball first in the second half.

Second Quarter

• Oklahoma's fans great the Alabama offense with a cheer as the Sooners have really outplayed the Crimson Tide throughout the first half.

• Oklahoma's Xavier Robinson takes an 18-yard carry for a touchdown. The Sooners just sliced and diced Alabama's defense on the ground and has been all half. The extra point is good. Oklahoma 10, Alabama 3. 37-seconds left in the half.

• The two-minute timeout hits in the half. Oklahoma has been matriculating the ball down the field creatively using the run game. The Sooners face a second-and-four and have 172 yards rushing on 25 carries.

• The ESPN broadcast reports Deontae Lawson is questionable to return as the Oklahoma Sooners continue to grind away their next drive.

• Alabama's really struggling to tackle well. Qua Russaw misses a tackle, leaving the Sooners with third-and-one instead of a third-and-long situation.

• Tight end CJ Dippre drops a pass at the sticks from Jalen Milroe on third-and-seven. Alabama is set to punt the ball away. The Crimson Tide's offense just seems a bit disjointed as the quarterback run hasn't been there all night. Burnip shanks his punt and Oklahoma takes over at their own 33 yard line.

• Alabama's Jam Miller takes two carries for 17 yards and the Crimson Tide is on the move.

• Oklahoma has 141 rushing yards in four drives between six different players. Safe to say the Sooners are doing their best Vanderbilt impression tonight in Norman.

• Oklahoma's been showing Alabama all kinds of different runs. Jacob Jordan takes a sweep out wide on third-and-eight but is tackled by Zabien Brown. Zach Schmit comes on to make a 39-yard field goal. Alabama 3, Oklahoma 3. 8:14 left to play in the half.

• Alabama's Deontae Lawson is helped off the field after a tackle and heads into the injury tent. Oklahoma faces second-and-10 from the Crimson Tide 26-yard line.

• Jackson Arnold's got Oklahoma on the move with a big pass on third down to Brenen Thompson. Thompson takes the Sooners to the edge of the Alabama red zone.

• Alabama's Jalen Milroe runs a daw on third and long but is tackled at the line of scrimmage. James Burnip is onto punt and sends one to the other end of the field. Oklahoma will start drive threee at its own 38-yard line.

First Quarter

• END OF 1
  Alabama: 3
  Oklahoma: 0
  
  The Crimson Tide opens the second quarter with third-and-11 from their own 19.

• Alabama got LUCKY on third and long. Oklahoma calls a screen-double pass and it is WIDE open, but the Sooner's Bauer Sharp dropped the ball in the endzone. To make matters worse Zach Schmidt misses a 39-yard field goal. Oklahoma went from almost tying the game to ending the drive with no points.

• DeVonta Smith lays the wood to Jackson Arnold but not before the Sooners quarterback could scramble for a first down.

• Oklahoma legendary coach Bob Stoops was just shown on the jumbo tron to hype up the crowd. His title was listed as "Program Guy".

• Alabama opts to kick a 20-yard field goal. Graham Nicholson makes the kick to give the Crimson Tide a 3-0 lead. Alabama 3, Oklahoma 0. 3:23 left in the first quarter.

• Alabama's red zone offense stalls after three lackluster runs. Kalen DeBoer opts to go for it on 4th down from the 3-yard line. Before the Crimson Tide could snap it DeBoer ran down the sideline to call a timeout.

• Williams stepped out of bounds at the 11-yard line, the Crimson Tide will have it first-and-10 in the shadow of Oklahoma's goal line.

• Wild pass from Jalen Milroe to Ryan Williams for a 41-yard touchdown pass. Williams made several men miss after the catch but may have stepped out of bounds. Play is under review.

• Jalen Milroe's made some impressive moves in the run game, but unfortunately was corralled and tackled for a big loss, brining up a second third-and-long on the drive from the Oklahoma side of midfield.

• Alabama avoids a horrific offensive sequence with a big pass to Germie Bernard over the middle on third down. Alabama is out to the 47 and has a fresh set of downs. Before the pass the Tide was looking at a quick three-and-out after the turnover.

• Alabama's Deontae Lawson recovers a fumble just outside the Oklahoma Red zone. Bray Hubbard crushed the Oklahoma running back at the line of scrimmage and sent the ball flying. Alabama takes over again on their own 21-yard line.

• Xavier Robinson ripps off a huge gain right at Jah-Marien Latham to move Oklahoma right outside the red zone as the Sooners are threatening for the first time.

• LT Overton is back on the field for Alabama's next defensive possession. Jah-Marien Latham is in the game as well playing Wolf.

• Both offenses struggle on their opening possessions. Alabama got a little going on the ground but Williams couldn't hold onto Milroe's pass.

• Jackson Arnold misses his first pass attempt and Alabma's defense gets off the field. Arnold tried a few QB runs but wasn't able to move the football. Alabama's offense takes over for its first drive at their own 25-yard.

• Alabama's LT Overton is down after the game's third play. He limps off the field under his own power. He's replaced by Jordan Renaud, which indicates Jah-Marien Latham appears to be moving to wolf.

• No changes to Alabama's starting defense tonight. Qua Russaw starts at Wolf, while LT Overton starts at Bandit.

• Alabama won the coin toss and has differed to the second half. The Crimson Tide will kickoff to open the game.

Pregame

• 6:22 p.m. CT - The Oklahoma football program is honoring its seniors as its the final home game for the Sooners.

• Alabama's bandit Jah-Marien Latham appears to be warming up with the Wolves as the Crimson Tide is thin there after losing Que Robinson and Keanue Koht in the last two weeks.

• Alabama's first five offensive lineman are Elijah Pritchett, Jaeden Roberts, Parker Brailsford, Tyler Booker and Kadyn Proctor.

• 6:03 p.m. CT- The Alabama offensive lineman join the rest of the Crimson Tide players hitting the field and now the entire team is on the field in full pads commencing warmups. Kickoff is scheduled for 40 minutes.

• 6:00 p.m. CT - The Sooners are stretching in an odd formation. and are now marching from the 50 back to the endline. Several gunshots (Blanks) from Oklahoma faithful are fired into the air and the entire team scatters into different ares of the field to start their own individual drills.

I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a team stretch this way.

Are they forming the OU logo? Or something else? pic.twitter.com/9edNtpMbrL

— Joe Gaither (@JoeGaither6) November 23, 2024

• 5:54 p.m. CT - The rest of Alabama's defensive backs come to the field and the Crimson Tide keeps running individual warmups. The Oklahoma Sooners have done all their warming up in their respective endzone.

• 5:50 p.m. CT - Kirk Hersbstreit's dog Peter is shown on the jumbo tron and the fans in the building give a big cheer.

• 5:44 p.m. CT - The Crimson Tide skill position players hit the field in pads as they continue warm ups. Alabama is in white pants, with white tops and crimson helmets.

• 5:38 p.m. CT - The Oklahoma and Alabama special teams units are on the field in pads as the kickers and punters continue to warm up. The game clock in the stadium says 64-minutes until kickoff putting the start at 6:43 p.m. CT.

• 5:24 p.m. CT - The Oklahoma defensive backs are gathered at the 40 and have been for some time as pregame warmups continue.

Oklahoma’s DBs meet at the 40 before tonight’s game pic.twitter.com/uZniMSkUE7

— Joe Gaither (@JoeGaither6) November 23, 2024

• 5:06 p.m. CT - Alabama football players are out on the field in tshirts and shorts getting a feel for the atmosphere in Gaylord Memorial Stadium.

• The initial round of Crimson Tide players have taken the field for warmups. Some are still just wearing a tshirt and shorts. A few have already started bundling up. It's currently in the mid 60s in Norman with temperatures expected to drop into the 50 as the night goes on.

How to Watch: No. 7 Alabama at Oklahoma

Who: Alabama (8-2, 4-2 SEC) vs. Oklahoma (5-5, 1-4)

When: Saturday, Nov. 23, 6:30 p.m.

Where: Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium

TV: ABC/ESPN+

Radio: Crimson Tide Sports Network (Play-By-Play: Chris Stewart, Color: Tyler Watts).

Series: Oklahoma leads 3-2-1

Last meeting: Alabama defeated the Sooners in the Capital One Orange Bowl as part of the College Football Playoff 45-34. Tua Tagovailoa passed for 318 yards and four touchdowns while the Crimson Tide rushed for 200 yards across 42 carries between Josh Jacobs, Damien Harris and Najee Harris.

Last time out, Alabama: The Crimson Tide dominated Mercer 52-7 at home behind three touchdowns from Jalen Milroe and two touchdowns from Ryan Williams. The Alabama defense forced three more turnovers as they've now forced 16 in the last five games, making life challenging on opposing offenses.

Last time out, Oklahoma: The Sooners were off this past week, but went to Missouri two weeks ago and lost 30-23 after losing a fumble for a touchdown in the game's final minutes. Oklahoma's played five conference games and only won at Auburn this season.