No. 8 Seed Oklahoma And 9th-seeded Alabama Meet Again In 1st 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 began the season dealing with pressure from their rabid fanbases. Oklahoma has from a 6-7 season, and a win would solidify 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 national champ coach he replaced. The Crimson Tide missed the playoff last season. Failing to win a championship game his very first 2 seasons and losing to Oklahoma for the second 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 lacked R Mason Thomas, the group's leading pass rush. Thomas is back from injury. Simpson, generally an efficient passer, has had a hard time in recent weeks against pressure. That's not good against an Oklahoma group that leads the country in sacks and takes on for loss.


Alabama: WR Ryan Williams. He's been peaceful lately, but he's capable of breaking out. The big-play danger has 42 catches for 631 lawns and 4 goals this season. But he hasn't had more than three catches or 45 yards the previous four video games.


Oklahoma: QB John Mateer. He is a double danger who has actually made various clutch plays this season. He tends to come up with a few prompt plays per game, however he sometimes requires the ball, resulting in interceptions.


If Oklahoma wins it would end up being the very first program to beat Alabama two times in a season since 1893. ... Oklahoma has actually won four of the previous five meetings. ... Oklahoma WR Isaiah Sategna III was a first-team All-SEC choice after catching 65 passes for 948 backyards and seven goals in the routine season. He's likewise a dangerous 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 rushing yards permitted per game, ninth in total defense and seventh in points permitted. ... Alabama beat Oklahoma 45-34 in the playoff in 2018. ... Germie Bernard leads Alabama in receptions (57) and backyards receiving (762 ).


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