Live Updates from Alabama Football at Oklahoma in First Round of CFP

NORMAN, Okla.–– The wait is over. The College Football Playoff is back, and No. 9 Alabama and No. 8 Oklahoma kick off the latest edition of the CFP with an opening-round matchup in Norman, Oklahoma.

The Sooners (10-2) won the regular season matchup in Tuscaloosa with Alabama (10-3) turning the ball over three times in the loss on Nov. 15. The Crimson Tide will be looking for revenge and a spot in the quarterfinals against No. 1 Indiana in the Rose Bowl.

BamaCentral will provide updates throughout Friday night's matchup with full coverage to come after the game. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT on ABC and ESPN.

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Live updates

FINAL SCORE: Alabama 34, Oklahoma 24

(latest updates at the top)

Fourth Quarter

Sandell gets another try from 51 yards out and leaves it short. Alabama will win 34-24. Oklahoma was going for the quick kick and then to try to get an onside kick. One minute, one second left on the clock.

What could be Oklahoma's final offensive drive of the season will start with a minute and 47 seconds in regulation.

The two-minute timeout comes with 1:57 left at 10:33 p.m. CT. Alabama will punt the ball back to Oklahoma. The Sooners have no timeouts left.

Another fourth down comes and Lou Groza Award winner Tate Sandell misses a kick from 36 yards. That's an unbelievable turn of events that seals the game for Alabama. Two minutes and 48 seconds to go.

On fourth down, needing five yards after an initial fumble was overturned to an incomplete pass, the Sooners extend the drive on a completion from John Mateer to Javonnie Gibson for 38 yards.

Oklahoma's next drive, down 10, starts with four minutes and 52 seconds remaining. The Sooners are on their own 38.

Ty Simpson takes a sack on third down, and Oklahoma keeps its last timeout. On comes Blake Doud.

The Crimson Tide opts to run the ball on the first two plays series to get Oklahoma to spend its timeouts. The Sooners had all three at the beginning of the drive.

Alabama commits holding on the punt return. The penalty was charged to Ivan Taylor. The Crimson Tide will begin its next drive on its own 30-yard line. Five minutes and 55 seconds remain on the game clock.

Kelby Collins gets home to John Mateer for a sack on third down, negating the possibility that Oklahoma might go for it on fourth down in its own territory. Punt is coming for Oklahoma with six minutes left.

Daniel Hill powers through from six yards out for a huge touchdown to push Alabama's lead back to double digits. Alabama 34, Oklahoma 24- 7:24 4Q

Alabama calls timeout with 7:30 to go before a second-and-goal play from the 6.

Germie Bernard makes an insane over-the-back catch to give Alabama the ball down inside the 5-yard line.

A short punt and return by Dijon Lee gives Alabama the ball at the Oklahoma 35 with 9:20 to go.

Alabama gets a PBU on third down and forces a big three-and-out deep in Oklahoma territory.

The Sooners will take over at their own 7-yard line with 10:57 to go.

Simpson is sacked on third down, and Alabama will have to punt.

After the big pass play, Alabama has two negative rushes that set up a third-and-11 from the 38.

Simpson drops a dime into the hands of Horton down the sideline to the Oklahoma 37.

The Oklahoma crowd is right back into this game. Big series coming up for the Alabama offense with a new offensive line–– Jaeden Roberts at right guard, Wilkin Formby at right tackle and Geno VanDeMark at left guard.

The next play is a 37-yard strike over the middle from Mateer to Burks for a touchdown to cut into the Alabama lead. Alabama 27, Oklahoma 24- 14:45 4Q

First play of the fourth quarter will be a pass interference on Bray Hubbard to give Oklahoma a first down in Alabama territory.

Rapper 50 Cent comes out on the field in between the third and fourth quarters and is performing live. Alabama's players appear to be enjoying the performance.

END 3: Alabama 27, Oklahoma 17

Third Quarter

A Mateer keep for no gain will be the final play of the third quarter.

Oklahoma converts another third down. Mateer is able to escape pressure to find Blaylock for the first down as the Sooners near midfield.

Mateer keeps on three straight plays, and gets just enough on the third carry for the first down. First first down of the half for the Sooners with just under three minutes to go in the third quarter.

Oklahoma will start at the 25 after another touchback.

Talty is good once again. He connects from 40 yards out this time as Alabama has expanded its lead to double digits. Alabama 27, Oklahoma 17- 4:30 3Q

Kaleb Edwards drops a pass on second down, setting up a third-and-6 from 22. Lots of drops for Alabama tonight. Miller can't get any yards on third down, and Alabama will settle for a field goal.

Simpson shows off his speed on third-and-4 from the 39, keeping to the outside for a 13-yard gain.

Germie Bernard was wide open down the sideline on third-and-2. He drops the pass, but defensive holding on Oklahoma gives Alabama a first down.

The Tide offense goes back to work, starting at its own 38.

Alabama gets a stop on third down and forces another three-and-out. Kane Wommack is fired all the way up. For the first time today, you can hear the Alabama section.

The Alabama defense is coming alive. Back-to-back sacks by the Tide D have set up a third-and-22 for the Sooners.

Have a day Lotzeir Brooks. Incredible catch by the freshman in the corner of the end zone from 30 yards out. Alabama leads for the first time today. Alabama 24, Oklahoma 17- 11:21 3Q

On his first carry since the first play from scrimmage, Alabama running back Daniel Hill busts one up the middle for a 30-yard gain into Oklahoma territory.

Oklahoma is called for a late hit out of bounds on Cole Adams' punt return, and Alabama will have decent field position at the 40. to start an offensive possession.

Alabama defense comes up big and forces a three-and-out for Oklahoma's first second-half possession. Hill-Green had a big hit on third down.

Doud's punt only goes for 39 yards, and Oklahoma will start at the 25.

A false start from Kadyn Proctor makes a manageable third down now third-and-11. Ryan Williams drops the pass on third down, and Alabama will have to punt on its opening possession of the half.

Alabama beats the pressure on first down with a screen to Germie Bernard, who scoots 12 yards for a first down.

Alabama will start at the 25 after a fair catch.

HALFTIME: Alabama 17, Oklahoma 17

The difference in the game is the two takeaways: the blocked punt by Keenan and Brown's pick six.
Really strong half for Oklahoma QB John Mateer outside of the interception: 16-of-24 for 184 yards and a touchdown with another 27 yards and touchdown on the ground.
After a rocky start, Ty Simpson bounced back. He is 9-of-16 for 103 yards and a touchdown.
Alabama has -3 rushing yards in the first half.
Oklahoma is out-gaining Alabama 236-100.

Second Quarter

Alabama gets a stop on third down, and that will be the final play of a crazy half.

Mateer is hit hard on a second down for a three-yard loss. Oklahoma calls a timeout with 14 seconds left.

The Alabama defense stops Mateer on a third-down run, and Alabama calls a timeout with 0:22 left. However, Alabama is called for sideline interference which is a 15-yard penalty and gives the Sooners a first down. Now, the Sooners will call a timeout with 22 seconds left, and Alabama maintains the timeout.

Zabien Brown picks off Mateer on a horrible throw and returns it 50 yards for a touchdown to tie this game up. Alabama 17, Oklahoma 17- 1:18 2Q

Alabama calls timeout with 1:26 to go after a TFL on first down. Tide down to one timeout.

Justin Jefferson and Nikhai Hill-Green both look at each other after Oklahoma picks up 22 yards over the middle on second down with a completion to Jer'Michael Carter.

Mateer carries for two yards as we enter the two-minute timeout. Big opportunity for the Alabama defense to get a stop here before the half, especially since the Tide will get the ball to start the second half.

Conor Talty calmly nails the 35-yard field goal. Alabama is able to get some points off the blocked punt. Oklahoma 17, Alabama 10- 2:08 2Q

Alabama brings in rarely-used running back Dre Washington on third-and-11 from the 17, but pressure blows up the play. Alabama will have to settle for a field goal.

Right after the big gain to Horton, Simpson is sacked for a seven-yard loss on first down. Simpson never saw the pressure from the right side as Marvin Jones Jr. had a free shot at the QB. Missed assignment or communication by the O-line.

Simpson finds Horton for a first down inside the red zone.

Wow. HUGE play in Alabama's favor. The Oklahoma punter drops the snap, and Tim Keenan is able to block it and recover. Alabama will take over at the Oklahoma 30 with 4:23 left in the first half.

BLOCKED ❌

📺ABC/ESPN pic.twitter.com/T2CJTkyTyg
— College Football Playoff (@CFBPlayoff) December 20, 2025

Mateer is nearly sacked on third down. He escapes the pressures and could have run for the first down. Instead, he goes for the home run ball to Xavier Robinson, but the pass is just out of his reach. Oklahoma will punt for the first time since the opening drive.

Oklahoma picks up 15 yards on the first play of the ensuing drive. Deion Burks now has five catches for 68 yards.

That was a nine-play, 75-yard drive that took 3:59 off the clock for the Tide. It breathes a little life into Alabama. Can the defense continue the momentum with a stop or takeaway?

The gutsy decision on fourth down pays off. Simpson finds Brooks, who makes a couple men miss and finds his way into the end zone for a 10-yard TD. First career touchdown for Lotzeir Brooks. Oklahoma 17, Alabama 7- 6:52 2Q

Let ‘em know 1️⃣7️⃣
pic.twitter.com/51Lnw2J3l7
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) December 20, 2025

Simpson connects with Germie Bernard on third-and-6 from the Oklahoma 14, but he's three yards short of the marker. Alabama is going for it on fourth down.

Alabama is able to add on another first down with a completion over the middle to Josh Cuevas down to the Sooner 18.

Everyone remain calm. Alabama has a first down. Simpson finds Brooks for a 27-yard gain into Oklahoma territory.

Alabama is looking to avoid a fourth straight three-and-out, facing a third-and-5 from its own 30. Let's see what Grubb can cook up.

Energy appears very low on the Alabama sideline right now.

The press box is shaking as Sooner fans participate in "Jump Around."

There's obviously plenty of time left in this game, but unless the Alabama offense shows any signs of life on this next offensive drive, you can call this game over. I'm about ready to now.

Mateer connects with Isaiah Sategna III from seven yards out, and the Sooners expand their lead. Oklahoma 17, Alabama 0- 10:51 2Q

Oklahoma converts ANOTHER third down, and the Sooners have it first-and-goal again. Alabama is in dangerous, dangerous territory.

An 18-yard completion to Burks has Oklahoma knocking on the door of the red zone again, already leading by 10.

After review, the call is upheld, and the Alabama defense still can't force a three-and-out. Oklahoma has now converted four third downs.

Oklahoma converts a third-and-8 with a toe-tapping catch on the sideline into Alabama territory. The play is now under review.

Blake Doud has another poor punt, and Alabama isn't really able to flip the field at all. Oklahoma will start at the Sooner 37.

Simpson's pass for Horton on third-and-3 is incomplete, and Alabama will go three-and-out for the third straight possession to start the game.

END 1: Oklahoma 10, Alabama 0

First Quarter

Miller rushes for no gain on the final play of the first quarter.

On first down, Alabama center Parker Brailsford practically carries Jam for three or four extra yards on his seven-yard rush.

Brooks calls a fair catch on this kickoff, and Alabama will have its best field position at the 25. Jam Miller is in at running back for the first time.

Tate Sandell's 51-yard field goal is good to push the Sooner lead to double digits. Oklahoma 10, Alabama 0- 0:45 1Q

On third down, Alabama misses a couple opportunities to tackle Tory Blaylock behind or near the line of scrimmage. He gets into field goal range for OU.

A unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Oklahoma pushes the Sooners back to the 42 and makes it third-and-18. Big opportunity for a stop for the defense.

This game is just a continuation of the SEC championship game for Alabama so far... Offense starts with bad field position and can't move the ball thus allowing the opponent to start with good field position. Not a recipe for success.

Once again, Oklahoma will start with good field position. This time in Alabama territory at the Crimson Tide 46.

Simpson faces pressure on third down, and his pass for Brooks falls incomplete. Alabama will go three-and-out again.

Ty Simpson has to call timeout as the play clock is winding down before Alabama's third-and-10 attempt.

Lotzeir Brooks attempts to provide a spark on kickoff return, but instead Alabama will start at its own 14. Simpson is sacked on first down, and Alabama finds itself back at the 5.

John Mateer keeps from eight yards out, and Oklahoma gets on the board first. Oklahoma 7, Alabama 0- 5:29 1Q

On third-and-10, a screen goes for a big gain down inside the 10. Oklahoma will have first-and-goal. Domani Jackson missed a tackle on the play.

For the most part, Alabama limited Mateer's rushing ability in the first matchup, but he just picked up 11 yards on the ground and a first down to the 25.

After a good play by the defense on first down, Mateer finds Jer'Michael Carter open the middle for a gain down to the Alabama 36.

DeBoer was having a lengthy conversation with one official during that timeout. I can't read lips all the way from the opposite sideline press box, unfortunately.

Because Alabama was unable to move the ball at all, it continues the trend from the SEC title game early on of bad field position for the Tide with good starting field position for the opponent. Oklahoma's second possession will start at its own 41.

Isaiah Horton drops a pass on third-and-5, and Alabama will go three-and-out on its first offensive possession. With how much the Alabama offense has been struggling lately, they can't really afford to drop passes. Obviously, not ideal.

Daniel Hill is Alabama's starting running back. True freshman Kaleb Edwards starts at tight end.

The Oklahoma crowd IMMEDIATELY gets loud after Cole Adams fair catches the punt. Alabama will start its first offensive possession at its own 12-yard line after this commercial break.

The Alabama defense comes up with a stop on third down as Mateer's pass falls incomplete on third-and-10 from the 44. Nice response by the defense.

Oklahoma converts its second third down of the opening drive on a Mateer keep, and the Sooners are now in Alabama territory.

Mateer finds Deion Burks for a nice gain on third down. Burks makes a diving catch on the sideline for the Sooners' first first down.

John Mateer scrambles for no gain on the first play of the game. Domani Jackson started for Alabama over Dijon Lee. Justin Jefferson stops Tory Blaylock for four-yards and brings up an Oklahoma third down.

Oklahoma calls for a fair catch and opens the game from their own 25-yard line.

Pregame

Alabama wins the toss and differs to the second half. Oklahoma will recieve to open the game.

Highest level of the upper deck has a decent amount of empty seats/rows just five minutes before the scheduled kickoff time. The people up there are braving some gales.

Oklahoma has a really cool pregame laser and light show projected on the field.

As per usual, team captain Tim Keenan breaks down the huddle before the team heads back into the locker room for the final time pregame. Kalen DeBoer also took a moment to get in the middle of the huddle and fire the players up.

The first-team offensive line from left to right in warmups: Kadyn Proctor, Kam Dewberry, Parker Brailsford, Wilkin Formby and Michael Carroll.

While the temperature might not be as cold as originally predicted, the wind could have an affect tonight. The flags are WHIPPING in the wind

It is windy in Norman before Alabama’s first round College Football Playoff game against Oklahoma pic.twitter.com/j7G8C2hARU
— Joe Gaither (@JoeGaither6) December 20, 2025

Kalen DeBoer is wearing the same black hoodie he wore for the Iron Bowl, but it is not his traditional "black hoodie of death."

Cuevas and Lewis now come out with the rest of the team for warmups and are both in full pads. Cuevas has a sleeve on his right leg.

Cuevas and Lewis are not with the other tight ends for the initial round of warmups.

Alabama is wearing its traditional, all-white road uniform. The only difference is a CFP patch on the left shoulder.

The time is NOW! 👊#CFBPlayoff | #RollTide pic.twitter.com/WBMagWsDp0
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) December 20, 2025

According to the in-stadium clock, the game will kick off at approximately 7:10 p.m. CT

Alabama's players are dressed in different degrees of warmth to deal with the cold temperatures. Some are bundled up with head coverings, longsleeves and tights. Others are rocking short-sleeve shirts and shorts.

Tight ends Josh Cuevas and Danny Lewis Jr. are listed as "game-time decisions" on the final availability report.

Kalen DeBoer took a pregame stroll around the field in Oklaoma, which is not something he has normally done this season.

Alabama arrived to the stadium around 4:50 p.m.

🔒IN. #CFBPlayoff | #RollTide pic.twitter.com/qbsAkMrg9g
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) December 19, 2025

Students and fans have started to trickle in the stadium at 5:07 p.m. CT. Still no sign of either team on the field.

It looks like Alabama has just brought the pep band version of the Million Dollar Band to Oklahoma.

While the initial forecast at the beginning of the week made it seem like it might be really cold in Norman, it's actually pleasant with temperatures in the mid 50s. It shouldn't get colder than 49 degrees below the game.

Outside the stadium about three hours for the game, there were dozens of drones lined up. Looks like there will be some sort of drone show tonight.

How to watch: No. 9 Alabama at No. 8 Oklahoma

Who: No. 9 Alabama (10-3) vs. No. 8 Oklahoma (10-2)

When: Friday, Dec. 19, 7 p.m. CT

Where: Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Norman, Oklahoma

TV: ESPN and ABC

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

Series: Oklahoma leads, 5-2-1

Last meeting: The Crimson Tide and Sooners met back on Nov. 15 inside Bryant-Denny Stadium with Oklahoma winning 23-21, ending Alabama's nation-leading home winning streak. Alabama out-gained Oklahoma 406-212, but the Sooners were able to haul in three key turnovers to walk away with the road victory. Ty Simpson threw for 326 yards, but his two turnovers proved too costly.

Last time out, Alabama: Alabama had one of its worst performances of the season in a 28-7 loss to Georgia in the SEC Championship Game on Saturday. The Tide finished with -3 rushing yards and was without multiple key players. It was just the second time this season, with the other being the previous Oklahoma matchup, that the Alabama defense did not force a turnover.

Last time out, Oklahoma: The Sooners scraped by in the regular season finale with a 17-13 home win over a beleaguered LSU team. Oklahoma quarterback was 22-of-38 for 318 yards, and his late 58-yard touchdown with 4:16 to go secured the victory.

Opening round CFP schedule

No. 10 Miami (10-2) at No. 7 Texas A&M- Dec. 20, 11 a.m. CT on ESPN and ABC

No. 11 Tulane (11-2) at No. 6 Ole Miss (11-1)- Dec. 20, 2:30 p.m. CT on TNT and HBO Max

No. 12 James Madison (12-1) at No. 5 Oregon (11-1)- Dec. 20, 6:30 p.m. CT on TNT and HBO Max