Sooners end stellar season with 34-24 loss to ‘Bama in college football playoff
Alabama overcame a 17-point deficit late in the second quarter to shift momentum from an Oklahoma team that appeared on a verge of a blow out. The Crimson Tide then never let go, spoiling the Sooners’ first college football playoff game ever played in Norman, 34-24.
It was a mirror of the regular season game between the two blue blood programs played in Tuscaloosa on November 15, when Oklahoma capitalized on three Crimson Tide turnovers to win 23-21
But this time it was Oklahoma’s miscues that allowed Alabama to tie the game up right before the half, going on a 27-point unanswered run by the third quarter’s end, and fending off a fourth quarter surge by the Sooners.
“When we needed to, we couldn’t pull one out like we have several other games this year,” Coach Brent Venables said in his post-game press conference.
Oklahoma scored on three of its first four possessions. QB John Mateer’s athletic ability shined in an 8-yard touchdown run. Tate Sandell scored on a 51-yard field goal. Then Mateer connected with Isaiah Sategna for a 7-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter — giving the Sooners a 17-0 lead.
Mike: Playoff game hopefully just a another step toward a magical season
They said the Michigan game was the biggest of the season. Then it was the Tennessee game. Then it was at Alabama. Then it was LSU. And now the first round of the playoffs against Alabama tonight is the so called biggest in Sooner history.
Well, I have attended more than 250 Oklahoma football games in person. Several national championship games. One won. Several lost. I’ve attended prior college playoff games in Pasadena and Atlanta against some of the best teams ever to play college football.
I was here in Norman when Oklahoma beat Nebraska in 2000. No, I had nothing to do with tearing the goal post down, although I have no comment about whether I was on the field after the game. I’ve seen huge games in the Cotton Bowl in October. Big games in Lincoln. I was there for the heartbreak ending against Boise State out in Glendale.
So, while I know having a playoff game for the first time in Norman is a big deal, I’m going to hold back on making it bigger than several others, including the win over Nebraska in 2000. That was a magical year. This could end up that way — but if it does, then the game tonight will just be one step toward that magical conclusion.