Joel Klatt breaks down Alabama’s impressive win over Oklahoma in CFP, previews Rose Bowl vs. Indiana

Joel Klatt’s Breakdown: Alabama’s Impressive Comeback Win Over Oklahoma and Rose Bowl Preview vs. Indiana

Hey everyone, it’s Joel Klatt here from FOX Sports and The Joel Klatt Show. What a way to kick off the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff! No. 9 seed Alabama’s 34-24 road victory over No. 8 seed Oklahoma on December 19, 2025, in Norman was one of the most thrilling first-round games we’ve seen in playoff history. The Crimson Tide avenged their regular-season loss to the Sooners, rallied from a 17-0 deficit—the largest comeback in CFP history tied with Georgia’s 2017 Rose Bowl win over OU—and punched their ticket to the quarterfinals. Now, they head to the iconic Rose Bowl on January 1, 2026, to face No. 1 seed and undefeated Indiana. Let’s dive deep into what made Alabama’s win so impressive, the key moments, and why this upcoming matchup against the Hoosiers could be an absolute classic.

The Game: Alabama’s Resilience Shines in Norman

Going into this rematch, there were so many storylines. Oklahoma had beaten Alabama 23-21 in Tuscaloosa during the regular season on November 15, 2025, despite being outgained by nearly 200 yards. The Sooners’ elite defense, led by Brent Venables’ aggressive schemes, forced turnovers and limited big plays. Many, including myself pre-game, wondered if OU could replicate that formula at home, especially with Alabama coming off a lopsided SEC Championship loss to Georgia and dealing with some off-field distractions around coach Kalen DeBoer.

But college football is unpredictable, and Alabama flipped the script in spectacular fashion.

The first quarter and a half belonged to Oklahoma. Quarterback John Mateer looked sharp early, throwing for a touchdown and rushing for another. The Sooners’ defense swarmed Ty Simpson, forcing three-and-outs and building a 17-0 lead. Kicker Tate Sandell, the Lou Groza Award winner, nailed a 51-yarder. At that point, it felt like OU was on cruise control—crowd electric, momentum fully on their side. Alabama looked flat, reminiscent of their struggles down the stretch.

Then, everything changed. A pivotal moment came late in the second quarter when Mateer threw an interception that Alabama cornerback Zabien Brown returned 50 yards for a touchdown—a massive swing. Suddenly, it was 17-10 at halftime. The Tide’s defense adjusted, cranking up the pressure with five sacks on Mateer in the game. OU’s offense, which has been inconsistent all year (worst in the CFP field), couldn’t sustain drives.

Alabama exploded for 27 unanswered points spanning the second and third quarters. Freshman wideout Lotzeir Brooks, who hadn’t scored in the regular season, erupted for two touchdowns and season-highs in catches (5) and yards (79). Germie Bernard made an insane mossed catch over a defender to set up a goal-to-go. Running back Daniel Hill punched in a score. Ty Simpson, the sophomore QB, settled in beautifully: 18-of-29 for 232 yards, two TDs, no picks, despite taking four sacks early.

What impressed me most was Simpson’s composure. When things weren’t going well—sacks, dropped passes, deficit—he didn’t flinch. He extended plays with his legs when needed and distributed accurately. This was his best performance in a big spot, showing growth under DeBoer. The offensive line, criticized lately, protected better in the second half. Defensively, Kane Wommack’s unit forced turnovers and shut down OU’s run game (Mateer ended with negative rushing yards after sacks).

Oklahoma mounted a late push, cutting it to 27-24 early in the fourth, but Alabama responded with Hill’s TD run and held on despite a missed FG by Sandell. Final: 34-24. Alabama improved to 11-3, earning their first CFP win since 2021. OU finishes 10-3, still winless in five playoff appearances.

This win was impressive because it showed Alabama’s grit. They were doubted after three losses, including to OU and Vanderbilt. But in elimination mode, on the road, down big—they responded like a championship-caliber team. DeBoer gets his first playoff W, silencing some noise. It avenged the regular-season loss and proved Alabama belongs.

Key Takeaways from Alabama-Oklahoma

1. Comeback Ability: Tying the largest CFP comeback ever speaks to mental toughness. Alabama has blue-chip talent everywhere; when focused, they’re dangerous.
2. Ty Simpson’s Emergence: He’s not Jalen Milroe, but his pocket presence and decision-making were elite here. If he plays like this consistently, Alabama’s ceiling is high.
3. Defensive Adjustments: Brown’s pick-six was huge. The pass rush disrupted Mateer (307 passing yards but costly mistakes).
4. Oklahoma’s Flaws Exposed: Great defense, but offense too limited. Can’t rely on turnovers every week in playoffs.
5. Playoff Road Wins Matter: First true road CFP victory—sets precedent in expanded format.

This game had everything: early dominance, momentum swings, big plays, controversy (some special teams mishaps for OU). It was playoff football at its best.

Preview: Rose Bowl Quarterfinal – No. 9 Alabama vs. No. 1 Indiana

Now, the Granddaddy of Them All awaits on New Year’s Day at 4 p.m. ET (ESPN) in Pasadena. Alabama vs. Indiana—these programs have never met. It’s tradition vs. the ultimate Cinderella: Alabama, third all-time in wins, multiple titles this century; Indiana, historically one of the losingest programs, now 13-0 as Big Ten champs under Curt Cignetti.

Indiana earned the No. 1 seed with an undefeated season, highlighted by road wins at Oregon, Iowa, Penn State, and a Big Ten title upset over Ohio State. QB Fernando Mendoza, the Heisman winner, is a dual-threat star: nearly 3,000 passing yards, 33 TDs, plus rushing scores. He’s clutch, efficient, and surrounded by playmakers. The Hoosiers’ defense is lethal—top-10 in sacks, minimal blitzing needed.

This is a fascinating contrast:

• Styles: Indiana balanced, explosive offense; stout, opportunistic defense. Alabama relies on passing (Simpson’s arm, receivers like Brooks, Bernard, Ryan Williams) but showed run capability vs. OU.
• Strength vs. Strength: Alabama’s O-line vs. Indiana’s pass rush. If Simpson has time like late vs. OU, Tide can score. But Hoosiers force mistakes.
• Experience vs. Momentum: Alabama has playoff pedigree (ninth appearance). Indiana is new to this stage but fearless—beat top teams away.
• Key Matchups:
  • Mendoza vs. Alabama’s secondary (Brown’s ball-hawking).
  • Indiana run game vs. Tide front seven.
  • Special teams—both reliable, but one mistake could swing it.

Alabama enters as underdogs (+ points likely), but that’s motivated them. They showed vs. OU they thrive as road warriors. Indiana is complete—no weak links—but untested against SEC physicality.

I love Indiana’s story; Cignetti transformed them. Mendoza could be the difference in clutch moments. But Alabama’s talent edge and recent momentum make this closer than seeds suggest.

Prediction: This goes down to the wire. Alabama covers, but Indiana advances in a high-scoring affair—say, 38-34 Hoosiers. Mendoza’s Heisman magic shines on the big stage.

Whatever happens, this Rose Bowl has historic vibes: blue blood vs. breakout, sunset in Pasadena, CFP implications huge.

What do you think—can Alabama pull the upset, or does Indiana keep rolling? Drop your thoughts!

Thanks for reading. Catch full breakdowns on The Joel Klatt Show—new episodes weekly. Roll Tide or Hoosier pride? Let’s enjoy this playoff ride.