ATLANTA — It’s a matchup many have clamored for over the years.

How would Oklahoma’s offense look against Nick Saban and Alabama’s defense on a big stage? Well, get ready for a shootout.

Everyone will get their wish as No. 1 Alabama will face off against No. 4 Oklahoma in the College Football Playoff on Dec. 29. The meeting will take place in the Orange Bowl as Alabama preferred to not face Oklahoma in Dallas, according to ESPN. Kickoff time will be announced later this afternoon. No. 2 Clemson and No. 3 Notre Dame will meet in the Cotton Bowl, the other Playoff semifinal.

Alabama vs. Oklahoma is one of the best possible matchups college football fans could have hoped for. The Sooners score better than anyone in the country, but their defense has struggled all season which has made their games interesting. Alabama scores well and was ranked No. 2 in the country in scoring offense heading into Saturday. Alabama’s defense has been good, but not at the elite level people have come to expect over the years.

We’ll also see the top two Heisman Trophy candidates in Tua Tagovailoa and Kyler Murray. The trophy will be handed out Saturday night, Dec. 8. Murray put on a show in the Big 12 Championship Game against Texas. Tagovailoa, however, struggled against Georgia and was knocked out of the game with a high ankle sprain. Tagovailoa is expected to be out for two weeks, Saban told ESPN. If he’s able to come back healthy, Alabama will be the favorite.

Oklahoma can score with anyone, but they can’t stop anyone. The Sooners have given up 30 or more points in seven games. Their offense has often had to bail them out. Early betting lines have Alabama as a 14-point favorite over the Sooners.

Saban described the Sooners’ offense has dynamic, filled with explosive play-makers.

The last time we saw Oklahoma against an SEC defense came in the playoffs last year. Oklahoma put up big points, but the Bulldogs outlasted the Sooners 54-48 in double overtime. That was with Heisman Trophy winner Baker Mayfield, who was the No. 1 pick in the last NFL Draft.

Murray has surpassed Mayfield’s numbers. He has thrown for 4,053 yards and 40 touchdowns to 7 interceptions. He has also run for 892 yards and 11 touchdowns. Murray, a 2-sport athlete, presents all types of problems for Alabama’s defense. He has a big arm and will let if fly, but he’s also a dangerous runner with speed to burn you. Alabama’s defensive line will have to rush smart and be disciplined so Murray doesn’t run wild out of the pocket. Alabama’s linebackers will have to tackle well in space if Murray does get past the line of scrimmage.

Alabama’s secondary must stay locked in and not let Oklahoma’s receivers get behind them.

It’s easy to just assume because Oklahoma’s defense isn’t great that Alabama will steamroll them. That may be the case. But don’t sleep on the Sooners. They have the type of offense that can score on anyone.

People wanted this matchup and they got it. Get ready for a shootout, y’all.