Alabama erases 17-0 deficit, ties Oklahoma with pick-6
By David Wasson
Published:
The No. 9 seed Alabama Crimson Tide wiped out a 17-point deficit in a stunning 2nd quarter on Friday night, as Zabien Brown delivered a 50-yard Pick-6 late in the first half to make it 17-17 against No. 8 Oklahoma at halftime.
The Crimson Tide amassed only 12 yards and trailed 10-0 through the first quarter, with Mateer adding a 7-yard touchdown pass to Isaiah Sategna III early in the second quarter. But Alabama answered with a 10-yard touchdown pass from Ty Simpson to Lotzier Brooks to make it 17-7 with 6:52 remaining in the first half.
That’s when Oklahoma started to self-destruct, as punter Grayson Miller fumbled a punt snap and saw his ensuing attempt blocked by Tim Keenan III. That turnover resulted in a 35-yard Conor Talty field goal to make it 17-10 with 2:08 to go.
Oklahoma then drove to near midfield and looked to extend its lead, only to see Mateer completely miss the presence of Brown lurking on an out route at midfield. Brown stepped in front of the pass, evaded Mateer’s tackle attempt and made it to the end zone for his second interception return for a touchdown this season – adding to a 99-yard interception return for a score against then-No. 11 Tennessee on Oct. 18.
An APSE national award-winning writer and editor, David Wasson has almost four decades of experience in the print journalism business in Florida and Alabama. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and several national magazines and websites. He also hosts Gulfshore Sports with David Wasson, weekdays from 3-5 pm across Southwest Florida and on FoxSportsFM.com. His Twitter handle: @JustDWasson.
