Heading into Week 12, six SEC teams are positioning themselves strongly for the College Football Playoff (CFP). Among them are No. 12 Oklahoma (7-2, 3-2 SEC) and No. 4 Alabama (8-1, 6-0 SEC), who will face off in a midday showdown at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa.
The Crimson Tide remains undefeated in conference play with a perfect record of 6-0. According to ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI), Alabama has a 71.6% chance of extending that streak to 7-0 on Saturday against the Sooners, who sit at 28.4%.
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Alabama is coming off a decisive victory over LSU, winning 20-9 in Week 11. Quarterback Ty Simpson led the team with an impressive performance, throwing for 277 yards on 21 of 35 attempts, including one touchdown and no interceptions. Wide receiver Germie Bernard added to the offensive effort with three catches totaling 79 yards.
Meanwhile, Oklahoma enters this matchup refreshed after a much-needed bye week following its narrow win against Tennessee in Week 10, where OU triumphed 33-27. Quarterback John Mateer had a solid outing, completing all his passes—19 attempts for 159 yards—though he did not throw any touchdowns and recorded one interception. He also showcased his dual-threat ability by rushing for another touchdown on 16 carries that netted him 80 yards. Running back Xavier Robinson was instrumental as well, accumulating 115 yards and one touchdown on his own set of touches.
Alabama’s run game has been inconsistent throughout the season; if Oklahoma can find a way to neutralize the ground attack and keep Ty Simpson from finding rhythm, it could lead to an intriguing contest at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Even if the Sooners manage to keep the game close but ultimately fall short against Alabama, it may not significantly impact their CFP aspirations. For Oklahoma’s offense to succeed against Alabama’s formidable defense—which ranks 18th overall in FBS by allowing just over 303 yards per game—they will need standout performances from both Mateer and emerging talent Tory Blaylock.
Alabama is heavily favored against Oklahoma as it aims to maintain its flawless conference record, with kickoff scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET live on ABC from Tuscaloosa.
Lee Ann joins the Saturday Down South team, bringing over fifteen years of experience covering the SEC as both a sports journalist and football scout. With her keen eye for talent, she has also flexes her skills as the Director of Recruiting for the Rebel Walk( Ole Miss) Herring, is a staff writer at USA Today Sports Wildcats Wire, where she dives into the thrilling world of Kentucky football and basketball. When fall rolls around, you can catch her on air as an analyst for the Wake up 502 College Football Show on Big X Sports Radio 96.1 FM—because who doesn't love a good game day chat? A proud Brown University alum, Lee Ann balances her time between the sidelines and press box with her passion for coaching her boys' youth lacrosse and savoring a fine glass of bourbon alongside a good cigar. So, whether she's dissecting plays or rallying the next generation of athletes, Lee Ann is your spirited insider ready to tackle all things SEC!
