Deadspin | No. 4 Alabama locked in, keeps unforgettable loss to Oklahoma in '24 top of mind

[ad_1] Oct 25, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson (15) passes towards the South Carolina Gamecocks within the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Jeff Blake-Imagn Photographs Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer desires his gamers to recollect what occurred when the Crimson Tide performed Oklahoma final season.

Sooners coach Brent Venables hopes his crew carries over the teachings of that recreation with out dwelling on the consequence.

No. 11 Oklahoma and No. 4 Alabama sq. off Saturday in Tuscaloosa, Ala., and the importance within the School Soccer Playoff image is obvious.

For the Crimson Tide (8-1, 6-0 SEC) the sport gives an opportunity to clinch a spot within the SEC Championship Sport, solidify a spot within the School Soccer Playoff and earn some stage of revenge from final season's loss at Oklahoma.

"We've loads of new gamers on the crew, so there are gamers that did not expertise that," DeBoer mentioned of the 24-3 loss in Norman final season. "Those that did definitely higher bear in mind. And perceive that, extra importantly, you are dealing with a extremely good program."

Alabama has gained eight consecutive video games since a season-opening loss at Florida State.

The Sooners (7-2, 3-2) wish to maintain their CFP hopes alive.

"I do not assume that - a 12 months in the past, good or unhealthy - I've by no means carried over wins and losses," Venables mentioned. "You be taught from all of it. I feel it will possibly paralyze you holding onto one thing. Motivated? Yeah. However i believe the motivation for everyone is due to the chance that is sitting. In entrance of us. ... The season for each of us is impacted by the consequence on the finish of the evening."

Whereas Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson performed briefly in final season's loss, he'll be pivotal Saturday.

Simpson is finishing 66.9% of his passes for two,461 yards and 21 touchdowns with only one interception.

"I feel he does an unbelievable job within the pocket, maintaining his eyes downfield and delivering the ball the place it must go," Oklahoma offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle mentioned, noting that he is watched Simpson commonly as he scouts the league's defenses. "I've simply been impressed watching him as a first-year starter and the calmness and the maturity that he exhibits."

Alabama is tied for fourth nationally with a plus-10 turnover margin. After struggling to pressure turnovers for a lot of the season, the Sooners pressured three within the first half alone of their final recreation, a win at Tennessee.

Earlier this season, Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin made some waves when he mentioned Venables and his employees had been adept at stealing indicators.

That is been on the thoughts of Crimson Tide offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb this week.

"We're altering every part," Grubb mentioned. "... They do every part inside the parameters of the sport. Nothing unlawful about what they do. They're good at what they do. Actually need to take that into consideration."

DeBoer mentioned he anticipated left guard Kam Dewberry could be accessible Saturday after struggling an harm in final week's win over LSU.

Venables mentioned throughout final week's bye week that he anticipated a number of injured gamers to return vs. Alabama.

Oklahoma may very well be with out star defensive finish R Mason Thomas, who suffered a leg harm returning a fumble for a landing within the Sooners' win over Tennessee.

Linebacker Kobie McKinzie's standing can be unclear. McKinzie was injured early in Oklahoma's Oct. 25 loss to Ole Miss and went by way of warmups earlier than the Tennessee recreation earlier than sitting out.