Alabama’s Season Ends as Sooners Run Rampant

Norman, OK - The Alabama Crimson Tide traveled to Norman, Oklahoma for a game that determined their season. The Crimson Tide wins out, and it is playing in the SEC Championship game with a chance at the College Football Playoffs. Alabama loses to Oklahoma or Auburn, and the playoff hopes whisk away in the brisk, November air.

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In the first half, the wrong Alabama team showed up for the Crimson Tide faithful. Alabama came out flat on offense to begin the game, and a cold November night in Norman seemed to be affecting the wide receivers, as Alabama dropped four passes in the first half - Ryan Williams had a ball go through his hands, CJ Dippre was hit by two in the chest, and Germie Bernard lost a ball in the lights on what should have been an easy completion from Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe.

However, it wasn't like Milroe was Superman with no Justice League. Alabama's dual-threat quarterback carried the ball nine times for -2 yards rushing in the first half - a stark contrast to what he did last time Alabama went on the road to Baton Rouge against the LSU Tigers.

The Alabama defense reverted to what it looked like during the loss to Vanderbilt, being victimized by the run game. At halftime, the Alabama defense gave up 205 yards on the ground. Oklahoma had not had over 150 rushing yards in an SEC game all year.

The disaster got even worse on the final Oklahoma drive of the first half - as star Alabama linebacker Deontae Lawson went down with a lower-body injury and did not return to the contest.

The bottom line - Alabama looked like it got punched in the mouth and got caught in a trap game ahead of the Iron Bowl. Additionally, play calling was unquestionably poor in the first half, with Milroe running the ball nine times himself and the Alabama defense lining up in a three-man front while Oklahoma gashed Alabama for 7.2 yards per carry.

The second half saw an even worse start, with Milroe throwing an interception on a receiver screen on the third play of Alabama's opening second-half drive.

Five plays later, Oklahoma running back Xavier Robinson takes the pitch left from Sooner quarterback Jackson Arnold and walks in for an Oklahoma touchdown to give the Sooners a 17-3 lead over the Crimson Tide, just four minutes into the second half.

And it got worse.

Milroe tossed another interception on the following drive and the Oklahoma defense joined in on the scoring party, taking the pick 49 yards in the opposite direction for six points.

Oklahoma was stunning Alabama 24-3 midway through the third quarter.

A do-or-die drive followed for Alabama and quarterback Jalen Milroe, and Alabama went 11 yards before punting.

From there, the dam broke.

Alabama started its next drive on their own 44-yard line.

Milroe and Ryan Williams connected for a beautiful touchdown where Ryan Williams contorted his body to keep one foot in bounds to catch the touchdown, breathing life back into the Alabama offense; and a bad call ended any hopes of a comeback the Crimson Tide had.

The Crimson Tide did not score a touchdown at all in this game. The Crimson Tide will have to revisit their offense before they square off against Auburn.

Alabama falls to 8-3 this season with a 24-3 loss to Oklahoma, with no hopes at the SEC Championship game, nor the 12-team College Football Playoffs.

Stat Leaders

Passing: Jalen Milroe - 11-26, 164 yards, 3 INT
Rushing: Jam Miller - 12 carries, 45 yards
Receiving: Germie Bernard - 4 catches, 60 yards
Defensive: Jihaad Campbell - 12 tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss.

The Sportsbook at Pear River Resort and Casino in Mississippi sponsors coverage of Alabama and Oklahoma. Want to get in on the sports betting action? Download the free Pear River Sportsbook app in a state where sports gambling is legal!

Alabama will return to Tuscaloosa for the final regular season game against the Auburn Tigers. Kick-off for the Iron is slated for 2:30 p.m. CT.