GAMEDAY: Alabama vs. Oklahoma Playoff Preview & Final Injury Report
The time for talking is over. Tonight in Norman, Oklahoma, the No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide faces the No. 8 Oklahoma Sooners in a rematch that will define Kalen DeBoer's season. A win sends Alabama to the quarterfinals against No. 1 Indiana; a loss sends them home.
Game Information
Final Injury Report
The final availability report has confirmed the news Alabama fans feared: DL LT Overton is officially OUT due to illness. This puts immense pressure on the rest of the defensive line to generate pressure without their top pass rusher.
However, running back Jam Miller is listed as PROBABLE and is expected to play a full role, providing a massive boost to an offense that struggled on the ground in Atlanta. Center Parker Brailsford is also good to go.
Keys to Victory
- Protect Milroe: In the first meeting (a 23-21 loss), Jalen Milroe was under constant duress. With Brailsford healthy, the O-line must give him time to attack downfield.
- Establish the Run: With Miller back, Alabama needs to dictate the tempo. Oklahoma's defense is stout, but a balanced attack can wear them down.
- Win the Turnover Battle: Alabama turned the ball over three times in the regular season loss. In a playoff atmosphere on the road, mistakes will be magnified.
Coach DeBoer has emphasized the team's resilience throughout the week, noting that despite the recent setbacks, the team understands the magnitude of tonight's elimination game.