Alabama Preview: Bama looks to keep title hopes alive in Norman
A late season road trip to Oklahoma is the next test facing the surging Tide.
By: Dave in Tuscaloosa
It certainly looks like Alabama’s new head man knows how to win in November. In the last five seasons as a head coach, Kalen DeBoer boasts an impressive 14-1 record in November, and if he can reach 16-1, it will mean that the 2024 Tide will be fighting for not only a conference title, but a national championship as well. Pretty good for a guy who some wanted to run out of town after a rough three weeks in October. Now, the Tide is two wins away from what is shaping up to be a very special debut for DeBoer and his staff.
The Sooners are coming off a bye week and the last time we saw Oklahoma on the field, they were giving up a late lead to Missouri on their way to losing to the Tigers, 30-23. The offense has struggled and currently ranks 91st in the country, averaging 25.1 points per game. Oklahoma has used two quarterbacks, starter Jackson Arnold (61%, 12 touchdowns to 3 interceptions) and freshman Michael Hawkins (62%, 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions). Arnold has re-taken the reins as the starter down the stretch. Top back Jovontae Barnes averages 4.7 yards per carry, and tight end Bauer Sharp leads the team in receptions with 39, 2 of which have gone for touchdowns. The Sooners have used two kickers who are a combined 14-19 with a long kick of 56 yards. Their offensive line has been an area of concern throughout the year. Another concern has been production on third down, as the Sooners are only converting 34% of the time. Oklahoma has fared better on defense, where they rank 40th in the country, surrendering 21.9 points per game. In losses to Tennessee, Texas, South Carolina, Ole Miss, and Missouri, the defense has given up an average of 35 points per game. So far this season, the defensive line has underperformed.
Meanwhile, Alabama has been ascending, and for the last three weeks have been playing excellent football. The offense ranks 8th in the nation in scoring, averaging 39.5 points per game. Quarterback Jalen Milroe has been brilliant, completing 67% of his passes while throwing 15 touchdowns against 6 interceptions. He has proven to be dynamic on the ground as well, scoring 15 rushing touchdowns. Milroe is only the 5th quarterback in SEC history to throw for 15 touchdowns while rushing for 15 as well. Backs Justice Haynes, Jam Miller, and Richard Young have combined for 15 scores. The receiving corps has had a superstar all season in freshman Ryan Williams (8 touchdowns), and recently, Germie Bernard and tight ends CJ Dippre and Josh Cuevas have become factors. Here’s hoping that veterans Kobe Prentice and Kendrick Law as well as freshman Emmanuel Henderson Jr. catch fire and become factors down the stretch. Bama’s offensive line has shown considerable improvement as of late, and the unit is gelling at the right time. Reliable punter James Burnip is averaging 42.5 yards a boot and placekicker Graham Nicholson has hit on 5 of 7 attempts with a long kick of 47 yards.
Defensively, Kane Wommack’s unit continues to impress after a mid-season slump. They are 10th in the nation in scoring defense, giving up an average of 16.9 points per game. The linebacking crew led by veterans Jihaad Campbell and Deonte Lawson continue to lead the way, however a young defensive line and secondary, led by senior Malachi Moore, are becoming units of note as well. The Tide have caused 9 turnovers in the last three games.
These teams have not met since 2014 when Oklahoma bested the Tide in the Sugar Bowl, 45-31. Look for the Sooners to keep this one close early. But Alabama knows how to play in hostile environments as shown by Tide blowouts at Wisconsin and LSU, and after getting their footing late in the 1st quarter, Jalen Milroe and company will start to grind down the Oklahoma defense. Meanwhile, Campbell, Lawson, Moore and their defensive teammates should frustrate Arnold and the Sooner offense. Bama takes control before half and cruises to an impressive win in Norman before turning their full attention to the Iron Bowl.
Alabama 35
Oklahoma 14
