Nov 16, 2024; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Mercer extensive receiver Kelin Parsons (13) is tackled by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive again DaShawn Jones (7) and Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Tim Keenan III (96) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama defeated Mercer 52-7. Necessary Credit score: Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa Information Alabama is attempting to maintain its Faculty Soccer Playoff probabilities afloat whereas Oklahoma is working to increase its bowl streak.
The No. 7 Crimson Tide and the Sooners will sq. off for the primary time as Southeastern Convention rivals on Saturday in Norman, Okla.
Alabama (8-2, 4-2 SEC) is driving a three-game profitable streak that has put Kalen DeBoer’s crew again into playoff competition. The Sooners (5-5, 1-5) have dropped 4 consecutive convention video games to place their 25-season bowl streak into hazard.
Turnovers determine to play a big position on Saturday. The Crimson Tide are tied for fourth nationally in turnover margin at plus-13, whereas the Sooners are tied for 72nd at minus-one.
Alabama has pressured three or extra turnovers in every of its final 5 video games, together with 9 interceptions. Oklahoma has turned the ball over a complete of 13 occasions over its final 5 video games.
On Tuesday, Sooners coach Brent Venables identified the scoring margin off turnovers in his crew’s wins versus its losses. Oklahoma is outscoring opponents 63-6 off turnovers in its wins and being outscored 58-7 off turnovers in its losses.
“Whenever you deal with the ball, once more, good issues will often occur,” Venables stated.
Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe presents a novel problem for the Sooners. He’s averaging 223.2 passing yards and 60.8 speeding yards per sport. He is thrown for 15 touchdowns with simply six interceptions and has rushed for 17 scores.
“He is, I feel, again in a extremely great spot with belief within the guys round him,” DeBoer stated. “There’s been somewhat extra continuity with the apply, talent gamers, offensive line. … He is turn into extra comfy in understanding what our crew wants from him to have the ability to win SEC soccer video games.”
The Sooners aren’t practically as settled at quarterback, though sophomore Jackson Arnold will make his fourth consecutive begin since regaining the position in mid-October.
Arnold fumbled 3 times — dropping two — within the Sooners’ 30-23 loss to Missouri on Nov. 9 heading right into a bye week. A kind of fumbles got here close to the top of the sport and was returned for what in the end was the game-winning landing.
“I am unable to fumble like that,” Arnold stated. “Cannot flip the ball over however on the similar time, we have two extra video games. We have two extra nice groups we have to play so we have to place it behind us and transfer ahead.”
Arnold is hoping to have a pair targets again as an even bigger a part of the offense Saturday.
Broad receivers Jalil Farooq and Deion Burks returned after lengthy absences towards Missouri. Burks completed with 5 catches for 44 yards whereas Farooq had two receptions for 11 yards.
Venables stated each might see extra motion towards Alabama.
“They needed to knock off somewhat little bit of rust,” Venables stated. “Actually the quantity, their play capability wasn’t what it will usually be. … We’re hoping that may proceed to enhance as we transfer ahead.”
DeBoer stated this week that Crimson Tide beginning security Keon Sabb was out for the season after present process surgical procedure.
The Tide and the Sooners have met six occasions beforehand, with the final coming in December 2018 in a Faculty Soccer Playoff semifinal. Alabama recorded a 45-34 win.
–Discipline Degree Media