Alabama is experiencing a turnaround after an initially sluggish performance.
In the College Football Playoff’s opening round on Friday, the Crimson Tide managed to overturn a 17-point deficit against Oklahoma, culminating their first-half rally with a crucial interception return for a touchdown just before the break.
Zabien Brown, Alabama’s defensive back, snagged a pass from Oklahoma’s quarterback John Mateer at midfield and sprinted to the end zone with slightly over a minute remaining in the second quarter.
Oklahoma started the game with momentum, as Mateer scored on a rushing touchdown late in the first quarter, putting the Sooners on the scoreboard first.
The Sooners extended their lead with a 51-yard field goal, followed by Mateer connecting with wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III for another touchdown pass. Their defense effectively stifled Alabama’s offense until midway through the second quarter.
It was then that Alabama’s quarterback, Ty Simpson, found his rhythm, delivering a short touchdown pass to Lotzeir Brooks with just under seven minutes left in the half, sparking the Crimson Tide’s comeback.
Alabama scored again five minutes later after a 35-yard field goal kick.
Mateer was strong for Oklahoma in the first half, completing 16-of-24 passes with 186 yards, and Sooners receiver Deion Burks led all wideouts with 68 receiving yards on five catches.
The 21-year-old quarterback has had a roller-coaster season for Oklahoma, starting the season in the Heisman Trophy conversation, then undergoing hand surgery — and later returning from that surgery in just a month.
Ahead of Friday’s game, Mateer said he was able to reflect a lot on his season, having a mental reset before the CFP.
“It’s been a lot of self-scout,” Mateer said, per News 9. “A lot of looking at stuff we were good at, stuff that we struggled at, stuff other teams know.
“Just getting better every day.”
