Oklahoma delivered one of college football’s biggest upsets on Saturday, Nov. 15. The #11 Sooners defeated #4 Alabama 23-21 in Tuscaloosa. This victory dramatically reshapes the College Football Playoff picture heading into championship season. Oklahoma’s defense carried the day with multiple shutdowns in the final moments.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Oklahoma upset Alabama 23-21 in Week 12 action.
- Alabama plummeted from #4 to #10 in AP rankings.
- Oklahoma climbs into playoff contention at approximately #8.
- The Sooners’ defensive performance featured 7 tackles and 2 sacks from Kip Lewis.
- Third CFP rankings release set for Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 8:30 PM ET on ESPN.
The Upset That Shook College Football
The Oklahoma Sooners pulled off the shocker everyone needed. #11 Oklahoma traveled to Tuscaloosa and beat #4 Alabama on the road. The final score of 23-21 marked one of this season’s most stunning results. Alabama entered the game undefeated but couldn’t overcome Oklahoma’s defensive intensity.
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This victory sends massive ripples through the playoff race. Oklahoma was on the bubble beforehand. Now the Sooners find themselves squarely in the playoff picture. Alabama‘s loss eliminates talk of the Crimson Tide’s first-round bye advantages.
“Oklahoma surges into College Football Playoff contention.”
Defensive standout Kip Lewis led the charge with seven tackles and two sacks. His pressure kept Alabama’s offense off-balance throughout. The Sooners’ defense dominated in crucial moments. Oklahoma forced critical stops when it mattered most down the stretch.
Playoff Implications And Rankings Shifts
This single game restructures the entire playoff landscape. Alabama dropped six full spots in the rankings. The Crimson Tide fell from #4 to #10 in the AP Poll. The Coaches Poll showed similar movement with an identical drop.
Meanwhile, Oklahoma isn’t just staying put—they’re climbing fast. Projections paint the Sooners at approximately #8 in the third CFP rankings. This represents a jump of three spots from their previous #11 position. The committee will make official rankings clear soon enough.
The 12-team playoff format means more opportunities than ever. Oklahoma still needs strong finishing performances. But the path forward looks infinitely clearer after beating Alabama. The Sooners’ resume now includes a marquee road victory. That’s exactly what playoff voters love seeing.
| Team Ranking | Previous (AP Poll) | Current (AP Poll) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | #4 | #10 | Drop -6 |
| Oklahoma | #11 | ~#8 (projected) | Rise +3 |
| Georgia | #5 | #4 (moved up) | Rise +1 |
The CFP selection committee releases official rankings on Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 8:30 PM ET. Fans can watch live on ESPN and the ESPN app. This marks the third set of rankings from the committee. Previous rankings affected playoff seeding discussions nationwide.
What Happens To Alabama’s Playoff Chances?
Alabama shouldn’t panic despite the loss. A single defeat doesn’t eliminate the Crimson Tide. The 12-team format provides significant flexibility. However, Alabama’s path definitely got harder. A first-round bye is probably gone now.
Alabama still controls parts of its destiny. The Crimson Tide faces Auburn in the Iron Bowl next weekend. Winning that rivalry game is crucial. The winner improves dramatically in playoff consideration. Analysts debate whether Alabama stays in the top 12. Most believe the Crimson Tide still makes the playoff field.
The bigger concern involves seeding and positioning. A #10 ranking suggests Alabama enters as an 8-12 seed potentially. That means a tough first-round matchup. Every subsequent win becomes essential for Alabama’s title hopes moving forward.
Oklahoma’s Path Forward: What’s Next?
- Next game: Oklahoma hosts a rivalry opponent in Week 13 football action.
- Remaining schedule: The Sooners must win out to lock in higher seeds.
- Resume builder: The Alabama win is elite; playoff voters reward top-tier scalps.
- Defense wins: Oklahoma’s unit showed why they belong in December playoffs.
- Conference factor: The SEC nod doesn’t help Oklahoma in committee evaluations.
The Sooners proved they can beat ranked opponents. Oklahoma plays with swagger and defensive intensity. Their front seven creates havoc. The secondary communicates effectively. These factors win in tournament environments. Playoff committees look for teams getting better. Oklahoma just answered that call definitively against Alabama.
Does This Shake Up The Entire CFP Race?
Absolutely. This single upset changes multiple tier conversations. Ohio State continues sitting pretty at #1 most likely. Indiana remains in contention. But the middle and bottom of the top 12 just became wide open. Teams at #6-12 now feel pressure differently.
Georgia likely moves into the top four now. The Bulldogs beat Texas convincingly. Their strength of schedule looks better than Alabama’s suddenly. Texas A&M sits securely. Texas Tech and Ole Miss hover around the playoff line.
The third CFP ranking release on Tuesday night tells the whole story. Will Oklahoma crack inside top eight? Does Alabama stay in the playoff field? Where do conference champions land? These questions get answered officially. Fans and analysts worldwide will have clarity soon enough. Until then, Oklahoma’s upset remains college football’s biggest storyline entering championship weekend.
What do you think—did Oklahoma solidify a playoff spot? Will Alabama recover from this devastating home loss? The answers come Tuesday night.
Sources
- ESPN – Game recap and CFP rankings analysis
- Yahoo Sports – Week 13 poll updates and rankings commentary
- USA Today Sports – CFP ranking predictions and implications
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.