Analysis As Alabama Hosts the Sooners, Week 12

Keys to the Game: Struggles in the Run Game, but Not for Oklahoma

For the Crimson Tide, it has been all through the air. In the last three games, no rusher on Alabama has eclipsed 50 yards on the ground. It wasn’t long ago when we were saying Oklahoma needed to establish the run, and now they have found it with Robinson. Alabama starter Jam Miller is going to suit up for game day, but is still battling an injury. Backup running back Daniel Hill led the team last week with 21 yards on seven carries. Alabama has the third-lowest amount of rushing yards in the SEC, with only 1,022 rushing yards. Still, what Bama lacks in rushing production, they make up for in passing production. They are the 13th-best passing team in the nation with 2,621 yards, which has made Ty Simpson a Heisman contender.

Filling the Gap at Defensive Line

This is the first time we will see Oklahoma since they last played in Knoxville, where they won 33-27. The only downside to their win on the road was an injury to their star defensive lineman, R Mason Thomas. Currently, Thomas is reported as questionable for Saturday’s game. He has been mentioned numerous times in past articles, as he leads the Sooners in sacks with 6.5. The Sooners will look to their other defensive linemen to pick up the production as Alabama thrives in the passing game. Look for freshman Danny Okoye to take the snaps as he has two sacks on the season, one of them against Tennessee when he came in for Thomas.

Winning the Turnover Battle Again

Last year, Oklahoma had three interceptions against Bama and only turned the ball over once. This season, the Sooners have five interceptions as they have struggled to create turnovers through the air. Their last game was the best they had looked in the turnover game all season, forcing five turnovers against Tennessee. They forced three fumbles and two picks, helping the Sooners seal the win. This week, Oklahoma has to do it again. Alabama has 18 forced turnovers and only has one interception. If Oklahoma is able to limit Simpson in the pocket and keep his passing yards to a minimum, it will be a great game. If not, it could be a long game for the Sooners.

Key Players: Ryan Williams, WR, Alabama

Last year Ryan Williams had 37 yards against Oklahoma, being held in check for most of the game until he went for a 40-yard touchdown. Except it was called back and the Tide turned the ball over on downs, making it too late to come back. This year, Williams has battled injuries and has even been demoted to wide receiver two. He will look to avenge the loss from last year and prove the narrative wrong.

Eli Bowen and Peyton Bowen, CBs, Oklahoma

The Bowen boys, Eli and Peyton, are expected to have big roles in Saturday’s game, especially since cornerback Gentry Williams is questionable. Both brothers have struggled to force turnovers this season. Peyton has one interception, which was against Tennessee. Eli has no interceptions this season, but he intercepted Jalen Milroe to start the second half last season. They will be tasked with guarding Ryan Williams and Germie Bernard. A new SEC rivalry could be created after Saturday, depending on the outcome. Both teams are in win-now mode, especially Oklahoma. It will be interesting to see if Oklahoma can limit Ty Simpson without Thomas on the defensive line. Expect a close game, back and forth, and a couple of turnovers. It will be interesting to see if Oklahoma’s pass game can keep up, but I think Robison will produce again. To end, this author believes Oklahoma will win and end Coach DeBoer’s undefeated record at home.  Enjoy the game, everyone, and for all Oklahoma and college football news, stay tuned.

How To Watch
Date and Time: Saturday, Nov. 15th | 3:30 PM EST
Location: Bryant-Denny Stadium
Television: ABC