Sooners' CFP run ends at home as Alabama answers in the rematch
vs. Alabama (CFP First Round) · Mon, Dec 22, 2025 · Record after: 10-3 (6-2 SEC)
Oklahoma's landmark 2025 season closed with a 24-34 loss to Alabama in the College Football Playoff first round at Memorial Stadium. The Sooners finished 10-3 and earned their first CFP berth in the SEC era, but the Crimson Tide's balanced offense and red-zone efficiency proved the difference in the rematch.
QB Watch
John Mateer finished 22-of-38 for 241 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception while adding 42 rushing yards. He moved the ball in chunks — three completions of 25+ yards — but Alabama's pressure disrupted timing on third down, where OU converted just 4 of 14 attempts. The dual-threat foundation was there; finishing drives was not.
22-38, 241 yds
Mateer Pass
2 / 1
Pass TD / INT
42
Rush Yds
4-14
3rd Down
Offense Report
Oklahoma totaled 368 yards and scored on three of four red-zone trips, but field position and explosive-play margin favored Alabama. The Sooners averaged 5.1 yards per play — respectable — yet managed only one play of 40+ yards. Ben Arbuckle's unit leaned on Mateer's legs and Isaiah Sategna III underneath, but the Tide limited the ground game to 3.4 yards per carry.
368
Total Yds
5.1
Yards/Play
3.4
Rush YPC
3-4 TD
Red Zone
Defense Report
Brent Venables' unit generated pressure but could not sustain stops after the first quarter. Alabama scored touchdowns on four of five red-zone possessions and averaged 6.8 yards per play. OU's defense held up on early downs (42% success rate allowed) but gave up three explosive pass plays of 30+ yards that flipped field position.
34
Pts Allowed
412
Yards Allowed
2
Sacks
3 (30+ yds)
Explosive Plays
What's Next
The 2025 chapter is closed at 10-3 with a CFP berth — a program reset year by any measure. Attention turns to spring practice, roster development, and a 2026 schedule that opens with UTEP at home before a road trip to Michigan. Boomer Ball will publish a fresh Monday Morning Quarterback after every 2026 game.
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Advanced analytics
EPA, success rate, havoc, and estimated grades — the numbers behind the narrative.