Sooners shock No. 4 Alabama in Tuscaloosa
at Alabama · Mon, Nov 17, 2025 · Record after: 8-2 (4-2 SEC)
John Mateer and a composed Oklahoma defense delivered the signature win of Brent Venables' fourth season, knocking off Alabama 23-21 in Bryant-Denny Stadium. The victory pushed the Sooners to 8-2 and announced that OU belonged on the national stage in year two of SEC play.
QB Watch
Mateer was at his best on the road: 18-of-28 for 231 yards, a touchdown, and no turnovers, plus 61 rushing yards on designed runs and scrambles. He converted third downs with his legs twice in the second half and managed the game without a turnover against a defense that had forced 18 takeaways entering the week.
18-28, 231 yds
Mateer Pass
1 / 0
Pass TD / INT
61
Rush Yds
142.7
QB Rating
Offense Report
Arbuckle's offense did not need fireworks — just efficiency. Oklahoma averaged 5.6 yards per play, won time of possession 32:18 to 27:42, and leaned on a balanced 245 yards passing and 142 rushing. The Sooners scored on both trips inside the 20 and avoided the self-inflicted mistakes that had plagued earlier SEC losses.
387
Total Yds
5.6
Yards/Play
32:18
TOP
0
Turnovers
Defense Report
Venables' group bent but did not break. Alabama gained 402 total yards but went 2-of-5 in the red zone, and OU's front generated four sacks. The Sooners held the Tide to 3.9 yards per carry and forced a critical punt in the fourth quarter that set up the game-winning field position.
402
Yards Allowed
4
Sacks
3.9 allowed
Rush YPC
2-5 TD
Red Zone
What's Next
At 8-2, Oklahoma controlled its path to the SEC Championship race with Missouri and LSU still on the schedule. A home date with Missouri loomed as the Sooners tried to lock down a top-four seed — and a potential rematch with Alabama down the road.
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