Staff predictions: Our picks for No. 7 Alabama at Oklahoma
Here’s how Tide Illustrated’s staff thinks Saturday's game between No. 7 Alabama and Oklahoma will play out.
After falling twice away from home already this season, No. 7 Alabama will look to avoid a potential trap game in its final road trip of the regular season. The Crimson Tide (8-2, 5-2 in the SEC) will visit Oklahoma (5-5, 1-5) for a 6:30 p.m. CT kickoff Saturday inside Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.
This will be the seventh matchup between Alabama and Oklahoma. The Sooners hold a 3-2-1 advantage in the series, but the Tide won the most recent meeting, recording a 45-34 victory in the 2018 Orange Bowl. Alabama is currently a 14-point favorite for Saturday’s game, according to the Caesars Sportsbook.
Here’s how Tide Illustrated’s staff thinks the game will play out.
Alabama 34, Oklahoma 10
This is a clash of opposites this week with Alabama and a humming offense going against Oklahoma who has struggled to score more than 16 points per game this season. The Sooners and head coach Brent Venables have played quarterback roulette this season and his offense isn’t getting the job done. That should help Bama’s defense this week. Oklahoma has been okay defensively so this shouldn’t be a crazy high scoring game.— Kelly Quinlan, publisher
Alabama 34, Oklahoma 10
Great minds think alike. For those keeping track at home, technically Kelly is copying me here, as I announced my prediction on this week’s Tide Pod. Like him, I see Oklahoma keeping this one respectable, but I just don’t think the Sooners have the offensive firepower to hang with the Tide.This one will come down to the trenches. Alabama is going to have to take advantage of Oklahoma’s poor pass protection and bring down Jackson Arnold in the backfield. Conversely, the Sooners have the weapons on the defensive front to rattle Milroe and keep things close for a while.
This one might get a little uglier than some might expect. However, I don’t think the outcome will ever be in doubt for Alabama.
— Tony Tsoukalas, managing editor
Alabama 28, Oklahoma 7
I’ve got Oklahoma’s solid defense holding Alabama under 30 points, but the Crimson Tide will still cruise to a comfortable victory in Norman, Oklahoma. Alabama has overcome its struggles on the road and I think it will be fine in a hostile environment in Norman. Quarterback play has been questionable for the Sooners all season and they have one of the worst offensive lines in FBS. I think the Tide’s defense will be hungry to take advantage and possibly score another non-offensive touchdown.— Jack Knowlton, staff writer
Alabama 28, Oklahoma 13
I expect Oklahoma to come out with some fire, potentially keeping the game close early on senior night. But overall, Alabama’s talent should push them over the top in Norman. Oklahoma is not the same program it was when Alabama faced them in the 2018 Orange Bowl. The Sooners no longer have the high-powered offense they once did under Lincoln Riley. Now, they focus more on defense under Brent Venables.This season, Oklahoma has one of the top run defenses in the SEC and a solid pass rush, but their secondary lacks the necessary personnel to defend Alabama’s passing game. I think this will be another big day for Ryan Williams, who I predict will break Amari Cooper’s freshman touchdown record, scoring twice and reaching 12 on the season. While Oklahoma’s defense could cause Alabama some problems, its offense won’t be able to keep up with the Tide.
— Henry Sklar, staff writer
Alabama 31, Oklahoma 14
Alabama is coming off essentially a bye week against Mercer where they got to use some time to practice their decencies.Oklahoma doesn’t have a whole lot to play for and isn’t equipped to beat Alabama with the Tide playing their best ball of the season. Milroe looks healthy and the defense has shown it can sustain multiple weeks of success.
Look for Alabama to play like a birth to the SEC Championship is on the line.
— Jordan Harper, basketball analyst
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