Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer desires his gamers to recollect what occurred when the Crimson Tide performed Oklahoma final season.
Sooners coach Brent Venables hopes his workforce carries over the teachings of that recreation with out dwelling on the outcome.
No. 11 Oklahoma and No. 4 Alabama sq. off Saturday in Tuscaloosa, Ala., and the importance within the Faculty Soccer Playoff image is evident.
For the Crimson Tide (8-1, 6-0 SEC) the sport gives an opportunity to clinch a spot within the SEC Championship Sport, solidify a spot within the Faculty Soccer Playoff and earn some degree of revenge from final season’s loss at Oklahoma.
“Now we have quite a lot of new gamers on the workforce, so there are gamers that did not expertise that,” DeBoer mentioned of the 24-3 loss in Norman final season. “Those that did definitely higher keep in mind. And perceive that, extra importantly, you are going through a very good program.”
Alabama has received eight consecutive video games since a season-opening loss at Florida State.
The Sooners (7-2, 3-2) wish to preserve their CFP hopes alive.
“I do not suppose that – a 12 months in the past, good or unhealthy – I’ve by no means carried over wins and losses,” Venables mentioned. “You study from all of it. I believe it could possibly paralyze you holding onto one thing. Motivated? Yeah. However i feel the motivation for everyone is due to the chance that is sitting. In entrance of us. … The season for each of us is impacted by the outcome on the finish of the night time.”
Whereas Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson performed briefly in final season’s loss, he’ll be pivotal Saturday.
Simpson is finishing 66.9% of his passes for two,461 yards and 21 touchdowns with only one interception.
“I believe he does an unbelievable job within the pocket, retaining his eyes downfield and delivering the ball the place it must go,” Oklahoma offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle mentioned, noting that he is watched Simpson frequently as he scouts the league’s defenses. “I’ve simply been impressed watching him as a first-year starter and the calmness and the maturity that he exhibits.”
Alabama is tied for fourth nationally with a plus-10 turnover margin. After struggling to pressure turnovers for a lot of the season, the Sooners compelled three within the first half alone of their final recreation, a win at Tennessee.
Earlier this season, Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin made some waves when he mentioned Venables and his employees had been adept at stealing indicators.
That is been on the thoughts of Crimson Tide offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb this week.
“We’re altering all the pieces,” Grubb mentioned. “… They do all the pieces inside the parameters of the sport. Nothing unlawful about what they do. They’re good at what they do. Definitely need to take that into consideration.”
DeBoer mentioned he anticipated left guard Kam Dewberry can be obtainable Saturday after struggling an damage in final week’s win over LSU.
Venables mentioned throughout final week’s bye week that he anticipated a number of injured gamers to return vs. Alabama.
Oklahoma might be with out star defensive finish R Mason Thomas, who suffered a leg damage returning a fumble for a landing within the Sooners’ win over Tennessee.
Linebacker Kobie McKinzie’s standing can be unclear. McKinzie was injured early in Oklahoma’s Oct. 25 loss to Ole Miss and went via warmups earlier than the Tennessee recreation earlier than sitting out.
–Area Degree Media
