No. 9 Alabama heads to Norman, OK, to face No. 8 Oklahoma in the opening round of the 2025 College Football Playoff on Friday, December 19 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN. The Sooners beat the Tide 23-21 in their only meeting this season, and that regular-season result still looms large, especially with th e winner advancing to face top-seeded Indiana in the Rose Bowl. Oklahoma’s defense drove that first matchup, creating pressure and forcing mistakes, while Alabama struggled to find offensive rhythm late. This rematch brings higher stakes and far less margin for error. ...read more read less