Despite having already beaten four straight ranked opponents, including a win in Athens, Oklahoma is not only the toughest but also the most important game on the Alabama schedule. The Sooners have the best defense the Tide has seen all season, which is worrisome to most, given how inconsistent the offensive line has been all season. To be in November and have no faith in the line is wild, but something that has not stopped Bama to this point.
It is going to take a wonderful game plan from Ryan Grubb and staff, so Ty Simpson has the needed time to see the field. It is no secret that the run game is lacking, but something has to be established on Saturday afternoon, or it may be a long day for the home team.
In addition to the great defensive unit, we honestly have no idea of how the Oklahoma offense will perform. Since John Mateer's injury, it has been a mixed bag for the Sooners, but after a bye week and everything on the line, it is guaranteed, we will see Ben Arbuckle go into his bag. The Alabama defense has gotten better week to week, especially in the redzone, but they will have their work cut out for them. Kane Wommack has had this game circled since Jackson Arnold ran wild last November.
The importance of this game from the Alabama side is not only that it would give Kalen DeBoer a perfect record in revenge games, but also puts the Tide in a good position to play in the SEC Championship game. The pressure will be there, but this team has responded well to pressure all season. Alabama has learned to win many different ways, and unlike a year ago, will come in fully focused on this Sooners bunch that ended their playoff hopes.