On Saturday afternoon, the Alabama Crimson Tide hosted one of their most important games of the season against the Oklahoma Sooners inside Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
A matchup of two teams ranked with the Top 10 of the US LBM Coaches Poll, Saturday was a massive game for both Alabama and Oklahoma, with each in College Football Playoff contention entering Week 12. Alabama did not need to pick up a second loss with a challenging road trip to Auburn looming in Week 14, while Oklahoma entering Saturday with two losses already, meaning a third could be costly to their CFP aspirations.
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Ultimately, it was the Sooners who came away with a road win in Tuscaloosa, defeating Alabama, 23-21. Oklahoma forced three costly Alabama turnovers in the game, and handed Alabama their second loss of the year, as well as first of the Kalen DeBoer era at home.
Let’s take a look at some instant reactions to Alabama’s loss against Oklahoma on Saturday afternoon.
Turnovers costly for Alabama
Nov 15, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Daniel Hill (4) goes for a fumble against Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kobie McKinzie (11) and defensive back Peyton Bowen (22) during the first half at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby-Imagn Images
Alabama committed three very costly turnovers Saturday against Oklahoma, which ended up being a major reason as to why the Crimson Tide lost. Those turnovers were a Ty Simpson pick six in the first quarter, as well as a fumble on a punt return and a Simpson fumble on a strip sack, both of which set the Sooners offense up in prime field position.
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Alabama’s defense impresses against Oklahoma offense
Despite the loss, Alabama’s defense was certainly impressive against the Sooners offense, limiting Oklahoma to only 212 yards of total offense. The Alabama defense also held Oklahoma to 3-of-13 on third downs, and was a big reason as to why the Crimson Tide still had a chance to take the lead late despite the turnovers.
Daniel Hill emerges as Alabama’s RB1
Nov 15, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Daniel Hill (4) runs the ball against Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Eli Bowen (23) during the third quarter at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images
Daniel Hill was one of the biggest stories for Alabama offensively coming out of Saturday’s game, as the sophomore had a big showing out of the backfield for the Crimson Tide, potentially emerging as the team’s primary back going forward. Hill finished with 60 yards and two touchdowns on 15 rushes lead the Crimson Tide on the ground, as well as three receptions for 37 yards.
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Alabama must win Iron Bowl
Looking ahead, Alabama now has two losses on the season (6-1 SEC), and must win the Iron Bowl in two weeks at Auburn in order to keep their College Football Playoff hopes alive. Alabama will host Eastern Illinois next Saturday before the Iron Bowl.
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This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Alabama football instant reactions to loss vs. Oklahoma Sooners
