Overview
- Three giveaways — a Ty Simpson pick-six, a Simpson strip-sack and a fumbled punt — led to 17 Sooners points in the two-point loss.
- Despite 406 yards and roughly a 10-minute possession edge, Alabama’s 13-play final drive stalled at its own 48 as Ryan Grubb said the offense "ran out of downs."
- Grubb stressed getting the ball out faster and decision-making for Simpson, while Kalen DeBoer expressed confidence in the team’s response heading into Eastern Illinois and then Auburn.
- Staff defended the offensive line, praising Wilkin Formby’s move to right guard and freshman Michael Carroll at tackle, noting improved pocket integrity even as the run game managed just 80 yards.
- National voices questioned Alabama’s playoff ceiling and noted Simpson’s fading Heisman buzz, with projections indicating the Tide likely need to win out to stay on track.