The Alabama Crimson Tide went into Norman, Oklahoma, considered an underdog in their first round College Football Playoff game, but came away with an impressive comeback win over the Sooners.
Down 17-0 in the first half, the Tide kept fighting and scoring, en route to a 34-24 victory. Standout quarterback Ty Simpson threw for 232 yards and two touchdowns on his 18-of-29 completions to lead the way for a surprising surge to stun the home team.
Following the game, Simpson called out the media for continuing to cast doubt on Alabama’s legitimacy as a CFP contender, suggesting it fueled their desire to prove everyone wrong.
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His head coach, Kalen DeBoer, also addressed all those who have continued doubting the Crimson Tide this season.
“There’s enough confidence within our group to where we don’t… we can see the doubters, we can see the naysayers, and just go still play our game,” coach DeBoer said regarding Alabama critics.
“This group is tight enough that there’s never been any finger-pointing. There’s never been anything like that,” he told reporters.
“We have too many good players, and if you just keep fighting, you’re going to force [the other team] to make a mistake. Something’s gonna happen. Just keep coming after them, play after play,” DeBoer said, putting future opponents on notice.
The Alabama coach’s remarks come amid speculation that he might leave Alabama to become the new coach at Michigan after the program fired Sherrone Moore due to off-field circumstances. However, DeBoer seemingly shut that down with a statement last week, leading up to the Oklahoma game.
Many individuals also speculated that if Alabama had lost, DeBoer would have decided to become the Wolverines’ head coach. However, they won, so that adds to his resume amid the ongoing rumors.
Alabama certainly answered the challenge on the road and also gained some sweet revenge for its loss to the Sooners in Tuscaloosa this past season.
Wide receiver Lotzeir Brooks had five catches for 79 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Daniel Hill added 43 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground. In addition to Simpson and offensive contributors, Deontae Lawson was among the top defensive stars, picking up 10 total tackles and a sack.
Next up, the Crimson Tide face the No. 1 team in the nation, as they visit Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza and the Indiana Hoosiers in the second round of the CFP.
“We know that they got a great team and got a special season going, so it’ll be a great challenge for us,” DeBoer said regarding Alabama’s next matchup.
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