The College Football Playoff kicks off with a major showdown that resembles a national title semifinal more than a first-round game. #9 Alabama and #8 Oklahoma are among the most prominent teams in the sport, and their clash in Norman on Friday night is charged with genuine tension and significant stakes.

On paper, Alabama might appear to be the more well-rounded team, but Oklahoma has already demonstrated its ability to defeat the Crimson Tide this season — and did so in Tuscaloosa. With the Sooners enjoying favorable odds at home and showcasing one of the fiercest defenses in the nation, this matchup stands out as one of the most intriguing toss-ups in the entire playoff landscape. How do our #9 Alabama vs. #8 Oklahoma picks see it playing out?

#9 Alabama vs. #8 Oklahoma Predictions for the CFB Playoffs, Friday, 12/19

This marks only the ninth all-time encounter between Alabama and Oklahoma, yet it feels like a rivalry clash due to the playoff context and recent outcomes. Oklahoma takes the field as the home team, having earned its position as the highest-ranked two-loss team in the playoff, while Alabama comes in eager to demonstrate its worth after a rocky end to the season.

The Crimson Tide showed dominance at times under head coach Kalen DeBoer, but their late-season showings against Auburn and Georgia raised some serious questions. On the other hand, Oklahoma relied heavily on its defense throughout the season and managed to secure victories even when the offense struggled — including a narrow 23-21 win over Alabama just a few weeks ago.

 

 

 

#9 Alabama vs. #8 Oklahoma Best Bet: Sooners ML (+105 at Rebet)

The Tide are more effective offensively, possess a deeper skill-position group, and can throw the ball proficiently with Ty Simpson. However, making #9 Alabama vs. #8 Oklahoma predictions on this matchup solely based on season-long statistics overlooks two crucial elements: current form and matchup dynamics.

Let’s begin with Alabama’s recent performance. They were overwhelmed by Georgia in the SEC Championship and really struggled in the Iron Bowl against a bad Auburn team. They can’t make some of those same errors they did in those games here, as they’re even more amplified against an Oklahoma defense that excels at creating disruption.

The Sooners’ defensive line is the focal point of this matchup. Oklahoma concluded the regular season as one of the top defenses in the nation based on EPA per play, and this was evident in their first encounter. Alabama was able to move the ball between the 20-yard lines, but their drives faltered, pressure increased, and mistakes ensued. This was not a coincidence — it was Oklahoma taking control.

The key advantage for the Sooners lies in the trenches. Alabama’s rushing game has been inconsistent all season, and this problem became particularly evident against top-tier defensive lines. When Alabama struggles to run the ball, they become predictable, allowing Oklahoma to unleash its pass rush. Even if the Sooners don’t accumulate sacks, they consistently tighten the pocket and compel quarterbacks to hasten their decision-making.

On the offensive side, Oklahoma doesn’t need to dazzle to secure a win. They just need to be efficient and avoid mistakes, which is precisely how they performed in their first encounter. John Mateer wasn’t at his best then, but he managed to protect the football, convert crucial third downs with help from his mobility, and made just enough passes to keep Alabama on their toes.

Mateer is expected to be closer to full health now, and playing at home is a significant advantage. Memorial Stadium will be buzzing with energy, which tends to boost Oklahoma’s defense while causing communication problems for opposing offenses. Alabama has the talent to handle that atmosphere, but they’re not immune to shifts in momentum — particularly if an early turnover or stalled drive allows the crowd to take control.

With favorable odds, you’re not being asked to lay points or predict a comfortable victory. You’re simply supporting the home team that already has a victory over this opponent, possesses the defensive edge, and is equipped to endure a tough playoff atmosphere in a genuine toss-up, which represents value in our #9 Alabama vs. #8 Oklahoma predictions.

 

 

 

How To Watch #9 Alabama vs. #8 Oklahoma - CFB Playoffs

  • Date: Friday, December 19, 2025
  • Kickoff: 8:00 PM ET
  • TV: ABC / ESPN
  • Location: Memorial Stadium, Norman, Oklahoma

#9 Alabama vs. #8 Oklahoma Odds, Spreads, Total & Betting Lines

As we share our #9 Alabama vs. #8 Oklahoma predictions, we’re excited to provide the most recent #9 Alabama vs. #8 Oklahoma odds from Rebet for this thrilling matchup:

  • Money Line (ML): Crimson Tide -109 | Sooners +105
  • Spread: Crimson Tide -1.5 (+106) | Sooners +1.5 (-109)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 40.5 (O: +101 | U: -111)

 

 

 

#9 Alabama vs. #8 Oklahoma Injury Report & Latest News

Alabama Injury Report

  • K. Riley (RB) – Out, Undisclosed
  • L. Overton (DL) – Out, Undisclosed
  • D. Kirkpatrick Jr. (CB) – Out, Undisclosed
  • J. Latham (LB) – Out, Neck
  • K. Howard (CB) – Out, Undisclosed
  • J. Beaman (DL) – Out, Lower Body

Oklahoma Injury Report

  • J. Newcombe (CB) – Out, Undisclosed
  • J. Barnes (RB) – Probable, Undisclosed
  • K. Dolby (CB) – Out, Undisclosed
  • G. Williams (CB) – Out, Undisclosed
  • J. Maikkula (OG) – Questionable, Undisclosed
  • T. Everett (OG) – Out, Undisclosed

 

 

 

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