Alabama’s Ty Simpson and Oklahoma’s John Mateer will bring contrasting styles to their College Football Playoff matchup.

Defensively, Alabama will look to contain an Oklahoma offense that has struggled to score. The Sooners have not topped 14 points since late October. Quarterback John Mateer has been inconsistent, throwing for 138 yards with no touchdowns against Alabama earlier this season. Even in Oklahoma’s 17-13 win over LSU, Mateer threw three interceptions.

Bettors aren't rushing to place wagers on the opening week of this season's College Football Playoff, except for Friday night's Alabama-Oklahoma showdown.

It's College Football Playoff time in Oklahoma. The No. 8 Oklahoma Sooners host the No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide on Friday at Owen Field in Norman.

Kane Wommack has never coached in a College Football Playoff game. Sixteen seasons into his coaching career, the Alabama football defensive coordinator will enter a postseason still in the running for a national championship. It’s something he recognizes. The CFP is different. But don’t get it twisted.

Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer was hit with a clear warning before his team's College Football Playoff game against Oklahoma.

By The Associated Press Ninth-seeded Alabama (10-3) at No. 8 seed Oklahoma (10-2), Friday, 8 p.m. EST (ABC/ESPN) BetMGM College Football Odds: Alabama by 1 1/2. Series record: Oklahoma leads

"I ain't as good as I once was, but I’m as good once as I ever was.” Toby Keith's song reflects where Alabama football's offense is before the CFP.

Matt Severance has released college football picks and best bets for the College Football Playoff first round, as well as his national championship best bet

The 2025 College Football Playoff is set to begin on Friday. No. 8 Oklahoma (10-2, 6-2) hosts No. 9 Alabama (10-3, 7-1) to open the first round on Friday (8 p.m

The quarterbacks will be in the spotlight, as always, but a few other NFL Draft prospects could play key roles Friday night.

The 2025-26 College Football Playoff will begin this weekend. Four College Football Playoff first round games are set to take place. There's one game on Friday night - Alabama vs. Oklahoma - with three games on Saturday.