The RB's status was one of a variety of topics the Sooners' coach touched on during his pre-CFP press conference.

Oklahoma beat Alabama during the regular season by taking advantage of the Crimson Tide’s mistakes, including three turnovers — one an interception returned for a touchdown — and a missed field goal. The Sooners also had a long punt runback that led to a short-field touchdown.

Oklahoma and Alabama meet Friday night again. While the Crimson Tide believes the rematch can swing their way, the Sooners’ defense proved in Tuscaloosa that it can control the moments that matter most.

Alabama and Oklahoma will face each other in the College Football Playoff just a month after they squared off in Tuscaloosa.

Josh Pate previews Saturday’s first-round College Football Playoff game in Norman. Subscribe to “Josh Pate’s College Football Show” on YouTube.

DeBoer and the Crimson Tide's chief focus can now be on the Sooners after a previous loss to Oklahoma last month put Alabama in several playoff elimination games down the stretch. The Crimson Tide suffered three giveaways during that 23-21 setback in Tuscaloosa despite doubling Oklahoma in total yardage and largely dominating the contest.

The Sooners no doubt needed time off from a health standpoint, but Arbuckle is still asking a lot of his offense to prep for Alabama.

According to DeBoer’s contract, obtained by AL.com via an open records request, he would be on the hook for a $4 million buyout. That’s a lot of money, but would not be a deterrent to a big-time college football program, which would likely cover the bill if one were to poach DeBoer.