• Reuters
• Detroit News
• Detroit Free Press
• Detroit Free Press
• SI

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Michigan Football in Turmoil: Moore Fired, Coaching Search Faces Early Rejections

In a stunning sequence that has rocked college football and heightened scrutiny on the University of Michigan’s athletic leadership, the Wolverines have begun a tumultuous coaching search following the firing of head coach Sherrone Moore.

Swift Firing After Credible Policy Violations

On December 10, 2025, Michigan announced it had fired Sherrone Moore “with cause” after an internal investigation concluded there was credible evidence that the coach engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a team staff member — a violation of university policy. The dismissal came just hours before Moore’s arrest on felony and misdemeanor charges, including third-degree home invasion and stalking, related to an alleged incident with that same staffer. (Reuters)

Moore’s abrupt departure marks the latest high-profile controversy at Michigan, a program already wrestling with public blowback from past NCAA compliance issues tied to a sign-stealing investigation that led to suspensions and sanctions earlier this year. (Wikipedia)

Interim coach Biff Poggi has been installed to lead the Wolverines into the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl against Texas, a matchup now overshadowed by the off-field saga and its emotional toll on players. Poggi and team leaders have publicly acknowledged feelings of betrayal and shock among the roster and families. (Reuters)

Coaching Search Hits Early Snags: DeBoer and Dillingham

Michigan’s effort to hire a permanent head coach has already encountered notable resistance.

Kalen DeBoer, the highly accomplished head coach at the University of Alabama, was widely mentioned early in the coaching carousel as a potential top candidate following Moore’s firing. However, DeBoer has publicly and unequivocally rejected interest, stating he is committed to Alabama and “has not spoken and has no interest in speaking with anyone else about any other job.” His focus remains firmly on Alabama’s season and the College Football Playoff, effectively removing him from Michigan’s pursuit. (Reuters)

Similarly, Kenny Dillingham, the head coach at Arizona State, has been discussed as a potential Wolverine target. But sources close to Dillingham indicate he is not actively pursuing other jobs and has strong ties to ASU, dampening expectations that he would depart for Ann Arbor. While not as definitive in public denial as DeBoer, Dillingham has made clear through comments and context that he plans to stay put. (AZCentral)

The early departures of these marquee names have made Michigan’s search for a headline hire more complicated than anticipated, prompting speculation that the program may need to widen its candidate pool or focus on less traditional choices.

Broader Context: Continuing Athletic Department Scrutiny

The Moore episode is shaping up to be more than just a coaching vacancy — it has intensified scrutiny on Michigan’s athletic culture and governance. In the wake of the scandal, the university board authorized a broader review of how the situation was handled and the surrounding departmental environment, signaling institutional concern over systemic issues. (Sports Business Journal)

This latest chapter adds to a string of controversies that have shadowed Michigan athletics in recent seasons, from NCAA penalties to personnel upheavals. For a program accustomed to national prominence both on and off the field, the timing and severity of these events have frustrated fans, donors, and alumni alike.

What Comes Next

With DeBoer and Dillingham effectively off the table, Michigan appears poised to target a new class of candidates — whether rising assistants, established coordinators, or head coaches at smaller Power Five programs. Reports suggest other names like Jedd Fisch and Eli Drinkwitz are being evaluated, though nothing official has been announced. (Maize n Brew)

For the Wolverines, stabilizing the program and restoring confidence — among players, recruits, and the broader fanbase — will be as critical as the next head coach they name. The upcoming bowl game and subsequent January recruiting period will test how quickly Michigan can pivot from crisis to continuity.

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2025–26 College Football Playoff: the full rundown, data, and an ESPN-style bracket

The 12-team College Football Playoff field for the 2025–26 season was announced on December 7, 2025 — and it arrived with shock, history and controversy. Indiana earned the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye, four teams (Indiana, Ohio State, Georgia, Texas Tech) received byes, and the first round begins Dec. 19–20 with two wild Friday/Saturday slates leading into quarterfinals on Dec. 31–Jan. 1. The semifinals are set for the Fiesta Bowl (Jan. 8) and Peach Bowl (Jan. 9) and the CFP National Championship will be played Monday, Jan. 19 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. (College Football Playoff)

The 12 teams & seeds (as released by the CFP selection committee)

1. Indiana (13–0) — No. 1 seed, receives first-round bye. (College Football Playoff)

2. Ohio State (12–1) — No. 2 seed, bye. (College Football Playoff)

3. Georgia (12–1) — No. 3 seed, bye. (College Football Playoff)

4. Texas Tech (12–1) — No. 4 seed, bye. (College Football Playoff)

5. Oregon (11–1) — No. 5 seed, hosts a first-round game. (ESPN.com)

6. Ole Miss (11–2) — No. 6 seed. (ESPN.com)

7. Alabama (10–3) — No. 7 seed; notable as a multi-loss at-large entry. (The Washington Post)

8. Oklahoma (11–2) — No. 8 seed. (ESPN.com)

9. Alabama listed as 9 in some displays? — (Note: ESPN’s bracket presentation showed Alabama as the 9 seed opposite No. 8 Oklahoma for a first-round meeting; bracket presentation/seed labeling can vary in visuals but matchup pairings are official). (ESPN.com)

10. Texas A&M (10–2) — No. 10 seed. (ESPN.com)

11. Tulane (11–2) — No. 11 seed, representing the Group of Five and earning a travel-heavy matchup. (ESPN.com)

12. James Madison (12–1) — No. 12 seed; JMU becomes the first Sun Belt team in the CFP and makes its first appearance in the playoff four years after joining FBS. They travel to Oregon in the first round. (Underdog Dynasty)

Note on Notre Dame: The committee’s decisions produced immediate fallout: 10–2 Notre Dame was left out despite national attention, and several commentators and the program itself criticized the outcome. The committee cited head-to-head and strength-of-schedule factors in explaining choices between closely ranked teams. (The Washington Post)

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First round — Dec. 19–20 (matchups, sites, kickoff windows)

(First round is single-elimination; winners advance to quarterfinals on Dec. 31 / Jan. 1.)

Friday, Dec. 19

• No. 8 Oklahoma vs. No. 9 Alabama — 8:00 p.m. ET (site: Oklahoma, per bracket hosting rules). Broadcast: ABC/ESPN. (Oddsmakers initial line shown on ESPN bracket page.) (ESPN.com)

Saturday, Dec. 20

• No. 5 Oregon vs. No. 12 James Madison — 7:30 p.m. ET, in Eugene (ESPN/TNT/truTV coverage). This is JMU’s first CFP game; their travel to the Pacific Time Zone is a first for CFP first-round hosting. (Underdog Dynasty)

• No. 6 Ole Miss vs. No. 11 Tulane — 3:30 p.m. ET (site: Ole Miss). (ESPN.com)

• No. 7 Alabama/No. 8 Oklahoma listed above — (see Friday slot). (ESPN.com)

• No. 10 Texas A&M vs. No. 3/4 seed? — (Some pairings/re-seeding logic: the bracket pairs winners into the predetermined quarter slots; see bracket below for exact quarter matches). (NCAA.com)

(For a printable PDF of the bracket and official schedule, the NCAA released a bracket file the same day the committee announced the field.) (NCAA.com)

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Quarterfinals — Dec. 31 & Jan. 1 (site = higher seed / predetermined bowls)

Winners from the first round will travel to play the top-4 seeds on these dates. The bracket pairs are fixed (no reseeding): winners advance into the predetermined quarterfinal matchups that feed the Fiesta and Peach semifinal slots. Official TV windows and exact kickoff times were listed by the CFP and ESPN. (NCAA.com)

Semifinals

• Fiesta Bowl (Glendale, AZ) — Thursday, Jan. 8 — CFP Semifinal, 7:30 p.m. ET. (ESPN.com)

• Peach Bowl (Atlanta, GA — Mercedes-Benz Stadium) — Friday, Jan. 9 — CFP Semifinal, 7:30 p.m. ET. (ESPN.com)

CFP National Championship — Monday, Jan. 19, 2026 at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida, 7:30 p.m. ET. (ESPN.com)

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Storylines & data points to watch

• Indiana unbeaten and No. 1 seed: Indiana (13–0) claimed the season’s top seed and a bye — their highest CFP placement ever — and will host its quarterfinal. How their schedule-strength (and margin of victory metrics) hold up against traditional powers is a key subplot. (College Football Playoff)

• Alabama makes the field despite three losses: The committee included Alabama as an at-large, marking a rare multi-loss inclusion and prompting debate about whether historical reputation, schedule strength, or late-season form weighed most heavily. Expect heavy line movement and media focus on Alabama’s postseason path. (The Washington Post)

• James Madison historic appearance: JMU (12–1), Sun Belt champions and making the CFP in their fourth FBS season, travel to face Oregon in Eugene. This is a milestone for Group of Five upward mobility and will be the first CFP game hosted in the Pacific Time Zone. (Underdog Dynasty)

• Notre Dame left out — fallout: Notre Dame’s decision to decline bowl participation after the snub and the ensuing public criticism highlight the committee’s strained relationships with some non-Power-5 or independent programs and will be a major narrative through bowl season. (The Washington Post)

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                          2025–26 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF
                          -------------------------------

                    Quarterfinals (Dec 31 / Jan 1)  -> Semifinals (Jan 8/9) -> Championship (Jan 19)

  (1) Indiana (BYE) ──────────────────────────────────┐
                                                     │
                                                     ├─ Winner QF 1 ────┐
  First Round Winner of (8) Oklahoma vs (9) Alabama ─┘                   │
                                                                         ├─ Winner SF (Fiesta/Peach) ── CFP CHAMP
  (4) Texas Tech (BYE) ──────────────────────────────────┐              │
                                                     │                   │
                                                     ├─ Winner QF 2 ────┘
  First Round Winner of (5) Oregon vs (12) JMU ───────┘

---------------------------------------------------------------

  (3) Georgia (BYE) ──────────────────────────────────┐
                                                     │
                                                     ├─ Winner QF 3 ────┐
  First Round Winner of (6) Ole Miss vs (11) Tulane ─┘                   │
                                                                         ├─ Winner SF (Peach/Fiesta) ─ CFP CHAMP
  (2) Ohio State (BYE) ──────────────────────────────┐                   │
                                                     │                   │
                                                     ├─ Winner QF 4 ────┘
  First Round Winner of (7) Alabama vs (8) Oklahoma ─┘

---------------------------------------------------------------

First round schedule (official):
- Fri Dec 19: (8) Oklahoma vs (9) Alabama — 8:00 p.m. ET (ABC/ESPN). :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}
- Sat Dec 20: (5) Oregon vs (12) James Madison — 7:30 p.m. ET (TNT/truTV/ESPN feed). :contentReference[oaicite:29]{index=29}
- Sat Dec 20: (6) Ole Miss vs (11) Tulane — 3:30 p.m. ET. :contentReference[oaicite:30]{index=30}

Semifinals:
- Jan 8 — Fiesta Bowl (Glendale, AZ), 7:30 p.m. ET. :contentReference[oaicite:31]{index=31}
- Jan 9 — Peach Bowl (Atlanta, GA), 7:30 p.m. ET. :contentReference[oaicite:32]{index=32}

National Championship:
- Jan 19 — Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL, 7:30 p.m. ET. :contentReference[oaicite:33]{index=33}

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Quick-reference table (key facts)

• Selection date: December 7, 2025. (College Football Playoff)

• Format: 12-team bracket (top 4 byes). (College Football Playoff)

• Semifinal dates: Jan. 8 (Fiesta) and Jan. 9 (Peach). (ESPN.com)

• Championship: Jan. 19, 2026 — Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens. (ESPN.com)

• Most controversial exclusion: Notre Dame (10–2) left out. (The Washington Post)

• Historic inclusion: James Madison (first Sun Belt team in CFP). (Underdog Dynasty)

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Sources & further reading

• Official CFP release and final top-25 (selection committee). (College Football Playoff)

• ESPN CFP bracket and coverage (bracket visualization and game lines). (ESPN.com)

• NCAA bracket printable PDF and schedule. (NCAA.com)

• News coverage of Notre Dame reaction and committee controversy (Washington Post). (The Washington Post)

• James Madison’s CFP acceptance and first-round pairing at Oregon (Underdog Dynasty reporting). (Underdog Dynasty)

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What to Know — 2025 SEC Championship Game Preview: Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Georgia Bulldogs

The Setup

After an intense 2025 regular season, the stage is set: Alabama will face Georgia in the SEC Championship Game. (On3)

• Alabama secured its berth after a critical win over Auburn in the Iron Bowl, finishing the season 10-2 overall and 7-1 in conference play. (On3)

• Georgia arrives with an 11-1 overall record and also 7-1 in SEC play. (On3)

• Notably, this marks a familiar pairing: the two teams already met once this season — a close 24–21 victory by Alabama in Athens on September 27. (ESPN.com)

So the championship is more than a season finale — it’s a rematch with major stakes: SEC bragging rights and a potential playoff berth.

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Rivalry & History Matters

The history between Alabama and Georgia adds an extra layer to this matchup.

• Historically, Alabama leads the rivalry comfortably: going into 2025, the Crimson Tide hold a series lead of 45 – 26, with 4 games ending in a tie. (Grokipedia)

• For Georgia, this is their fifth consecutive appearance in the SEC title game. (On3)

• For Alabama, it’s their fourth appearance in the last six years — underscoring how frequently these two powerhouses collide when it counts most. (On3)

Their 2024 matchup was a thriller: Alabama trailed by 28 points at half, Georgia stormed back, but Alabama pulled off a 41–34 comeback win — a game that snapped Georgia’s long regular-season winning streak. (Wikipedia)

That prior history means both teams know what’s on the line: more than a trophy — legacy, momentum, and playoff implications.

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What the 2025 Regular Season Means

Alabama

• The Tide showed resilience. After an early loss (to Florida State), they rebounded and secured a 3-game win streak culminating in the Iron Bowl victory that punched their ticket to Atlanta. (Alabama Athletics)

• Their win over Georgia in September proved they could handle the Bulldogs in their home environment. (ESPN.com)

Georgia

• The Bulldogs rebounded from their lone loss by finishing strong — solid enough to top the East and earn a championship berth. (On3)

• Despite that loss to Alabama, Georgia remains the defending conference champion (from 2024) — giving them experience and confidence on this big stage. (On3)

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What to Watch

1. Can Alabama repeat in Atlanta?
   Alabama’s 2025 win at Georgia proves they have what it takes. But conference championships — especially title games — are different animals.

2. Georgia’s motivation as reigning champ
   As defending SEC champ, Georgia knows how to win under pressure. They’ll want to reclaim the throne and avenge their regular-season loss.

3. Momentum & Matchups
   Alabama heading in on confidence after a tough Iron Bowl win; Georgia, chasing redemption and conference supremacy. Key positional matchups — offense vs. defense, QB vs. front seven — will likely decide it.

4. Playoff and National Implications
   Winning the SEC Championship could bolster either team’s case for a national playoff bid. Expect aggressive, high-stakes football.

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What This Game Means Beyond the Trophy

This isn’t just another game — it’s a defining moment.

• For Alabama: a chance to reaffirm conference dominance and build momentum for postseason play.

• For Georgia: an opportunity to defend their crown and silence critics after the September loss.

• For college football fans: another chapter in one of the SEC’s greatest rivalries — high drama, history, and stakes that extend beyond December.

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Rivalry Week 2025: Full Preview of the Top Games

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Rivalry Week 2025: Full Preview of the Top Games

1. Ohio State vs. Michigan — “The Game”

• When & TV: November 29, 2025 — 12:00 PM ET on FOX (Sports Brackets)

• Why It Matters: This is easily one of the biggest rivalries in college football. According to DirectTV’s rivalry list, Michigan leads the all-time series. (DIRECTV)

• Key Stakes:

  • Big Ten implications: With no divisions in the Big Ten, this game could influence who goes to the conference title game. (Sports Brackets)

  • CFP hopes: A strong finish could help either team in playoff conversations.

• Storylines to Watch:

  • Can Ohio State bounce back (if needed) and make a late push?

  • Michigan will want to reclaim its advantage and end on a high note.

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2. Alabama vs. Auburn — The Iron Bowl

• When & TV: November 29, 2025 — per the schedule slate. (FBSchedules.com)

• Series History: Alabama leads the series 51–37–1. (Wikipedia)

• Why It’s Huge:

  • State bragging rights: It’s arguably the fiercest rivalry in Alabama.

  • Postseason implications: Even if one team is “out,” the Iron Bowl can define the season’s legacy.

• Key Storylines:

  • Can Auburn pull off an upset in Jordan-Hare?

  • Will Alabama’s depth or experience make the difference?

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3. Georgia vs. Georgia Tech — “Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate”

• When & TV: November 28, 2025 — 7:30 PM ET on ABC. (DIRECTV)

• Rivalry Background: One of the oldest rivalries, with Georgia holding a significant lead in the series. (DIRECTV)

• Why This Game Matters:

  • Traditional rivalry: It’s a storied in-state battle.

  • Recruiting & pride: For both programs, beating your neighbor is more than just a win.

• What to Watch:

  • Will Georgia assert dominance, or can Tech spoil the party?

  • Impact on momentum heading into offseason or bowl games.

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4. Clemson vs. South Carolina — The Palmetto Bowl

• When & TV: November 29, 2025 — according to ESPN/On3 preview. (On3)

• Stakes:

  • In-state bragging rights: This matchup always means a lot to fans in South Carolina.

  • Season narrative: Both Clemson and South Carolina could use a big rivalry win to shape their postseason or recruiting.

• Storylines to Monitor:

  • Can the Gamecocks upset Clemson at Memorial Stadium?

  • Will Clemson avoid a bitter ending to the regular season?

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5. Texas vs. Texas A&M — “Lone Star Showdown”

• When & TV: November 29, 2025 — as part of Rivalry Week slate. (FBSchedules.com)

• History & Context:

  • This rivalry was renewed more recently, but the history is deep, especially with A&M now in the SEC. (DIRECTV)

  • All-time record: Texas leads by a wide margin. (DIRECTV)

• Implications:

  • Big-time recruiting stakes: In-state dominance can swing recruiting battles.

  • Potential CFP relevance: Depending on how both teams’ seasons go, this could be more than just pride.

• Key Angles:

  • Can A&M re-establish bragging rights in Austin?

  • Will Texas defend home turf and close the season strong?

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6. Tennessee vs. Vanderbilt

• When: November 29, 2025, per schedule. (FBSchedules.com)

• Rivalry Background:

  • Tennessee leads the all-time series 79–32–5. (Wikipedia)

  • Although not a “title-deciding” rivalry, it’s still meaningful for in-state prestige.

• What to Watch:

  • Can Vanderbilt pull off an upset?

  • How will Tennessee close out its regular season — with dominance or engineering a statement win?

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Why Rivalry Week 2025 Is Especially Significant

• High Stakes Across Conferences: Several rivalry games this week could affect conference championship picture or playoff positioning (e.g., Ohio State–Michigan, Alabama–Auburn).

• Tradition Meets Modern Impact: Longstanding rivalries (like Georgia–Georgia Tech) are still deeply meaningful — and newer-renaissance ones (Texas–A&M) carry real competitive weight.

• Recruiting & Legacy: Winning rivalry games can have long-term effects on recruiting class momentum and program legacy in a given season.

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My Predictions & Key Questions

• Ohio State vs. Michigan: Ohio State might be favored, but Michigan could make a splash if they play with discipline.

• Iron Bowl: I lean toward Alabama, but never count out an emotional Auburn in front of its home crowd.

• Georgia–Georgia Tech: Georgia likely has the upper hand, but if Tech surprises, it would be a season highlight.

• Clemson–South Carolina: Close game — I lean Clemson, but it could be tight.

• Texas–Texas A&M: High variance. A&M could upset, but Texas at home is dangerous.

• Tennessee–Vanderbilt: Expect Tennessee to come in strong, but Vanderbilt could pull a trick play or two.

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Alabama Cruises Past Eastern Illinois 56–0: A Complete Breakdown

 Alabama Cruises Past Eastern Illinois 56–0: A Complete Breakdown

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In a dominant showing Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium, No. 10 Alabama (9–2) blanked Eastern Illinois (3–9) by a score of 56–0, setting a strong tone as the Crimson Tide head into their big rivalry matchup. The win — especially its lopsided nature — provided both a confidence boost and valuable live reps for key reserves. Here’s an extended look at how Alabama controlled all facets of the game, what the win means, and what to watch next.

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Game Overview & Key Numbers

• Final Score: 56-0 in favor of Alabama. (ESPN.com)

• Total Offense: Alabama outgained EIU by 539 yards to 34. (ESPN.com)

• Rushing Prowess:

  • The Tide rushed for a season-high 269 yards on 49 attempts. (Alabama Athletics)

  • All eight offensive touchdowns came on the ground — their highest rushing TD output since 1979. (ESPN.com)

• Scoring by Quarter: Alabama put up 14 points in each quarter (1Q–4Q). (ESPN.com)

• Quarterback Play:

  • Multiple QBs saw action: Ty Simpson, Austin Mack, and Keelon Russell all contributed. (Alabama Athletics)

  • Simpson went 11-for-16 for 147 yards, but threw two interceptions, continuing a turnover trend. (ESPN.com)

• Touchdowns by Player:

  • Kevin Riley: 2 rushing TDs. (ESPN.com)

  • AK Dear: 2 rushing TDs. (Alabama Athletics)

  • Other TD scorers: Jam Miller, Daniel Hill, Richard Young, and QB Austin Mack each added a rushing touchdown. (Alabama Athletics)

• Defense & Special Teams:

  • EIU was limited to just 34 yards of total offense. (Alabama Athletics)

  • Alabama intercepted EIU’s opening drive. (ESPN.com)

  • They blocked a punt in the first quarter, which set up one of their early touchdowns. (https://www.wbrc.com)

  • Tim Keenan III recorded two sacks. (Alabama Athletics)

  • Dijon Lee Jr. had one interception. (Alabama Athletics)

• Kicking Woes:

  • Kicker Conor Talty missed a 28-yard field goal, drawing boos from the home crowd. (ESPN.com)

  • Alabama used freshman Peter Notaro in relief after the miss. (ESPN.com)

• Financial Context: Eastern Illinois reportedly received $560,000 for this "paycheck" game. (ESPN.com)

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Strategic Takeaways & Analysis

1. Running Game Redemption

Alabama’s ground attack was as efficient as it was dominant. With 269 rushing yards and 8 rushing touchdowns, the Tide finally unlocked the kind of productivity that’s been elusive at times this season. The running backs all contributed, and even the QBs got in on the action. This was not just a statistical outlier — it looked like a breakdown of their ideal run-game execution.

Coach Kalen DeBoer emphasized that execution and more reps have been central to the improvement: “they all ran hard and got their opportunities,” he said. (ESPN.com)

2. Defense Setting the Tone

From the first snap, Alabama’s defense put EIU in a bind. An interception on the Panthers' opening drive led straight to a touchdown. On the very next possession, Alabama blocked a punt — a major momentum swing in special teams. The Panthers never crossed midfield for much of the game, and their total yardage was kept to an astonishingly low level. (Alabama Athletics)

Notably, Tim Keenan III registered two sacks, showing depth on the defensive front. (Alabama Athletics)

3. Balancing Risk and Reps with Key Reserves

Because this was a heavily favored game, DeBoer opted to rotate in backups, giving significant playing time to reserve players across offense and defense. That included multiple quarterbacks — Simpson, Mack, and Russell all saw action. (Alabama Athletics)

This was a valuable opportunity: reserves got live-game reps, and importantly, there were no reported injuries. (ESPN.com)

4. Special Teams Question Marks Remain

Talty’s missed field goal from just 28 yards was a low point. The crowd reportedly booed after the miss, which underscores growing concern about his consistency. (ESPN.com)

The fact that Alabama eventually replaced him with a freshman kicker indicates the coaching staff is willing to make changes if the inconsistency continues. (ESPN.com)

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Implications & What’s Next

• Momentum Into the Iron Bowl: This dominant performance couldn’t have come at a better time. With the Iron Bowl looming, Alabama now moves forward with confidence and health. The blowout allows the team to rest starters and fine-tune depth.

• Confidence in Running Backs: The depth in the backfield feels more comfortable now. After this game, Alabama can lean on its run game with more conviction heading into tougher matchups.

• Special Teams Watch: The missed FG is a red flag, especially in close games. If Talty doesn’t regain consistency, Alabama may need to adjust.

• Defensive Continuity: The defense showed it can be suffocating, not just against lesser competition but also structurally sound. If this kind of performance carries over, Alabama’s defense could be a decisive factor in more competitive games.

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Coach & Player Quotes

• DeBoer on the running game: “I thought they all ran hard and got their opportunities.” (ESPN.com)

• On injuries: DeBoer noted there were no new concerns, allowing the team to refocus quickly on Auburn next week. (ESPN.com)

• On Talty’s miss: DeBoer defended him, saying he had a strong week of practice and urging fans to support him like they would any other player. (ESPN.com)

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Crimson Tide Falls Short: Oklahoma Edges Alabama 23–21

 

Crimson Tide Falls Short: Oklahoma Edges Alabama 23–21

Tuscaloosa — November 17, 2025

In a heartbreaker at Bryant-Denny Stadium, No. 4 Alabama (8–2, 6–1 SEC) saw its eight-game home winning streak snapped, falling 23–21 to No. 11 Oklahoma (8–2, 4–2 SEC). (Alabama Athletics)

Scoring Summary & Key Plays

• First Quarter: Oklahoma struck early. Tate Sandell drilled a 25-yard field goal, and later, safety Peyton Bowen returned an 87-yard interception for a touchdown to make it 10–0. (University of Oklahoma)

• Second Quarter: Alabama answered with a 1-yard TD run by Daniel Hill (after a 12-play, 72-yard drive), then Josh Cuevas hauled in a 25-yard pass from Ty Simpson to bring Bama within three. Oklahoma tacked on its own touchdown in between. (University of Oklahoma)

• Third Quarter: Oklahoma extended its lead with a 52-yard Sandell field goal. Alabama responded again when Hill punched in another 1-yard run, knotting it at 20–20. (University of Oklahoma)

• Fourth Quarter: The difference came late. Oklahoma relied on Sandell once more, this time from 24 yards out, to secure the 23–21 advantage. (University of Oklahoma)

Statistical Breakdown

• Alabama outgained Oklahoma in total yards, 406 to 212. (Alabama Athletics)

• Passing: Ty Simpson completed 28 of 42 attempts for 326 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. (Alabama Athletics)

• Rushing: Daniel Hill carried the ball 15 times for 60 yards and scored two touchdowns. (Alabama Athletics)

• Receiving: Josh Cuevas set a career high with 6 receptions for 80 yards, including the second-quarter touchdown. (Alabama Athletics)

• Turnovers: Alabama turned the ball over three times, which proved costly. (Alabama Athletics)

• Defense: On Alabama’s side, Bray Hubbard, Domani Jackson, and Deontae Lawson each recorded five tackles. (Alabama Athletics)

What Went Wrong for Alabama

While Alabama dominated in yardage and possession, their mistakes and Oklahoma's opportunistic plays made the difference. (SI)

• Turnovers: The Crimson Tide’s three giveaways loomed large. A forced fumble on third down late in the game gave Oklahoma prime field position. (SI)

• Special Teams: Oklahoma’s defense and special teams made big plays — including the pick-six and a partially blocked field goal — swinging momentum. (CBS Sports)

• Critical Stop: In the fourth quarter, Oklahoma’s defense came up big with a fourth-down stop that iced the game. (CBS Sports)

Significance & Implications

• This was Alabama’s first SEC loss of the season. (Alabama Athletics)

• The loss underscores a troubling trend: turnovers continue to haunt Bama, even when its offense is firing. (SI)

• For Oklahoma, the win is huge for its College Football Playoff aspirations — relying on defense and big special teams plays, not just offensive fireworks. (CBS Sports)

Looking Ahead

Alabama now faces a critical stretch in its schedule where attention to detail (especially ball security) could define its postseason hopes. If they can clean up the turnovers, this team might still recover. But if these kinds of mistakes persist, tough losses like this one could be costly.

Alabamas hopes will come down to the iron bowl in 2 weeks

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Alabama wins in a gritty defensive slugfests

 

In a gritty, hard-fought showdown at Bryant‑Denny Stadium, the Alabama Crimson Tide edged past the LSU Tigers by a final score of 20-9. (ABC News)

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Dominant Defense, Minimal Offense

Alabama’s victory was far from a high-octane offensive explosion. Instead, the Tide leaned on their defense to carry them through. LSU was held to just 232 total yards, and only 13 first downs. (The Washington Post)

One of the more striking slices of data: On the ground, Alabama averaged 2.2 yards per rush, while LSU churned out 2.3 yards per rush. (FOX Sports)
While those numbers are low by college standards, Alabama’s defense simply refused to let LSU build momentum. The small margin in rushing average only underscores how every half-yard mattered in this defensive slugfest.

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Key Offensive Metrics & Game Flow

• Alabama compiled 344 total yards on 62 plays; LSU managed 232 yards on 58 plays. (FOX Sports)

• Passing wise: Alabama’s quarterback completed 21 of 35 for 277 yards and one touchdown. (The Washington Post)

• LSU’s offense never found the end zone — the Tigers were held scoreless in terms of rushing touchdowns and limited in big plays. (ABC News)

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Why the Win Matters

• The result marked Alabama’s eighth straight victory and extended their home winning streak to 17 games, the longest in the FBS at this point. (The Washington Post)

• Perhaps more importantly: Against a storied rival in LSU, Alabama showed they could win even when the offense wasn’t clicking in high gear.

• The 2.2 vs 2.3 yards per carry stat is telling — it shows just how tightly contested the game was in the trenches, and how Alabama’s defense made the difference.

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The Takeaway

When you see rushing averages in the 2-to-3 yards per carry range for both teams, you know it was a day where the ground game was stifled. Yet Alabama found a way. Despite not imposing a dominant running attack, they out-executed LSU in key moments. The defense rose to the occasion, and the offense did enough. That’s the hallmark of a championship-minded team.

For fans and observers, this win might not be flashy, but it’s vital: It reinforces the identity of Alabama as a club that wins the ugly ones. When the running game stalls (as it did, given the 2.2 ypc), the passes must be leveraged, turnovers must be avoided, and the defense must deliver. That’s exactly what happened.

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