Oklahoma Sooners Embrace Underdog Mentality Against Alabama

Head coach Brent Venables says his team is comfortable in the underdog role as they prepare to host the Crimson Tide in the College Football Playoff

Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:38am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the energy and movement of a college football game between the Oklahoma Sooners and Alabama Crimson Tide, with the players' forms broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes.Oklahoma's scrappy underdog mentality and aggressive defense have disrupted Alabama's dominance, setting the stage for a high-stakes College Football Playoff clash.Norman Today

The Oklahoma Sooners, led by head coach Brent Venables, have clinched back-to-back victories over the Alabama Crimson Tide, including a 23-21 away triumph in Week 12. Despite this impressive streak, the Sooners (10-2) are set to host tonight's College Football Playoff opener against Alabama (10-3) as slight underdogs at home. Venables embraces the underdog label, saying it's a 'comfort zone' for his team that has been doubted for a long time. The Sooners' aggressive defense has been the key, forcing crucial turnovers that have swung the games in their favor.

Why it matters

Oklahoma's ability to overcome the odds and defeat the powerhouse Alabama program has sparked debates about the changing landscape of college football. Some argue that the Sooners' success exposes vulnerabilities in Alabama's game plan, potentially signaling a shift where defense and ball security may trump flashy offenses in the modern era of the sport.

The details

In the last two games against Alabama, Oklahoma has forced six turnovers while only committing one themselves. This has directly impacted the scoreboard, with the Sooners capitalizing on Alabama's mistakes. Former Alabama head coach Nick Saban has identified the Sooners' 'pressure package' as a critical area for the Crimson Tide to address, as it has been 'devastating' in terms of sack-fumbles, pick-sixes, and stopping drives.

  • Oklahoma secured a 23-21 road victory over Alabama in Week 12 of the regular season.
  • The Sooners and Crimson Tide will face off in the College Football Playoff opener on Friday night (kickoff at 8 pm ET on ABC/ESPN).

The players

Brent Venables

The head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners, who has embraced the underdog mentality and led his team to back-to-back victories over Alabama.

Nick Saban

The former head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide, who has analyzed the team's vulnerabilities against Oklahoma's 'pressure package' defense.

Alabama Crimson Tide

The powerhouse college football program that has dominated the sport for the last 15 years, but has recently faced challenges from the Oklahoma Sooners.

Oklahoma Sooners

The college football team that has emerged as a scrappy underdog, repeatedly defying the odds against their legendary rival, the Alabama Crimson Tide.

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What they’re saying

“I don't think it's just this week. This is a football team, all of us together, that has been doubted for a long time. So, this week is a comfort zone for us.”

— Brent Venables, Head Coach, Oklahoma Sooners

“But listen, Alabama has been the gold standard in college football for the last 15 years. So, we've got incredible respect.”

— Brent Venables, Head Coach, Oklahoma Sooners

“I think the pressure package that they have, and I think that was the big difference in the first game. You know, when they got their pressures blocked up, they made a lot of explosive plays. I'm talking about Alabama. But when they didn't, it was devastating in terms of sack-fumbles, pick-sixes, sacks that led to stopping drives.”

— Nick Saban, Former Head Coach, Alabama Crimson Tide

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.