The 2025 College Football Playoff kicks off with an SEC-centric matchup Friday night when the No. 8 seed Sooners play host to the No. 9 seed Crimson Tide (8 pm ET, ABC/ESPN).
The Sooners-Tide clash is a rematch of the Nov. 15 regular season matchup that saw Oklahoma knock off Alabama 23-21 in Tuscaloosa despite being outgained by the Tide 406-212 but also forcing 3 Alabama turnovers.
But ESPN analyst Peter Burns sees that a key factor in the Alabama-Oklahoma rematch could once again be special teams.
“Are you talking about a team that won the box score or a team that won the game?” Burns asked fellow ESPN pundit Paul Finebaum on Thursday’s SportsCenter. “That’s not once but twice have seen Brent Venables shut down a Kalen DeBoer offense – did it last year with Jalen Milroe throwing 3 interceptions and did it one time with Ty Simpson.
“I think the biggest thing, when you go back and look at that first matchup between the 2, is actually the huge difference in special teams.”
Biggest thing for Alabama vs Oklahoma isn’t* Ty Simpson* John Mateer* Home field advantage It’s this Was the difference in first matchup, will be difference on Friday night as well. pic.twitter.com/buz0k5v8Bk
— Peter Burns (@PeterBurnsESPN) December 18, 2025Burns then highlighted Oklahoma kicker Tate Sandell and punter Grayson Miller for their performances against the Tide, as well as the effort by returner Isaiah Sategna III in this season’s road win in Tuscaloosa.
“I think the public money likes Bama and the brand, but the smart money right now likes Oklahoma and the football they are playing,” Burns said.
Oklahoma is a 1.5-point favorite in the game, per the latest odds from BetMGM.
ESPN analyst highlights key to Alabama’s rematch with Oklahoma Saturday Down South.
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