DeBoer speaks on time management during Alabama final offensive drive vs. Oklahoma

Nov 15, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Peyton Bowen (22) closes in to make a hit on Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Lotzeir Brooks (17) at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Oklahoma defeated Alabama 23-21. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images

As the No. 4 Tide trailed the No. 11 Oklahoma Sooners 23-21 with seven minutes left in the game, Alabama’s defense held strong and forced a punt. Even with the punt forcing the Crimson Tide’s offense to start the drive at its own six-yard line, it was still an opportunity to drive down the field with what felt like a comfortable amount of time.

Although offensive struggles have plagued the Tide in recent weeks, seven minutes felt like more than enough time; if it could go down and score quickly, or even if it were to get shut down quickly, another possession still seemed realistic.

However, instead of a quick drive, Alabama ran six minutes and 24 seconds off the clock with a 13-play, 42-yard drive that consisted of seven run plays and a sack, which came to a close after quarterback Ty Simpson threw an inaccurate pass on fourth-and-6. It allowed the Sooners to regain possession with 46 seconds left and kneel the ball out to win the game.

After the loss, head coach Kalen DeBoer spoke about the ineffective final drive.

“You’re just trying to get out of your own end zone,” DeBoer said. “With the ball on our own six, you’re just trying to get a first down, then you’re trying to get another one. Felt good about the situation, we knew we just needed a field goal to win it, but it was more about getting out of your own territory. And even if we had to punt, with the two timeouts, you’re thinking the two-minute warning, that we can flip the field and get an opportunity there. But then, just the grind that it was, it becomes a situation where you get down to two minutes, and again, that wasn’t what the intention was going in; is to have this be one possession, most people would be on the same page thinking that you probably got two possessions left here to go and win it.”

It was hard to watch the Crimson Tide literally run the clock down after the ground game had been ineffective during the entire game and throughout the entire season. Simpson played well, but inaccuracy issues were present from start to finish.

Simpson finished the game throwing 28-42 for 326 yards, an interception and a touchdown. But on the final drive, Simpson was only able to complete two of four passes and was also sacked before getting the ball out on one play.

The Tide will look to bounce back, clean up and regain some momentum next week, when it faces Eastern Illinois. It will be the final home game for Alabama before it travels to Auburn for the Iron Bowl.