Key questions heading into No. 9 Alabama’s playoff matchup at No. 8 Oklahoma

Nov 23, 2024; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson (15) passes during the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images

After a year’s hiatus, Alabama is back on college football’s biggest stage. 

Entering the College Football Playoff for the first time since its latest expanded format, the Crimson Tide now sits four wins away from claiming its 19th national title. That journey begins on the road on Friday, when No. 9 Alabama takes on No. 8 Oklahoma inside Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. 

Alabama is looking to avoid some unwanted history, as Oklahoma can become the first team to beat the Tide twice in the same season since Birmingham Athletic Club achieved the feat in 1893. Alabama was its own worst enemy during a 23-21 loss to Oklahoma in Tuscaloosa last month. The Tide outgained the Sooners 406-212 but committed three costly turnovers to seal its fate.  

Oklahoma holds a 5-2-1 advantage in the eight previous games between the two programs. That includes a 24-3 win last season during the last meeting in Norman, Oklahoma. Despite that, Alabama is currently a 1.5-point favorite for Friday’s matchup, according to ESPN Bet. 

Here are five questions heading into the game.