What Alabama needs to do in 2nd Half to pull away against Oklahoma

© SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Alabama football and the Oklahoma Sooners are tied at halftime in Norman in the first round of the College Football Playoff.

Here is a look at what Alabama needs to do to pull away in the second half:

– Operate Against The Oklahoma Defensive Stunts Better

Alabama football’s offense is struggling to operate when the Oklahoma defense dials up pressure. Getting better at this starts with Ty Simpson identifying where the pressure is coming from and Alabama’s offensive line as well as the Tide’s running backs need to be on the same page when it comes to picking up the rushers.

– Get Pressure On John Mateer

Alabama needs to get pressure on John Mateer and contain him as a runner. Mateer has made some great throws and several of them have been as a result of a lack of pressure. Oklahoma is also using him to run the football more in this one. Being tough against him in these situations will be a must. It is best for the Tide to make him pay when he chooses to run.

– Tighten Up Coverage In Secondary

Alabama football’s secondary has been caught slipping in this one several times. There were actually multiple throws John Mateer was a bit late on that could have went for big gains. There was also a massive drop pass by Xavier Robinson. Mateer is putting pressure on the backend of the Alabama defense.

– Play Defense With Good Eye Disciplined

The Sooners are doing a lot of misdirection. The Alabama defense has to be disciplined.

– Establish Run Game

This is like beating a dead horse at this point, but an established run game would help the Crimson Tide in the second half. All signs point to this likely not happening.