Initial takeaways from Alabama football beating Oklahoma in playoff

© BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Alabama football defeated the Oklahoma Sooners to move on to the Rose Bowl and the second round of the College Football Playoff.

Here are our initial takeaways from the game:

Ty Simpson Shows Flashes Of Early Season Form

Ty Simpson may not have looked like the way he was playing when he was considered to be the Heisman favorite, but he for sure showed flashes on multiple throws. If he can do this on a more consistent basis in the next round, Alabama would benefit from it

Pass Protection Needs To Impove

Alabama football failed to protect Ty Simpson quite a bit in this one against a great Oklahoma defense. Protecting him better will have to be a priority moving forward.

Lotzeir Brooks Shows He Can Be Alabama’s Top Wide Receiver In The Future

It was a big play coming-out party for the Alabama true freshman. He has flashed his potential throughout the season, but this was the first time he turned it into actual points. He became the fifth Alabama player to have multiple receiving touchdowns in a playoff game.

Keon Keeley Turning 5-Star Potential Into 5-Star Results

Keon Keeley came up big on a sack against Mateer in some of the most extensive playing time in his Alabama career.

Ryan Williams Continues Woes

Ryan Williams continues to face woes as a wide receiver in year two. He dropped his first target in this one. His only reception came in the fourth quarter on a short throw.

Conor Talty Has Found Some Consistency

Conor Talty nailed a pair of important field goals in this one. His first one was from 35 yards out, and his second one was from 40 yards out.

Run Game Still Continues To Leave A Lot To Be Desired

Alabama football’s rushing attack continues to be lackluster at best. It is hard to imagine this would change this season.

Defense Plays Strong & Forces Turnovers

Alabama football’s defense was strong against the Sooners again, but this time it was able to force turnovers.