Oklahoma forced three turnovers and its defense came up with a big stop late to lift the 11th-ranked Sooners to a 23-21 win over No. 4 Alabama on Saturday in Tuscaloosa, Ala.The win keeps the Sooners (8-2, 4-2 in SEC play) in contention for a College Football Playoff berth while keeping the Crimson Tide from clinching a spot in the SEC Championship Game.Alabama (8-2, 6-1) outgained Oklahoma 406-212, but the turnovers and timely stops from the Sooners defense helped them pull off the victory.Oklahoma trailed late in the third quarter when D-lineman Taylor Wein hit Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson in the backfield, forcing a fumble that was recovered by linebacker Kendal Daniels in Alabama territory.The Sooners settled for a 24-yard field goal from Tate Sandell — his third of the game — early in the fourth quarter to take a 23-21 lead, and the defense made it hold up.Oklahoma forced a quick three-and-out, but the offense couldn’t add to the lead, giving the ball back to the Crimson Tide at their own 6 with 7:14 remaining.Alabama converted one third down and one fourth down, driving past midfield, but Peyton Bowen broke up Simpson’s fourth-down pass to Ryan Williams near midfield in the final minute to seal the victory.Simpson threw for 326 yards and a touchdown but was sacked four times and threw a critical interception, plus the fumble.John Mateer was 15-of-23 passing for 138 yards for the Sooners.The loss was Alabama’s first at home under head coach Kalen DeBoer.Oklahoma jumped out to a 10-0 lead early thanks to special teams and defense.
