Brent Venables led the Sooners to a 10–2 season and their fifth CFP appearance and first since 2019.
Former Indiana offensive coordinator Kalen DeBoer guided Alabama to a 10–3 campaign, marking the program’s ninth playoff appearance and its first in the newly expanded format.
Oklahoma won the regular season matchup, a 23–21 victory in Tuscaloosa on Nov. 15.
Curt Cignetti’s Hoosiers await the winner. Here are Inside the Hall’s three things to watch for on ABC/ESPN Friday night.
Oklahoma’s vaunted defense gets a boost
Defensive end R Mason Thomas returns after missing three games, including the victory over the Crimson Tide, with a quad injury.