Oklahoma has a long and storied history with both teams that are often contenders in college football’s national championship race: the University of Alabama and the University of Georgia. As both of these programs have dominated the college football landscape over the decades, Oklahoma has found itself in frequent battles with them, either through bowl games, regular season matchups, or as part of shared narratives surrounding national title runs. This piece will explore Oklahoma’s historical interactions with Alabama and Georgia, highlighting the context of these matchups and the rivalries’ importance in shaping the landscape of college football’s elite teams.
Oklahoma and Alabama: A Storied History
Oklahoma and Alabama’s football histories have often intertwined, with both teams being pillars of college football’s tradition and success. Oklahoma’s dominance, especially under head coach Bud Wilkinson, set the stage for many high-profile matchups in the mid-20th century, while Alabama, under legendary coach Paul “Bear” Bryant, became a force in the SEC.
Early Showdowns
The first significant intersection of these two programs occurred in the 1963 Orange Bowl. Oklahoma, fresh off a dominant 10-0 regular season, was looking to cap off an undefeated season with a national championship under coach Wilkinson. Alabama, on the other hand, had finished 9-1 and was looking to make a statement in the bowl game. The game ended in a 17-0 victory for Alabama, cementing their position as one of the top teams in the country.
This game was symbolic of the competitive nature between Oklahoma and Alabama in the early days of the College Football Playoff and BCS standings era. Although Alabama was victorious in this matchup, Oklahoma would later assert itself as the dominant team of the 1970s with another national title in 1975 and would eventually claim five national championships in a span of 15 years. Alabama, led by Bryant, would become the standard bearer in the 1960s and 1970s, winning several titles under his leadership.
The 2014 Sugar Bowl
Fast forward to more recent history, and the 2014 Sugar Bowl became one of the most memorable contests between the two teams. Oklahoma, led by head coach Bob Stoops, faced Alabama in the 2014 Sugar Bowl after finishing the season with an 8-4 record. The game was notable for its outcome, as Oklahoma pulled off an impressive 45-31 victory over the heavily favored Crimson Tide. It was an unexpected triumph for the Sooners, especially after Alabama had been widely considered one of the top teams in the nation, and it served as a statement victory for Stoops and the Oklahoma program.
Alabama entered the game as one of the top teams in the country, but the Sooners, behind the stellar play of quarterback Trevor Knight, managed to pull off a dramatic win. Knight’s performance, particularly in the first half, was one of the standout moments in the history of Oklahoma’s bowl game performances. The victory was a rare triumph for Oklahoma over Alabama, and it marked the end of a long stretch of bowl game appearances for both teams in the SEC and Big 12 conferences.
The 2014 Sugar Bowl is perhaps one of the most notable examples of Oklahoma’s sporadic success against Alabama, as the Crimson Tide has since dominated college football under Nick Saban. Nevertheless, this game served as a reminder of Oklahoma’s ability to rise to the occasion, even when facing some of the most storied programs in the sport.
Oklahoma and Georgia: A Rising Rivalry
While Oklahoma’s history with Alabama is deeply rooted in the mid-20th century, its connection with Georgia has blossomed more recently. The Bulldogs and Sooners have crossed paths on several significant occasions, and these games have often had playoff implications or been part of notable bowl game matchups.
2017 Rose Bowl: The Epic Showdown
One of the most dramatic and thrilling encounters between Oklahoma and Georgia took place in the 2017 Rose Bowl, a game that served as the College Football Playoff semifinal. The game has since become legendary for its back-and-forth nature, high stakes, and the overall caliber of play. Oklahoma, led by Heisman Trophy winner Baker Mayfield, faced Georgia, a program on the rise under head coach Kirby Smart.
The Rose Bowl lived up to its billing as one of the greatest games in the history of the College Football Playoff. Georgia jumped out to an early lead, but Oklahoma, behind Mayfield’s leadership and precision passing, mounted a comeback in the second half. The game ultimately went into double overtime, with Georgia prevailing 54-48 in a game that featured incredible performances from both teams.
For Oklahoma, the loss was crushing, as they came so close to reaching the national championship game. The Sooners had an incredible offensive game plan, but Georgia’s defense and the heroics of freshman quarterback Jake Fromm sealed the win for the Bulldogs. Georgia would go on to face Alabama in the national championship game that season, and while they lost to the Crimson Tide in a thrilling overtime contest, the 2017 Rose Bowl was a defining moment for both programs.
This game cemented Georgia’s status as one of the new powers in college football, and it showcased how close Oklahoma was to returning to the national title game with Mayfield at the helm. Though Georgia emerged victorious in this particular contest, Oklahoma’s resurgence as a perennial playoff contender was undeniable, setting the stage for future matchups between these two teams.
The 2018 National Championship Playoff Rematch?
After the 2017 Rose Bowl, Oklahoma and Georgia have often been placed in conversations regarding possible future national championship meetings. Both teams have made multiple appearances in the College Football Playoff, with Oklahoma continuing to be a force in the Big 12 and Georgia rising to prominence in the SEC. In fact, Georgia’s national championship victory in 2021, after years of near-misses, has solidified their place as one of the dominant programs of the 21st century. Oklahoma, for its part, has remained a fixture in the playoff conversation but has yet to capture another national title since 2000.
The rivalry between Oklahoma and Georgia is still very much alive, and many fans and analysts speculate that the two teams could meet again in a high-stakes game in the future. With both programs continuing to recruit at elite levels and contend for conference and national titles, the possibility of another clash—whether in the playoff or even a bowl game—remains strong.
Rivalries in the Context of National Championship Aspirations
Both Oklahoma and Alabama, as well as Georgia, have long been associated with national championship contention. These three programs have rich histories of success, and while Alabama has dominated college football in recent years under Nick Saban, Oklahoma and Georgia have both experienced their own moments of greatness.
Oklahoma’s ability to remain competitive at the highest levels of college football despite challenges in recruiting and conference affiliation speaks volumes about the program’s resilience and commitment to success. For Alabama, the sustained excellence of the Saban era has raised the bar for what it takes to be a true national contender. Meanwhile, Georgia’s rise to prominence under Kirby Smart has positioned the Bulldogs as a major threat in the SEC and beyond.
For all three of these teams, the goal is clear: the national championship. And for Oklahoma, their historical ties to Alabama and Georgia—two teams that are regularly in the mix for championships—remind us of how interconnected these powerhouse programs are. The history of Oklahoma, Alabama, and Georgia is one filled with great players, great coaches, and great moments, and it will be exciting to see how this rivalry continues to develop in the years to come.
