NORMAN — John Mateer has had time to reflect on the regular season in these last two weeks. As his No. 8 Sooners prepare to take on the No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide on Friday night, he knows the standard at the University of Oklahoma — particularly with its quarterbacks — demands nothing less than excellence.

From a statement win over Michigan to a fourth-quarter stand against LSU, Oklahoma’s path to the CFP was defined by defense, resilience and timely plays.

The No. 11 Crimson Tide of Alabama travel to Norman to face the No. 8 Oklahoma Sooners on Friday, December 19, in a first-round college football playoff game. This game offers Alabama a chance to avenge a narrow 23-21 home loss to the Sooners back in November,

The Sooners' coach shared a practice anecdote that has him ready to see his team square off with Alabama in Norman on Friday night.

The Oklahoma Sooners offense is one of the biggest unknowns entering the first round of the College Football Playoff.

Oklahoma football coach Brent Venables pays his respects to Alabama's Kalen DeBoer ahead of their rematch in the College Football Playoffs.