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Orange Bowl Preview: #1 Alabama vs. #4 Oklahoma

By Eric Robinson

TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 17: Tua Tagovailoa #13 of the Alabama Crimson Tide rushes against the Citadel Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 17: Tua Tagovailoa #13 of the Alabama Crimson Tide rushes against the Citadel Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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LUBBOCK, TX – NOVEMBER 03: Kyler Murray #1 of the Oklahoma Sooners looks to pass during the first half of the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on November 3, 2018 at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TX – NOVEMBER 03: Kyler Murray #1 of the Oklahoma Sooners looks to pass during the first half of the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on November 3, 2018 at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /

Oklahoma Players To Watch 

QB Kyler Murray: By this point, you have probably heard the name ‘Kyler Murray’ in your sleep.

Based on his talent level, the recognition he has received is well deserved. Murray became the latest Heisman trophy winner as he passed for 4,053 yards and 40 touchdowns while adding on another 892 yards with 11 rushing touchdowns. So it is no secret that he is Oklahoma’s biggest weapon on offense.

Murray is dangerous and has the talent to produce big plays and scores with regularity. It will not be easy with Alabama sporting the 10th ranked defense in all of college football. Yet, Murray is special and is capable of sitting the team on his shoulders en-route to a national championship.

RBs Trey Sermon, Kennedy Brooks: The Oklahoma offense is centered around it’s talented passing game. But that did not stop this duo from totaling 1,949 rushing yards and 24 total touchdowns. Losing starting running back Rodney Anderson before the season was a fatal blow to most.

Despite that, this pair of runners were consistent and productive all season. With all eyes likely on Murray, the Oklahoma run game will look to crack the game wide open behind this duo.

LB Kenneth Murray: The Sooners defense has been nothing to write home about this season as they are ranked 108th in total defense. If there is a bright spot, it is likely the play of Murray who leads the team in tackles (140), tackles for loss (12) and tied for second on the team in sacks (4).

During the matchup against Army early this season, Murray set the school-record for tackles in a game with 28. Which shows how active Murray can be.

CBs Tre Brown, Pernell Motley: Arguably the most disappointing aspect within the Oklahoma defense was passing defense that ranks dead last in all of FBS. Seven games this season saw the Oklahoma defense allowing over 320 yards passing and in each of those games, they have allowed over 60% completion percentage.

Yet, the starting cornerbacks have a massive onus placed on themselves thanks to the amount of weapons at receiver in the Alabama offense.

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