The College Football Playoffs get started on Friday with a matchup between two blue bloods. #8 Oklahoma punched its ticket to the CFP thanks in part to a November victory over Alabama. Now, the ninth-ranked Tide will look to exact some revenge at The Palace on the Prairie.
In this win or go home matchup, which players are poised for a big performance? These are the top prop bets to consider at DraftKings Sportsbook for Friday’s College Football Playoff showdown between Alabama and Oklahoma.
The Sooners enter this contest as 1.5-point favorites (-108) over the Crimson Tide, with the over/under set at 40.5 points on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Alabama vs. Oklahoma best prop bets
Ty Simpson 240+ passing yards (-115)
When these two squads last met on November 15th, Oklahoma’s elite defense took over. However, the Sooners made their biggest mark via turnovers, forcing two fumbles and an interception. Alabama did a decent job moving the ball, but failed to capitalize. That’s due in large part to quarterback Ty Simpson, who tallied 326 passing yards. Through 13 games, the junior has thrown for 3,268 yards and 26 touchdowns while giving up five picks.
Simpson has been Bama’s safest player to bet on for most of the season. That’s partially a result of the Tide’s inability to run the ball effectively. Look no further than the SEC Championship game, in which they gained negative three rushing yards vs. Georgia. Oklahoma has held opponents to 78.2 rushing yards per game this season, the best mark for any Power Four school. Assuming the Sooners remain stout up front, Alabama could utilize a pass-heavy game plan. Simpson will likely need to throw early and often on Friday night.
John Mateer anytime touchdown scorer (+140)
Despite their 10-2 record, the Sooners have been frustrating on offense. That’s despite rostering one of the nation’s more talented quarterbacks in John Mateer. The senior started the year off strong, but a midseason hand injury derailed his effectiveness. Over his last seven games, Mateer has recorded 1,367 passing yards and six touchdowns in addition to seven interceptions. Last month against Bama, he threw for a paltry 138 yards.
With that being said, a three-week rest comes at the perfect time for Mateer and this OU offense. In addition, the dual-threat has proven he can beat defenses with his legs, as well. Over 11 games, Mateer has gained 416 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. Going back to the Nick Saban era, quarterback scrambles have caused problems in Tuscaloosa. Four different QBs have scored a TD this season vs. Alabama, including Mateer in November. The Crimson Tide rank inside the bottom half of the SEC in yards per carry (3.83) and rushing touchdowns allowed (14) to opponents. Keeping that in mind, don’t be shocked when Oklahoma’s talented signal caller reaches the end zone.
