Alabama’s Ty Simpson and Oklahoma’s John Mateer will bring contrasting styles to their College Football Playoff matchup.

The Alabama Crimson Tide and the Oklahoma Sooners will meet on Friday night in Norman in the first round of the College Football Playoff. Oklahoma has won its last two games against Alabama -- including this season's matchup in Tuscaloosa.

Defensively, Alabama will look to contain an Oklahoma offense that has struggled to score. The Sooners have not topped 14 points since late October. Quarterback John Mateer has been inconsistent, throwing for 138 yards with no touchdowns against Alabama earlier this season. Even in Oklahoma’s 17-13 win over LSU, Mateer threw three interceptions.

Kane Wommack has never coached in a College Football Playoff game. Sixteen seasons into his coaching career, the Alabama football defensive coordinator will enter a postseason still in the running for a national championship. It’s something he recognizes. The CFP is different. But don’t get it twisted.

Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer was hit with a clear warning before his team's College Football Playoff game against Oklahoma.

Bettors aren't rushing to place wagers on the opening week of this season's College Football Playoff, except for Friday night's Alabama-Oklahoma showdown.

The first round has traditional powerhouses like Alabama, Oregon and Miami, plus underdog stories like Tulane and James Madison. Here are the details.

"I ain't as good as I once was, but I’m as good once as I ever was.” Toby Keith's song reflects where Alabama football's offense is before the CFP.

By The Associated Press Ninth-seeded Alabama (10-3) at No. 8 seed Oklahoma (10-2), Friday, 8 p.m. EST (ABC/ESPN) BetMGM College Football Odds: Alabama by 1 1/2. Series record: Oklahoma leads

Matt Severance has released college football picks and best bets for the College Football Playoff first round, as well as his national championship best bet

The quarterbacks will be in the spotlight, as always, but a few other NFL Draft prospects could play key roles Friday night.

Alabama Crimson Tide legend and former NFL quarterback has been named head coach of the Birmingham Stallions in the UFL.