TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The Oklahoma Sooners rose to the occasion, going on the road to take down the Alabama Crimson Tide 23-21.

Much has been made of Oklahoma’s defense this season, and it delivered once again, even without their best player R Mason Thomas.

The Sooners’ defense faced one of its toughest tests yet, going up against one of the best quarterbacks in the country in Ty Simpson. 

Oklahoma’s defense held him in check for much of the day, limiting him to just one touchdown pass, along with an 87-yard pick-six from Eli Bowen in the first quarter.

One of the biggest keys to the game for Oklahoma was whether it could get pressure on Ty Simpson, given the major question marks surrounding Alabama’s offensive line.

Throughout the afternoon, the Sooners’ defense continued to wreak havoc on Simpson, compiling four sacks, including two from off-ball linebacker Kip Lewis.

You can’t talk about Oklahoma’s defense without mentioning its efforts to shut down the Crimson Tide’s running game.Alabama has had issues running the ball all season, and that continued on Saturday. 

The Sooners limited the Crimson Tide to just 80 yards on the ground, off 33 carries for an average of 2.4 yards per attempt.

Offensively, the Sooners left a lot to be desired. However, John Mateer and company made just enough plays to come through with the victory.Mateer was 15-of-23 through the air for 138 yards but also managed 23 yards on the ground, which included a 20-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.

The biggest surprise of the day for the Sooners’ offense was the performance of Jer’Michael Carter. Prior to the Tennessee game, he had just one catch all season.

On Saturday, he led the Sooners in receiving with some big-time catches, including three receptions for 36 yards.Although the Sooners have continued to look undisciplined at times when it comes to turnovers, they took care of business in the turnover battle.

Oklahoma’s offense did not turn the ball over once, while the Sooners’ defense forced three turnovers, including 17 points off turnovers.

The win puts Oklahoma at 8-2 on the season and 4-2 in SEC play. It still seems highly unlikely that the Sooners will make the SEC Championship; however, if they win out, they’ll be in great position to make the College Football Playoff.

UP NEXT: Oklahoma will return home for its last two games, beginning next Saturday at 11 a.m. CST against Missouri, followed by the regular season finale against LSU.