MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. -- Alabama jumped out to a four-touchdown lead to run away and beat Oklahoma, 45-34, in the CFP semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl, and Sooners defensive players were both surprised and disappointed.
"It was stunning," said Oklahoma linebacker Kenneth Murray of Alabama's fast start. "They're a good team, so they got off to a great start and we didn't."
He added: "I mean, that's what it really came down to. ... In the end, that's what killed us."
Alabama hung 21 points on Oklahoma in the first quarter alone.