Trojans Triumph Over Iowa, Sooners Stun Alabama in Epic Comebacks

Bassyonni

ago 2 hours

The 2025 College Football Playoff race witnessed intense action on a chilly Saturday afternoon, with two significant games shaking up the standings. The USC Trojans managed a thrilling comeback against the Iowa Hawkeyes, while the Oklahoma Sooners pulled off a stunning win against the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Trojans Triumph Over Iowa

In Los Angeles, the No. 17 USC Trojans faced off against the No. 21 Iowa Hawkeyes at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 15, 2025. It was a must-win for USC as they aimed to keep their playoff hopes alive ahead of an upcoming match against the Oregon Ducks.

The game began poorly for the Trojans as Iowa quickly surged to a 14-0 lead. Iowa’s quarterback, Mark Gronowski, showcased his skills with a touchdown after a trick play, extending the lead to 21-7. At halftime, Iowa held a 21-10 advantage, seeming poised for an upset.

However, the second half shifted dramatically. USC scored a field goal followed by a spectacular catch from wide receiver Makai Lemon. A remarkable interception by USC’s Jakheem Stewart put the Trojans ahead 26-21. The tension escalated as Iowa attempted a crucial drive, but a controversial out-of-bounds call on a potential game-winning catch sealed their fate. An unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Iowa ended the contest, allowing USC to secure the victory.

Sooners Stun Alabama

Meanwhile, in Tuscaloosa, the Oklahoma Sooners shocked the No. 5 Alabama Crimson Tide with a resilient performance. The game started slowly, with Alabama taking a 3-0 lead before turning the ball over on a stunning 87-yard pick-six thrown by Ty Simpson. This put Oklahoma ahead 10-0.

Alabama rallied back to narrow the gap to 10-7. However, a muffed punt return put Oklahoma in a prime scoring position, allowing them to extend their lead to 17-7. Despite Alabama’s effort to regain control, including a touchdown that temporarily took them ahead 21-20, turnovers proved disastrous.

Oklahoma regained the lead at 23-21 with a field goal. Alabama struggled to maintain momentum, culminating in a 20-21 loss despite outgaining Oklahoma on total yards. The defeat leaves Alabama with little room for error in their playoff ambitions.

Impact on the Playoff Race

These results have intensified the playoff race. Oklahoma’s victory enhances their resume significantly, while Alabama faces dire circumstances with their playoff hopes hanging by a thread. USC’s triumph positions them to control their destiny but requires a challenging win against Oregon in the coming weeks.