Alabama Freshman WR After Two TD Performance Against Oklahoma in First Round Win

Alabama advanced to the second round of the College Football Playoffs on Friday by defeating Oklahoma 34-24, rallying from a 17-point deficit in the second quarter. The comeback was fueled by freshman wide receiver Lotzeir Brooks, who caught two touchdowns in the win. 

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Brooks came into this game with only 362 receiving yards and zero touchdowns as a freshman. He picked up his first two collegiate touchdowns in Friday's ten-point win. His first touchdown kick-started the Tide's comeback. Brooks capped off a 75-yard drive with a ten-yard spinning touchdown catch on a 4th down and two in the second quarter. This drive saw the freshman pick up 44 receiving yards. After his touchdown, the Crimson Tide scored 20 more unanswered points. 

Following the game, Brooks was asked when the momentum shifted in the game, to which he said, "The drive that we scored the first time, that's when the momentum shifted, and we knew we were in the game."

Brooks was asked about the fourth-and-two conversion and what Simpson told him before the play. Brooks shared that his quarterback does a great job of encouraging him and keeping him lifted during the game. 

"I just give all credit to Ty. He keeps me up during the game." Brooks said, "He just says, 'I'm gonna find you the whole game,' and he found me and got a connection."

His second touchdown came with 11:21 left in the third quarter. He came down with a 30-yard catch from quarterback Ty Simpson. Brooks' score gave the Crimson Tide its first lead of the game. They had trailed by 17 points just a quarter ago. 

Brooks was asked about his 30-yard touchdown reception, which occurred on third down after the Tide went three-and-out on the prior drive. The score, tying the game at 17, came early in the third quarter and shifted the game’s momentum.

"I just give thanks to Ty again. He keeps telling me to keep my head in the game, just stay humble, and the ball will find me in the right moments."

Brooks was asked what the vibe was like going into halftime after freshman cornerback Zabian Brown's 50-yard game-tying pick-six that made the score locked at 17. 

"Coaches just always say the most important play is the next play." Brooks said, "and that's just what we keep on our mind. 1-0 every day, every play."

This was the first time all season that Brooks had spoken to the media. Alabama's rule barred freshmen from talking to the press. Still, his impact in tonight's win was too significant that the University had to make an exception. 

Brooks and the Crimson Tide advance to the quarterfinals to face No. 1 Indiana, led by Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza, in the Rose Bowl on New Year's Day.

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