50 Cent electrifies Oklahoma crowd as Sooners rally, but Alabama holds on in CFP game
50 Cent performed 'Many Men (Wish Death)' between the third and fourth quarters of the Oklahoma-Alabama CFP first-round game, as the Sooners briefly closed the gap before Alabama pulled away.
Oklahoma's stadium briefly erupted when 50 Cent performed his 2003 hit 'Many Men (Wish Death)' between the third and fourth quarters of the College Football Playoff first-round game against Alabama. The appearance reflected a growing trend of pop culture moments drawing added attention to marquee postseason matchups and energizing players and fans alike.
Two plays after the performance, Oklahoma's Deion Burks connected with John Mateer on a 37-yard touchdown pass to trim Alabama's lead to 27-24. Oklahoma has used 'Many Men' as a hype song in recent weeks, and the moment gave the Sooners a brief boost before the Crimson Tide responded.
Alabama regained momentum and ultimately held on for a 34-24 victory. The Crimson Tide capitalized on the late surge and preserved the win in a high-profile postseason setting. In recent weeks, Oklahoma had leaned on the track as part of its game-day hype, illustrating how teams increasingly blend music, entertainment, and athletics to enhance the atmosphere surrounding major college football events.
The moment underscores the evolving landscape of college sports, where performance moments and pop culture figure prominently in front of national television audiences. As teams continue to push for playoff positions, such crossovers are likely to become more common, offering fans a broader experience beyond the action on the field.