Alabama Bullies Bearcats in 86th Goodyear Cotton Bowl to Advance to National Championship
The No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the No. 4 Cincinnati Bearcats in the 86th Goodyear Cotton Bowl 27-6 to advance to the College Football Playoff National Championship.
The Crimson Tide, taking on the first Group of 5 school to make the College Football Playoffs, utilized its physical advantage up front to dominate the trenches and control the game. The Crimson Tide rushed 47 times for 301 yards to control the tempo and impose its will on the Bearcats.
At the forefront of the Alabama rushing attack was super senior, Hillcrest High School alum, Brian Robinson. Robinson took 26 carries for 204 yards to set a new career high for the Tuscaloosa-native. His strong effort combined with the Alabama defensive effort allowed him to nearly outgain the Bearcat offense single-handedly.
The 2021 Heisman Trophy winner may have thrown three touchdown passes in the Cotton Bowl for the Crimson Tide's only scores of the day but Bryce Young did struggle throughout the contest. Young completed 17-of-28 for 181 yards and three touchdowns and an interception, he was also sacked twice and hurried six times by the Cincinnati front.
The Alabama defense continued to prove it has found its stride this year with an impressive effort in the Cotton Bowl. The Tide only surrendered six points to the nation's No. 10 scoring offense in 2021.
Alabama generated six sacks and hurried Desmond Ridder two additional times. Ridder was held to just 144 passing yards against the Tide and had four passes batted down at the line of scrimmage.
The Crimson Tide held its former running back Jerome Ford in check throughout the game, Ford took 15 carries for 77 yards but the Bearcats were unable to sustain any consistent offensive success.
The Crimson Tide now turns its attention to the College Football National Championship game where they will face the winner of No. 2 Michigan vs. No. 3 Georgia in Indianapolis on Monday, Jan. 10.