3 reasons why Alabama will demolish Cincinnati in the 2021 Cotton Bowl
Desmond Ridder has never faced a test quite like the one Alabama will offer
Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder will be going up against a defense the likes of which he’s never really seen before.
He’s come close twice in his illustrious career as a four-year starter for the Group of Five’s Cincinnati (2018-2021).
The first was back in 2019 when the Bearcats played at No. 5 Ohio State. Ridder and the Bearcats got smoked 42-0. Ridder registered 166 passing yards, zero touchdowns, one interception, and was sacked four times. He attempted nine rushes for -3 yards in the game.
In 2020, Cincinnati faced Georgia in the Peach Bowl and fared slightly better in that game. Ridder was good for 206 passing yards, two touchdowns, but was sacked eight times. He attempted 15 rushes for -17 yards.
Ridder, now a seasoned veteran, might perform a bit better in the game against Bama, but the Tide will have way too much firepower on offense and defense to allow the Cincinnati to garner any sort of momentum.
Alabama will win this one and win it in spectacular fashion.
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Alabama and Cincinnati will square off in the Cotton Bowl on Dec. 31 at 3:30 PM CT on ESPN.