Cotton Bowl 2021: 3 reasons to watch Alabama vs. Cincinnati
By Shane Lunnen
2. Desmond Ritter’s time to shine
The Bearcats averaged nearly 40 points per game, good for ninth in the country. To beat Alabama they will need to put together a masterful performance, led by quarterback Desmond Ritter.
The senior out of Louisville, Kentucky has been a four-year starter for the Bearcats. This season the dual-threat quarterback has thrown for the most yards (3,190) and touchdowns (30) in his career. He has run for the least amount of yards in his career (371 yards on 100 attempts) but he picked up six more touchdowns on the ground.
The Bearcats offensive style is the spread read option so Ritter is a threat to run any given down. Combining him with outstanding running back Jerome Ford, the Bearcats will hope to control the clock by picking up a lot of first downs and keep the ball away from the Crimson Tide offense.
However, where Ritter can exploit Alabama is through the air. The Alabama secondary has not been one of Alabama’s best under Nick Saban. They are 41st in yards per attempt allowed and 63rd in yards per game allowed through the air.
If the Bearcats can keep up in this one, it will be because of Ritter’s arm and legs. It is his time to shine on the national stage.