Cincinnati Football: 3 takeaways from Cotton Bowl semifinal vs. Alabama

3. An undersized Cincinnati defensive line was no match for Bama

First, let’s acknowledge reality. There are huge discrepancies between the talent stacked up on SEC defensive lines versus those even the best Group of Five team might compile. While Cincinnati gave up just 137.5 yards per game through their first 13 victories, there is a simple reason why the Bearcats were unable to contain the Crimson Tide rushing attack at the Cotton Bowl.

Alabama ran roughshod on a team that employs a three-man front that averages just 266 yards per defensive lineman. Size doesn’t mean everything along the line of scrimmage, but it certainly made a difference in Texas. The Crimson Tide came out pounding the rock, making an early statement, and only seemed to struggle in situations where they tried to deviate too far from what was working on the ground.

The lack of size against Alabama’s beefy offensive line proved costly. One wonders why Crimson Tide offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien ever elected to call a passing play for Heisman winner Bryce Young, given how well the line opened hole after hole for Brian Robinson and crew. The Tide finished with 302 rushing yards as a team, led by Robinson’s 204 yards on 26 carries.

Cincinnati’s defensive line did get some pressure on Young, which led to Bryan Cook’s third-quarter interception. But there were simply too many times when the quarterback was able to step up and launch the ball downfield, leading to three passing touchdowns. Even a talented secondary couldn’t contain receivers forever once Young broke contain and the offensive line helped extend plays.

Future Group of Five teams that might hope to compete for national championships in the College Football Playoff era will need to find ways to scheme against offensive lines that are almost guaranteed to boast more talent, more size, and more depth.