Alabama running back Brian Robinson Jr. stiff-arms Cincinnati cornerback Arquon Bush as he runs with the ball during the first half of the Cotton Bowl on Friday in Arlington, Texas. Robinson rushed for a program bowl-record 204 yards in the Crimson Tide’s 27-6 win. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Alabama running back Brian Robinson Jr. stiff-arms Cincinnati cornerback Arquon Bush as he runs with the ball during the first half of the Cotton Bowl on Friday in Arlington, Texas. Robinson rushed for a program bowl-record 204 yards in the Crimson Tide’s 27-6 win. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Cincinnati running back Jerome Ford (24) is tackled by Alabama’s Kool-Aid McKinstry (1) and Christian Harris (8) during the first half of the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Alabama quarterback Bryce Young (9) is pressured by Cincinnati defensive lineman Myjai Sanders (21) during the first half of the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Alabama’s Jahleel Billingsley leaps over Cincinnati’s Ja’von Hicks during the first half of the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Cincinnati fans hold up signs before the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game against Alabama, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder, left, is sacked by Alabama defensive lineman DJ Dale (94) during the first half of the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Alabama running back Brian Robinson Jr. (4) runs for a first down as Cincinnati linebacker Deshawn Pace reaches from behind to tackle him during the first half of the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. Alabama won 27-6. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) looks to throw a pass against Alabama during the first half of the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Cincinnati wide receiver Alec Pierce (12) tries to catch a pass as Alabama’s Kool-Aid McKinstry (1) and Jordan Battle (9) defend during the first half of the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Alabama quarterback Bryce Young (9) tries to avoid Cincinnati’s Darrian Beavers (0) during the first half of the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Alabama running back Trey Sanders (6) runs for a first down against Cincinnati during the second half of the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) is chased by Alabama defensive lineman Byron Young (47) defends during the first half of the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Alabama quarterback Bryce Young (9) is tackled by Cincinnati linebacker Joel Dublanko (41) during the first half of the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Alabama quarterback Bryce Young (9) runs for a gain against Cincinnati during the first half of the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Alabama’s Slade Bolden (18) is tackled by Cincinnati’s Tre Tucker (7) and Myjai Sanders during the first half of the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Cincinnati wide receiver Michael Young Jr. (8) runs for a gain after catching a pass as Alabama defensive back DeMarcco Hellams (2) defends during the first half of the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Cincinnati fans cheer during the first half of the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game against Alabama, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Cincinnati kicker Cole Smith, right, kicks a field goal against Alabama during the first half of the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Alabama coach Nick Saban, center, watches from the sideline during the first half of the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game against Cincinnati, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Alabama quarterback Bryce Young (9) throws a pass against Cincinnati during the first half of the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Alabama wide receiver Ja’Corey Brooks (7) catches a pass to score a touchdown against Cincinnati during the first half of the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Alabama wide receiver Ja’Corey Brooks (7) scores a touchdown after catching a pass as Cincinnati safety Bryan Cook (6) defends during the first half of the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Alabama wide receiver Ja’Corey Brooks (7) celebrates with Jameson Williams (1) after scoring a touchdown against Cincinnati during the first half of the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Alabama wide receiver Ja’Corey Brooks (7) celebrates after catching a pass and scoring a touchdown against Cincinnati during the first half of the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Cincinnati coach Luke Fickell watches from the sideline during the first half of the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game against Alabama, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Alabama defensive lineman Phidarian Mathis (48) celebrates after tackling Cincinnati running back Jerome Ford (24) during the first half of the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Alabama’s Brian Robinson Jr. (4) is tackled by Cincinnati’s Bryan Cook during the first half of the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Alabama defensive back Jordan Battle (9) reaches to tackle Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) during the second half of the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Alabama’s Christian Harris (8) and Will Anderson Jr. (31) move in to sack Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder during the second half of the Cotton Bowl on Friday in Arlington, Texas. Alabama rode a dominant defensive performance (six sacks) to a 27-6 win and advanced to another national championship game. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Alabama’s Christian Harris (8) celebrates with Henry To’oTo’o (10) after sacking Cincinnati’s Desmond Ridder during the second half of the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Cincinnati fans watch during the second half of the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game against Alabama, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Alabama running back Brian Robinson Jr. (4) runs for a gain against Cincinnati during the second half of the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Alabama wide receiver Jameson Williams (1) catches a pass as Cincinnati’s Deshawn Pace (20) and Ja’von Hicks (3) defend during the second half of the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Alabama tight end Cameron Latu (81) scores a touchdown after catching a pass as Cincinnati linebacker Ty Van Fossen (13) defends during the second half of the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Alabama tight end Cameron Latu (81) scores a touchdown after catching a pass against Cincinnati during the second half of the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Alabama tight end Cameron Latu (81) scores a touchdown after catching a pass as Cincinnati Ty Van Fossen, left, defends during the second half of the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Alabama tight end Cameron Latu (81) celebrates with Brian Robinson Jr. (4) after scoring a touchdown against Cincinnati during the second half of the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Alabama tight end Cameron Latu (81) celebrates after making a touchdown catch against Cincinnati during the second half of the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Alabama tight end Cameron Latu (81) celebrates after making a touchdown catch against Cincinnati during the second half of the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Alabama tight end Cameron Latu (81) celebrates after a touchdown catch against Cincinnati during the second half of the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder (9), right, is sacked by Alabama’s Brian Branch (14) and Will Anderson Jr. during the second half of the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Alabama’s Brian Branch and Will Anderson Jr. celebrate after sacking Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) during the second half of the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder, center, is hugged by a teammate after the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. Alabama won 27-6. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Alabama quarterback Bryce Young (9) hugs Cincinnati defensive lineman Malik Vann (42) after the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. Alabama won 27-6. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Cincinnati’s Tyler Scott (21) and Jordan Jones (5) walk off the field after the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game against Alabama, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. Alabama won 27-6. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) leaves the field after the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game against Alabama, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. Alabama won 27-6. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Alabama wide receiver Jameson Williams (1) holds up the winner’s trophy after the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game against Cincinnati, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. Alabama won 27-6. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Alabama wide receiver Jameson Williams (1) holds up the winner’s trophy after the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game against Cincinnati, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. Alabama won 27-6. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Alabama offensive lineman Evan Neal (73) tosses confetti after the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game against Cincinnati, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. Alabama won 27-6. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Alabama defensive lineman Byron Young carries the winner’s trophy after the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game against Cincinnati, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. Alabama won 27-6. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Alabama cheerleaders perform before the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game against Cincinnati, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
ARLINGTON, Texas — Brian Robinson Jr. grew up near the Alabama campus watching the Crimson Tide win championships, and wanting to play a big part in one.
With the fifth-year senior and first-year featured back running for a career-high 204 yards and Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young throwing three touchdown passes, the Crimson Tide earned the chance to play for yet another national title with a 27-6 victory over Cincinnati on Friday in a College Football Playoff semifinal at the Cotton Bowl.
It was a bitter finish for Desmond Ridder and for the Bearcats, the first non-Power Five team ever to get a taste of the CFP. They were physically overwhelmed on the big stage.
“B-Rob was huge for us all night,” Young said. “Making that first guy miss, falling forward fighting for those extra yards. He was a constant.”
“As a young kid, just always wanted to be a part of this program. Just always wanted to play for a national championship,” Robinson said. “Just being able to go out there and just lead this team in this big game on this big stage … it’s like a dream come true.”
Alabama (13-1) has missed the four-team playoff only once and will try to win its second national title in a row and fourth in the eight seasons of the CFP format. The Crimson Tide will play either No. 2 Michigan (12-1) or No. 3 Georgia (12-1), the previously undefeated team Alabama beat for the SEC title, in the national title game on Jan. 10 in Indianapolis.
Alabama clearly was doing what it could to minimize the impact of standing Cincinnati cornerbacks Ahmad Gardner and Coby Bryant, and pretty much succeeded with Robinson rushing 26 times and Young throwing a lot of short, safe passes – though the former Mater Dei High standout did find hit Ja’Core Brooks for a 44-yard catch-and-run touchdown on a play away from the standout defenders for a 17-3 lead just before halftime.
“I’m really, really proud of our team, our players. I think they showed great competitive character out there,” said Alabama coach Nick Saban, who in his 15th season at Alabama has six national titles overall. “Guys showed a lot of resiliency all year, to be able to have the opportunity to get to this game.”
The Tide opened the game with 10 consecutive runs, the first four and six overall for 37 yards by Robinson, before putting three receivers opposite of Gardner, who hasn’t given up a touchdown in coverage in his college career. Young found Slade Bolden open in the left flat for an 8-yard touchdown pass that put Alabama ahead to stay.
With Ridder, the dynamic quarterback and NFL prospect who returned for an extra season for just this chance, the Bearcats (13-1) were the nation’s only undefeated team until facing the playoff standard-bearer.
“Obviously, this is gut-wrenching and really, really difficult for everybody, but most importantly for the 30 or so seniors that have brought this program and this team so far,” Bearcats coach Luke Fickell said.
Ridder was sacked six times and outside of a 9-yard run on the opening play of the second half never really hurt Alabama with his feet. He was 17-of-32 passing or 144 yards.
“It’s one thing to sit there and watch on film, and to sit there and draw the twists and stunts they do on the board and work it through practice,” Ridder said. “It’s another thing to come down here and play it on a big stage.”
Young, a 20-year-old sophomore, has a chance to become the fifth Alabama quarterback in 13 seasons to win a national title as a first-year starter. He completed 17 of 28 passes for 181 yards in the playoff game, four weeks after setting an SEC championship game record with 421 yards passing in a victory over Georgia and three weeks after being the first Crimson Tide QB to win a Heisman Trophy.
His only interception came late in the third quarter when he overthrew All-America receiver Jameson Williams in a crowd of defenders and the pass was intercepted by Bryan Cook on the logo at midfield. Williams caught the other seven passes thrown his way for 62 yards, the longest being 20 yards.
After Cook’s interception, the Bearcats went three-and-out for the fifth time in the game, with Ridder sacked for a 10-yard loss on third down.
Cincinnati’s breakthrough into the four-team playoff was bolstered by a win on the first Saturday of October at Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish, who lost to Alabama, 31-14, in a CFP semifinal Rose Bowl played at AT&T Stadium last New Year’s Day, didn’t lose another game this season and finished fifth in the final CFP rankings behind the history-making Bearcats.
The American Athletic Conference champion Bearcats had a season-low 218 total yards and were held without a touchdown for the first time since a 42-0 loss at Ohio State in the second game of the 2019 season, the last time they played a top-five team.
“We knew the battle in the trenches was going to be a big deal, and that’s kind of where the game was won,” Fickell said. “In no phase of it did we give ourselves an opportunity.”
THE TAKEAWAY
Cincinnati: It was only the second loss in two seasons for the Bearcats, both setbacks coming in their final games. They lost to Georgia, 24-21, on a last-second field goal in the Peach Bowl last New Year’s Day. … Cincinnati drove for field goals by Cole Smith (37 and 31 yards) on the opening drive of each half, but struggled to move the ball outside of those two drives.
Alabama: After the Tide never got on track with their running game most of the season, Robinson and the rushers led them in the semifinal game with 301 yards. Trey Sanders had 14 carries for 67 yards. Going into the Cotton Bowl, the Crimson Tide were averaging 147.6 yards per game, their lowest total in 15 seasons under Saban.
CINCINNATI DB HONORS KOBE BRYANT
Cincinnati’s Bryant, the winner of the Jim Thorpe Award that goes to the nation’s best defensive back, changed his number for Friday’s game.
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Yes, Bryant is named after the late NBA great, even with the different spelling of the first name.
For the playoff game, Bryant switched from the No. 7 he had worn throughout his Cincinnati career to No. 8, one of the two numbers the basketball Hall of Fame player wore during his 20 seasons with the Lakers.
“My parents loved Kobe Bryant and my brother does too,” the Bearcats cornerback said. “So I was named for Kobe Bryant. It’s just spelled differently”
Bryant said during the week that he wanted to go “vintage Kobe” and bring that playoff mentality of the five-time NBA champion.
