No. 1 Alabama rolled through No. 4 Cincinnati 27-6 behind a monster day from running back Brian Robinson. The senior rushed for an Alabama bowl record 204 yards on 26 carries to deliver the Crimson Tide a 2021 Cotton Bowl semifinal win and their sixth appearance in the College Football Playoff National Championship.
Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Bryce Young threw for just 181 yards against Cincinnati’s elite pass defense, but he tossed three touchdown passes to as many different receivers. Young broke program records for both single-season yards passing and passing touchdowns in his first game since winning the Heisman.
The Tide put together an 11-play scoring drive — featuring 10 rushes — on their first possession to set the tone for the game. The Bearcats managed to get into the red zone three times, but they settled for field goals each time against the most vaunted dynasty in college football history.