Alabama vs. Cincinnati: Fans, media react to first half of Cotton Bowl
By Keith Farner
Published:
Alabama came out with a run-heavy game plan in the Cotton Bowl matchup with Cincinnati, and it paid off early. Cincinnati, though, held in there and kicked a field goal to keep it within a possession.
On the one hand, Alabama appeared to try and set the tone with its offensive line and physical play. But did the Crimson Tide call so many running plays to stay away from Cincinnati’s star cornerbacks?
Early on, Slade Bolden made a touchdown catch, and had another catch to contribute and help Alabama ease the loss of John Metchie, who was out after he tore his ACL in Atlanta against Georgia.
Ja’Core Brooks then helped Alabama bust the game open with a 44-yard touchdown with 1:36 remaining in the first half to give the Crimson Tide a 17-4 lead it took to halftime.
Here’s a sampling of the reaction from fans and media:
Block shed, make the tackle in space 💪🏾 love to see it #tirelesstechnique #Alabama #Cincinnati #CottonBowl pic.twitter.com/TjWo9hB49G
— Andre Adams Sr (@ZoneayeTraining) December 31, 2021
We will have to see at the end of this semi-final but not quite sure Cincinnati is top 5 team & Alabama is not a mega monster this year either 🤷🏻♂️#CottonBowl
— #IowaRedneck🤼♂️🇺🇸 (@Bullring2) December 31, 2021
The Cincinnati bear cats are hanging around vs Alabama. It’s been a good game so far.
— Devlin Combes (@DevlinCombes) December 31, 2021
Ok Cincinnati has Good corners . ALABAMA playing smash mouth… why don’t you just play smash mouth until they stop it. IDK this can’t be that difficult like why play into their hands
— Nicholas Burley (@bulldogboyz90) December 31, 2021
Nice response by the Cats of Bear. Game on in JerryWorld.
— Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) December 31, 2021
But their offense has nothing, Ridder sucks and I won’t be told otherwise https://t.co/JcwKsH8v6V
— The Real Carolina (@BarstoolUofSC) December 31, 2021
Kool-Aid McKinstry with a heads up play to recover the muffed punt. https://t.co/qvHqmWWSFj
— Stephen M. Smith (@CoachingMSmith) December 31, 2021
Alabama keeps a loose fumble late in the first half, huh when did I see that before.
— Seth Emerson (@SethWEmerson) December 31, 2021
I’m equally surprised when Alabama fails to pick up a first down as I am when Cincinnati picks up a first down
— SEC Mike (@MichaelWBratton) December 31, 2021
Alabama’s had the ball twice as long as Cincinnati. Outgaining them 208-67. Gaining 6.4 YPC.
Cincy getting the ball back still only down one score.
— Stewart Mandel (@slmandel) December 31, 2021
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
