FOX Sports betting analyst explains why Cincinnati will play Alabama close in CFP semifinal

Alabama is an unsurprising favorite against Cincinnati in one of 2 College Football Playoff semifinals this year, with the 2 teams set to meet in the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium on Dec. 31.

According to FOX Bet Sportsbook, the Crimson Tide are a -13.5 favorite to defeat the Bearcats and advance to the national championship game in Indianapolis. Is that a bit of a low number, though, as Nick Saban’s team takes on the Bearcats?

“I kind of think it’s a little high,” betting analyst “Cousin Sal” Iacono said on Tuesday’s “FOX Bet Live” on FS1. “If Alabama had won by 3 or lost by 3, and they were playing Cincinnati, this would be a an 8 or 9 point favorite right now. It shot up to 14 because everybody’s in love with Alabama because of what they saw Saturday (in the SEC Championship Game).”

Iacono noted the efficiency of Bearcats quarterback Desmond Ridder, who has thrown for 7 touchdowns and 0 interceptions in his previous 3 bowl appearances.

“He’s not going to have the deer in the headlights look to him,” he said.

Finally, Iacono pointed out Cincinnati’s ability on defense to generate turnovers, with its 32 takeaways No. 1 in FBS.

“I think that’s enough to keep this game closer than 2 touchdowns,” he said.

Will Alabama beat Cincinnati by 2+ TDs? ?@TheCousinSal is skeptical.pic.twitter.com/MMeefOU4If

— FOX Bet Sportsbook (@FOXBet) December 7, 2021

Sydney Hunte

Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.