Cincinnati at Alabama 12/31/21 - Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic Picks & Predictions

The Goodyear Cotton Bowls in Arlington TX will host a matchup between the Cincinnati Bearcats and the Alabama Crimson Tide on the last day of the year in the first game of the College Football Playoff. Cincinnati comes into the playoffs undefeated with a 13-0 after ending the year with a 15 point win against Houston. The Cincinnati offense shined against Houston totaling 400 yards of offense to score 35 points in the game.

Quarterback Desmond Ridder orchestrated the offense completing 11 of 17 passes for 190 yards and three scores. Jerome Ford led the rushing attack for Cincinnati with 18 carries for 187 yards and two touchdowns. Alec Pierce was the primary target in the Cincinnati passing game with 65 yards and one score on two receptions, while Tyler Scott added in 25 yards and one touchdown as well.

The Alabama Crimson Tide head into the playoffs riding high fresh off an SEC championship win after dominating the Georgia Bulldogs. The Alabama offense was on full display against Georgia with 536 total yards of offense to score 41 points in the game. Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young dissected Georgia completing 26 of 44 passes for 421 yards and three scores, while carrying the ball three times for 40 yards and one score as well.

Offensively Alabama has been dominant thus far this season averaging 42.2 points on 495.5 yards per game. Quarterback Bryce Young has been the focal point of the Alabama offense with 314 completions totaling 4,322 yards through the air and 43 touchdowns. Brian Robinson Jr. is the primary ball carrier for Alabama with 223 carries for 1071 yards and 14 touchdowns.