The Cincinnati Bearcats face a historic challenge as the first non-Power 5 team to make the College Football Playoff, taking on Alabama at AT&T Stadium on December 31st at 3:30 p.m.

Alabama (12-1) enters fresh off their SEC Championship victory over Georgia, with their only loss coming to Texas A&M. Cincinnati brings a perfect 13-0 record from the American Athletic Conference, including signature wins at Notre Dame and against Houston.

Betting Odds and Analysis:

• Alabama is favored by 13.5 points (-110)
• Cincinnati is 8-5 against the spread this season
• Cincinnati averages 19 more points and 124 more yards than Alabama typically allows
• Alabama averages 24 more points and 191 more yards than Cincinnati typically allows

Key Matchups:

• QBs: Cincinnati's Desmond Ridder (66% completion, 30 TDs, 8 INTs, 164.8 rating) vs Alabama's Bryce Young (43 TDs, 4 INTs, 175.5 rating)
• Defense: Cincinnati ranks better in most defensive categories:
  • 6th in opponent points per game
  • 6th in opponent yards per game
  • 3rd in takeaways per game
  • 3rd in opponent completion percentage

Alabama's Vulnerability: Their pass defense ranks 63rd in yards allowed per game, presenting an opportunity for Ridder and the Bearcats' passing attack.

Historical Context: Cincinnati's previous major bowl appearances resulted in losses:

• 2009 Orange Bowl: Lost 20-7
• 2010 Sugar Bowl: Lost 51-24
• 2020 Peach Bowl: Close loss to Georgia on a last-second field goal

While Cincinnati has shown they can compete with elite teams, covering the 13.5-point spread against this Alabama team remains a significant challenge given the Crimson Tide's championship pedigree and offensive firepower.

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