Anytime you play away from home, it’s always good to establish the run game which is exactly what Alabama did to start the College Football Playoff semifinal against Cincinnati.
From the first drive of the game, offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien made it a point to run to the football and the Crimson Tide found fantastic success in the trenches. After an impressive performance pass protecting against Georgia in the SEC Championship, Alabama’s offensive line was consistently able to move the Bearcats front.
On the opening drive of the game, 10 of Alabama’s 11 plays were rushes as the Crimson Tide went on its way to score an 8-yard touchdown through the air on quarterback Bryce Young’s lone pass attempt of the drive.
Cincinnati was able to respond with a 12 play drive of its own, but Pete Golding’s defense was able to hold quarterback Desmond Ridder out of the endzone on three straight pass attempts from the 9-yard line.
Following a Will Reichard field goal, a penalty early on Alabama’s third drive stifled any momentum resulting in a three and out giving Cincinnati the ball down seven. But the Crimson Tide defense held strong once again recording its third batted pass of the game to force a Bearcats three and out.
Robinson continued his dominance on the ground as the end of the second quarter neared by the Crimson Tide simply couldn’t translate his gains to points. After a 12 play drive from the offense, Reichard missed a 44-yard field goal attempt giving the ball back to the Bearcats with 4:45 remaining in the first half.
This gave Alabama the opportunity to get one more score before the half which it took full advantage of.
Following a heads-up pitch from Young to Robinson, the Heisman Trophy winner was finally able to connect on a deep ball in the game. Instead of a 44-yard touchdown to Jameson Williams, wide receiver Ja’Corey Brooks was the man to bring in the score for Alabama.
After another stop from the defense Alabama went to the half leading 17-3 over Cincinnati.
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Patrick Dowd is a Reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via Pat_Dowd77
