National pundits have broken down the Alabama-Cincinnati matchup from several angles.
People regard the Crimson Tide’s wide receivers and the Bearcats’ defensive secondary as the biggest key to the game.
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However, Alabama’s defense must contain an explosive and confident quarterback. Desmond Ridder, a senior, is regarded as one of the top prospects entering the 2022 NFL Draft. He is a two-time American Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year and guided Cincinnati to an undefeated season. The 6-foot-4, 215-pounder recorded 3,190 passing yards, 36 total touchdowns (six rushing scores), and eight interceptions. Ridder’s confidence and timing allowed him to push six receivers to 20+ catches.
Alec Pierce, a senior, leads the Bearcats in catches (50), yards (867), and touchdowns (eight).
Ridder creates marquee plays with his arm and feet, despite getting dropped 19 times by opposing defenses.
Will Anderson Jr., a sophomore linebacker for the Tide, spoke Tuesday on the importance of containing Ridder.
12/20/21 MFB Practice
Alabama linebacker Will Anderson (31)
Photo by Kent Gidley
“He’s a great athlete,” Anderson said of Ridder. “He’s long. He can see well downfield. He can run outside the pocket. He can extend plays with his arm and legs. They [Cincinnati] have a great offensive line, and they do a good job of protecting him. We have to contain him in the pocket.”
Anderson also mentioned Alabama’s travel to Texas is a ‘business trip, not a vacation.’
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Pete Golding, Alabama’s defensive coordinator, coaches a unit that ranks No. 8 nationally for total defense (306.1 ypg) and No. 4 for rush defense (82.8 ypg). The Tide is in the top-20 for scoring defense, allowing 20.2 points per game (No. 18).
Anderson, a Unanimous All-American, leads the defense for sacks (15.5), tackles for loss (32.5), and quarterback hurries (nine).
Phidarian Mathis, a fifth-year senior, has eight sacks, ten tackles for loss, and six quarterback hurries as a defensive end. Alabama has other names such as Byron Young, Tim Smith, DJ Dale, Christian Harris, Henry To’oto’o, Dallas Turner, and Drew Sanders that must perform upfront. Both teams will battle each other on Friday, Dec. 31, at AT&T Stadium for the Goodyear Cotton Bowl.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
