Reactions: Alabama strikes first, scores on opening Cotton Bowl drive against UC Bearcats
The Cincinnati Bearcats fell into an early deficit against Alabama early in the first quarter of Friday's Cotton Bowl - the College Football Playoff semifinal between the two teams at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas - as the Crimson Tide scored on their opening drive of Friday's game on Slade Bolden's 8-yard touchdown reception from Bryce Young to complete an 11-play, 75-yard scoring drive.
"This first quarter's really, really big for us," Bearcats head coach Luke Fickell told ESPN's Laura Rutledge just before kickoff.
UC responded with a field goal after it had a 1st-and-goal at the Bama 9.
Social media reactions:
That was quite easy for Alabama, which clearly decided to exploit an advantage at the point of attack.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 31, 2021
Alabama averages more than six yards per play on its first drive and takes a 7-0 lead after Bryce Young's first pass. #Bearcats
— Bobby Nightengale (@nightengalejr) December 31, 2021
Well, that was easy for Alabama.
— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) December 31, 2021
Bill O'Brien spent his 10 days in isolation dreaming up that drive.
— Stewart Mandel (@slmandel) December 31, 2021
"Alabama doesn't get much out of its running game."
Alabama: Hold my beer— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) December 31, 2021
If #RollTide can run the ball like this, won't matter what Sauce Gardner and Coby Bryant can do against the receivers.
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) December 31, 2021
Alabama led 17-3 at the half.
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This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Reactions: Alabama strikes first, scores on opening Cotton Bowl drive
