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

Alabama (12-1) enters as a 13.5-point favorite after defeating Georgia in the SEC Championship, with their only loss coming to Texas A&M. Cincinnati completed a perfect 13-0 season in the American Athletic Conference, including key wins at Notre Dame and against Houston.

Key Statistics:

• Spread: Alabama -13.5 (-110)
• Cincinnati ATS Record: 8-5
• Cincinnati Offense: +19 points and +124 yards vs Alabama's defensive averages
• Alabama Offense: +24 points and +191 yards vs Cincinnati's defensive averages

Quarterback Comparison:

• Desmond Ridder (Cincinnati): 66% completion, 30 TD, 8 INT, 164.8 rating
• Bryce Young (Alabama): 43 TD, 4 INT, 175.5 rating

Defensive Strengths: Cincinnati ranks:

• 6th in opponent points per game
• 6th in opponent yards per game
• 3rd in takeaways per game
• 3rd in opponent completion percentage

Alabama ranks:

• 7th in opponent yards per game
• 2nd in opponent yards per rush
• 8th in sack percentage
• 63rd in pass yards allowed per game

Analysis: Cincinnati's best path to covering involves exploiting Alabama's relatively weaker pass defense. While the Bearcats have shown they can compete with elite teams, as demonstrated in last year's close Peach Bowl loss to Georgia, Alabama's championship pedigree and offensive firepower make this their toughest test yet.

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

• 2009 Orange Bowl: Lost 20-7
• 2010 Sugar Bowl: Lost 51-24
• 2021 Peach Bowl: Close loss to Georgia

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