Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Cincinnati Bearcats: ONE37pm's Cotton Bowl Preview

The Tide's offense has been as dominant as ever this season and continued to look the part against Georgia's top-ranked defense. 

Heisman trophy winner Bryce Young has been one of the best players in the country, with 43 passing touchdowns to only three interceptions. Unfortunately for the Tide, they'll be without wide receiver John Metchie who tore his ACL. Junior wide receiver Jameson Williams has shown the ability to carry the load himself with over 1,400 yards, 15 touchdowns, with only 68 catches.

However, Young and Williams will have their hands full with the Bearcats' secondary. The Bearcats rank second against the pass in the nation, with cornerbacks Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner, Coby Bryant, and Arquon Bush shutting down receiving cores all season. The trio has combined for eight interceptions and 21 passes defended. Expect Gardner to travel with Williams and play him one on one to force the other Tide receivers to make plays.

Quarterback Desmond Ridder has had an up and down career at Cincinnati, but his competitiveness and play-making ability cannot be ignored. Ridder has put up 30 passing touchdowns to only eight interceptions and another six touchdowns on the ground. Alabama hasn't been great at stopping the pass, ranking 63rd in the country. Ridder and the Bearcats' offense should look to exploit the Tide secondary. Senior wide receiver Alec Pierce averages almost 18 yards per catch in his career, and the Bearcats should look to throw some big plays his way.

The Bearcats' offense has also successfully run and pass the ball. Running back Jerome Ford has been sensational all year with over 1,200 yards rushing and 19 touchdowns. However, the Tide ranks 4th overall against the run, surrendering 82.8 yards per game. Alabama linebacker Will Anderson Jr. has been a madman all season, with 15.5 sacks and nearly 30 tackles for loss. Expect the Bearcats to have a tough time running the ball against that tough Tide defense.