College Football Playoff: 5 bold predictions for Alabama vs. Cincinnati in Cotton Bowl

2. “Underdog” Will Anderson makes his push to be the No. 1 overall pick in 2023

Somehow, someway, Alabama’s all-world defensive superstar Will Anderson has convinced himself that the Crimson Tide are the underdogs in this game. The Nick Saban Effect clearly does wonders to one’s psyche. Even if Alabama is anything but the underdog in this one, look for Anderson to have one of the best games of his college career and go Derrick Thomas on everyone.

Though Ridder will make some plays in the Cincinnati passing game, as will Ford leading the Bearcats rushing attack, Anderson will eat for days going up against a Group of Five offensive line. Is the over/under on tackles for loss coming from Anderson alone 3.5? Might as well be. Whoever emerges from the Orange Bowl will not want to face Anderson with this boulder on his shoulders.

1. Cincinnati dressed in black to prepare for its Alabama Cotton Bowl funeral

At every occasion, Cincinnati will be ready for the Cotton Bowl funeral. All dressed up in black, they know their fate. It’s been the best season in Cincinnati football history, but it ends before the ball drops on Friday night. Though the Bearcats are too talented and too proud to let this game become a rout, Alabama is still Alabama and has embarrassed many quality football teams before.

An Alabama touchdown drive followed up by a pick-six of Ridder will result in a 14-point swing Luke Fickell’s team will not be able to overcome. Playing from behind against Alabama is like being engulfed by a boa constrictor, and all one can do is pray for the prey to be okay. Bearcats might be vicious Southeast Asian beasts, but Alabama has a whole army of angry and aggressive elephants.

Prediction: Alabama 41, Cincinnati 20

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