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Brian Robinson's big day leads to impressive stat in Cotton Bowl

ns_headshot_2024-clearby:Nick Schultz•12/31/21•

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Alabama certainly knew what it was doing when it decided to lean on Brian Robinson Jr. and the running game on Friday. It resulted in a huge day for Robinson — and he did something no one has done under Nick Saban.

Robinson topped the 200-yard mark in the fourth quarter of the Cotton Bowl against Cincinnati. When he did, he became the first player to ever rush for 200 or more yards in a bowl game under Nick Saban.

Bo Scarbrough held the previous record for most rushing yards under Saban when he ran for 180 yards in the 2016 Peach Bowl. Robinson topped the mark with 9:53 to play in the game, no less. He finished with 204 yards on the ground.

Robinson is Alabama’s leading rusher and ranked third in the SEC with 89.25 rush yards per game this year. His previous season high was 171 yards against Ole Miss on Oct. 2 — a game in which he scored four times en route to a 42-21 Alabama victory.

Alabama got out to a fast start against Cincinnati and never looked back. The Crimson Tide scored on their first drive in just 11 plays — 10 of which were runs. They kept the offense moving to eventually take a 27-6 lead with 6:20 left to play.

Alabama touchdown drive leads to impressive early stat

It took Alabama 5:09 to score in the Cotton Bowl. To do it, the Crimson Tide did something they haven’t done in 13 years.

Alabama ran 11 plays — 10 rushes and an eight-yard touchdown pass from Bryce Young to Slade Bolden to take a 7-0 lead over Cincinnati. The Crimson Tide’s 10 rushing attempts are the most they’ve had on their opening drive since 2008, according to ESPN Stats and Info. To put that in perspective, that was Nick Saban’s first season as Alabama’s head coach.

Brian Robinson, Jr. got plenty of work on that opening drive. He took six carries for 37 yards to lead the charge. Wide receiver Jameson Williams also got in on the action with an 18-yard rush.

Alabama went 75 yards in 5:09 to score on the opening drive, but Cincinnati made things interesting on its first drive, as well. The Bearcats settled for a field goal, though, to make it a 7-3 game.

Cincinnati entered the game allowing 137.46 rush yards per game, while Alabama averages 147.62 yards per contest on the ground. It appears the Crimson Tide are trying to wear Cincinnati down early on in the Cotton Bowl.