Brian Robinson on how Alabama will find underdog mentality vs. Cincinnati

Alabama is not typically an underdog. That sight does not come very often. But in the SEC Championship Game against Georgia, Alabama was an underdog.

Being an underdog gave Alabama an added energy against Georgia, according to running back Brian Robinson. Robinson is looking for Alabama to carry that same underdog mentality into the College Football Playoff semifinal against Cincinnati.

“I mean we just gotta have that same approach as when we were the underdog,” Robinson said of Alabama’s mindset against Cincinnati. “The energy we came with when we were doubted and they had us as an underdog, we brought a certain type of energy. Just to make people kind of respect our team. I feel like we just got to continue that energy on. Whether we’re the underdog or not, we gotta continue to show that same enthusiasm. We got to bring that same energy as a team.”

Despite being an underdog against Georgia, Alabama came out firing on all cylinders against the Bulldogs, putting all of its critics to rest in the SEC title game. Alabama came away with a 41-24 victory to finish the season 12-1. The win allowed Alabama to earn the No. 1 overall seed in the CFP, while Georgia fell to No. 3.

Alabama’s two-game season begins against Cincinnati

Entering the SEC title game, Alabama didn’t care about the fact that it was underdogs. The Crimson Tide took care of their own business, and only focused on the task at hand. Now, Nick Saban and Alabama have a new season that begins with a CFP matchup with Cincinnati.

“I think it gave us the opportunity to have a two-game season,” Saban said of what the win over Georgia meant. “We have a two-game season now – I hope. That’s what we’re going to work for, that’s what we want to do. These players have worked hard all year long. I think they deserve a lot of respect for what they’ve been able to accomplish and what they’ve been able to do, but at the same time, how are you going to look forward? It’s how do we move forward?

“We’ve created an opportunity for ourself where we have the chance to play in the College Football Playoff. How are we going to prepare? How are we committed to do the things we need to do? Really, really pleased and proud for this team creating an opportunity to be in the playoffs, to play in the playoffs. This is always kind of our goal, so I was really pleased and happy for the players to see them be able to accomplish that goal.”

Alabama will be looking to carry that momentum and energy into the CFP. Cincinnati and Alabama will face off on Dec. 31.