Jesse Palmer details advantage Cincinnati has over Alabama

ESPN analyst Jesse Palmer thinks Alabama drew a less than favorable matchup against Cincinnati. Although many may view it as the opposite, Palmer likes the way the Bearcats defensive scheme matches up with the Tide.

After discussing the dynamic play of Alabama receiver Jameson Williams and why it is pivotal the Bearcats slow him down (likely using talented cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner), the analyst explained how Cincinnati can win.

“But you can contain (Williams) and now all of a sudden there’s going to be other bodies in that Alabama locker room, maybe a Ja’Corey Brooks a true freshman that’s made a lot of plays here late in the season [or Slade] Bolden in the slot,” he said. “These guys are going to have to make more plays and step up for Bryce Young. But guys, I love this Cincinnati defense. Not just because of the X’s and O’s and the NFL talent but that scheme too. That 3-3-5 scheme is something that Bama sees a bit of it from Ole Miss and Arkansas. They don’t see a ton of it in the SEC. I think that’s a very stylistic, good matchup.”

Cincinnati became the first Group of 5 school to make the College Football Playoff after finishing as the only undefeated team in FBS. However, they run into one of the biggest dynasties in the sport, with Alabama having now made seven Playoff appearances. They have won three CFP championships and will aim for a fourth this year.

The Bearcats, the lone David in a field of Goliaths, are tasked with spoiling those hopes. For many, Cincinnati stands no chance, but let’s not forget that Alabama nearly lost to Auburn in Week 13. The Crimson Tide have proven themselves vulnerable many times this year.

To Cincinnati, it doesn’t matter who they play. They’re just happy to be here, already having made history. A game against Alabama is just another chance to prove they can do what many think they can’t.

“We want to play the best teams,” quarterback Desmond Ridder said of the match-up with Alabama. “At the end of the day, football is football and when that ball goes down, Alabama should be thinking they’re going to get our best and we know that we’re going to get Alabama’s best.”

Can Cincinnati prove Jesse Palmer right and continue it’s dream season with a victory against Alabama?