Luke Fickell comments on trailing Alabama in Cotton Bowl

Cincinnati head coach Luke Fickell spoke at halftime about the deficit his team was facing against Alabama in the Cotton Bowl as they trailed 17-3. Fickell praised his team’s first drive of the game, but noted that they needed to tighten up on defense and find a way to stop the Alabama rushing attack.

Luke Fickell on Cotton Bowl

“We gotta do a better job getting off the field defensively,” Fickell said before going into the locker room. “Especially on third and down stopping the run. Our offense has just gotta get back like they were that first drive there. We gotta move the ball around, we gotta take some shots — we’re gonna have to battle.”

Alabama struck first with a 75-yard drive for a touchdown capped by Bryce Young‘s touchdown pass to Slade Bolden to open the game. The Bearcats responded immediately with a 13-play drive of their own, but failed to find the end zone and settled for a field goal, trailing 7-3 early.

From there, both defenses held well throughout the half except for a huge touchdown catch for 44-yards. Bryce Young hit Ja’Corey Brooks mid-stride down the sideline as he beat his defender for the huge play.

The biggest difference in the game at halftime was the continued success rushing the football that Alabama found. Running back Brian Robinson Jr. entered the locker room at the half with 134 yards on 17 carries. Alabama’s offense outgained Cincinnati in total yardage 302-76.

Fickell led his team to an undefeated 13-0 record on the season, qualifying for a College Football Playoff appearance for the first time. Cincinnati has had back-to-back perfect seasons under Fickell, with a chance now to play for the National Championship.

For their season to continue, the Bearcats are going to need a much better showing from their offense in the second half. With running back Jerome Ford banged up slightly after hurting his wrist early in the second quarter, Cincinnati will need him for any comeback to begin.