Who plays the role in The Cotton Bowl this year? Teams, dates, schedule of CFP semi-finals 2021

It’s been three years since the Cotton Bowl served as a College Football League semi-final. It’s back in rotation this year, and if history repeats itself, that could mean one of a number of things.

The match could be an explosive one, with the final two scores from the Cotton Bowl semi-finals at 30-3 and 38-0 respectively. Similarly, the game can feature gaudy strike numbers, with the last three winners scoring 55, 53 and 30 points.

THAN: College football schedule for the season 2021-22

This year’s Cotton Bowl compared Alabama’s No. 1 against Cincinnati as the Bearcats made history and became the first Pot 5 school to make it to the playoffs, while Alabama beat No. 1 Georgia in the SEC title match. Alabama has now made it to college football’s knockouts in all but one install and has a 17-point winning streak in the semifinals. Tide enters the game as a 14-point favorite according to FanDuel.

Meanwhile, Cincinnati are the only team this year to finish the regular season without a beat, going 13-0 into the playoffs as coach Luke Fickell led the team to a record 48- 14 of the five seasons at the helm, including a berth in the new years. ‘Six bowls last year against Georgia, losing 24-21 in the Peach Bowl.

SEX: Inclusion of Cincinnati, Michigan proves no need for CFP expansion, at least for now

So for anyone concerned about the possibility of a green-blooded school hanging in a Group of 5, there is at least some proof-of-concept that it’s not too far-fetched.

The Bearcats will continue their historic season as they prepare to move into the Big 12 in 2023, while the Alabama wants to prove it’s consistently the top dog in the SEC and in the country.

Here you’ll find essential information about watching the Cotton Bowl on December 31, 2021, along with what to expect from the teams selected to play in the game.

THAN: Why Alabama Can Win the 2022 College Football League

When is the Cotton Bowl 2021?

• Day: December 31, 2021
• Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
• TV broadcast: ESPN
• Location: AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas

The 2021 Cotton Bowl marks the game’s 84th run since its inception in 1934. The game has always been played in the Dallas metropolitan area, and it has been in Arlington at AT&T Stadium since 2011. .

Who plays in Cotton in 2021?

The Cotton Bowl 2021 will feature SEC champion No. 1 Alabama against AAC champion No. 4 Cincinnati.

What to know about Alabama vs. Cincinnati

Metchie may not play

Alabama is known for its dominant wide-record play over the years, and 2021 is no different for the double-headed attack of Jameson Williams and John Metchie.

Metchie led the team in catches with 96 and second in yards received with 1,142, but he suffered a non-contact injury in the SEC title game. After the game, coach Nick Saban was unable to confirm the exact injury, saying only that it was a “pretty serious” knee injury and that he is not expected to feature in both playoffs if Alabama won.

That means Cincinnati’s job could be a bit easier, only having to defend Jameson Williams as opposed to Williams and Metchie.

“Tide” -al breaking wave

Even when Metchie can’t play, Alabama still has the most prolific offensive lines in the country. The Crimson Tide ranks sixth in total fouls (495.5 yards per game), second in down-conversion rate third (53.6 per cent) and fourth in offense points (42.5 per cent). points per game).

The Tide can also be won in many ways, not just by attacking in the air. Backback Brian Robinson is an efficient runner, averaging 4.8 yards per run over 222 runs and a total of 1,064 yards and 14 ground touches and just under 300 yards received .

Bearcats’ Defense Lock

For dynamics like Alabama’s offense, Cincinnati is equally adept at keeping opponents on the scoreboard.

The Bearcats are fourth in defensive scoring (16.08 opponent points per game), seventh in total defensive points (305.8 yards per game) and one of the biggest stats is that the Bearcats sit at position plus 11 in the revenue margin thanks to disciplined play from QB Desmond Ridder and 18 interceptions in defense.

Perhaps most important, however, is Cincinnati’s defensive prowess in the red zone. The Bearcats pride themselves on being one of the nation’s top players in that category, coming in at number three, allowing the competition to score 66.7% of trips in the red zone. So while Alabama can make the big plays, if the playing field shrinks, Cincinnati can capitalize on and limit the damage.

Cotton Bowl Odds

Alabama opens as a favorite 14 points ahead of Cincinnati, according to FanDuel. Over/under is fixed at 57.5 points.

Where is the Cotton Bowl played in 2021?

The Cotton Bowl will begin at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

New Year’s 6 bowl match schedule 2021

All six New Year’s Bowl matches this year are televised on ESPN.