Ridder, breakthrough Bearcats stall in 27-6 loss to Alabama
Alabama running back Trey Sanders (6) runs for a first down against Cincinnati during the second half of the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)

Alabama running back Trey Sanders (6) runs for a first down against Cincinnati during the second half of the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)

Dec. 31, 2021 06:49 PM EST
Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder (9), right, is sacked by Alabama's Brian Branch (14) and Will Anderson Jr. during the second half of the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)

Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder (9), right, is sacked by Alabama's Brian Branch (14) and Will Anderson Jr. during the second half of the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)

Dec. 31, 2021 06:48 PM EST
Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder, center, is hugged by a teammate after the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. Alabama won 27-6. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)

Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder, center, is hugged by a teammate after the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. Alabama won 27-6. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)

Dec. 31, 2021 07:45 PM EST
Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) leaves the field after the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game against Alabama, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. Alabama won 27-6. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)

Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) leaves the field after the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game against Alabama, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. Alabama won 27-6. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)

Dec. 31, 2021 07:44 PM EST
Cincinnati's Tyler Scott (21) and Jordan Jones (5) walks off the field after the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game against Alabama, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. Alabama won 27-6. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)

Cincinnati's Tyler Scott (21) and Jordan Jones (5) walks off the field after the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game against Alabama, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. Alabama won 27-6. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)

Dec. 31, 2021 07:50 PM EST
Cincinnati fans watch during the second half of the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game against Alabama, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)

Cincinnati fans watch during the second half of the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game against Alabama, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)

Dec. 31, 2021 06:47 PM EST