The coaching carousel worked out quite well for Cincinnati. Perhaps not so much for UC head coach Luke Fickell. When Brian Kelly deserted Notre Dame for LSU, Fickell was immediately tabbed as his successor. Cause by his midwestern and Catholic roots. But there was no way Fickell would leave Cincinnati with a College Football Playoff berth on the line. At the same time, Notre Dame needed to fill the position for recruiting immediately. Not to mention its own betting on College Football playoff prospects. So Fickell remains at Cincinnati.
Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Alabama Crimson Tide NCAAF Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Friday, December 31, 2021, 3:30 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Goodyear Cotton Bowl, AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas |
| Cincinnati vs. Alabama TV Coverage: | ESPN |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati | +13½ (-110) | 58 (-110) | +415 |  |
| Alabama | -13½ (-110) | 58 (-110) | -525 | |
| ||||
Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Alabama Crimson Tide SBG Odds Overview
On the whole, Alabama will draw the vast majority of sportsbook betting action. Coach Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide is the biggest brand in the sport. And their SEC Championship game upset of favored Georgia reminded everyone about the perils of opposing the Tide. Additionally, Cincinnati is the first Group of Five programs to make the College Football Playoff. Thus, there is the automatic perception of a mismatch regardless of merit.
Cincinnati Bearcats Team Overview
Last week Cincinnati beat Houston 35-20 as 10.5-point home favorites in the American Conference Championship Game. The game went over the total of 52. As a result, Cincinnati is 13-0 straight up, 8-5 against the spread, and 6-7 over/under. Overall, UC ranks 45th for total offense and 8th for scoring offense. Defensively, the Bearcats rank 8th overall and 5th for points allowed.
On the whole, Luke Fickell’s record of accomplishment at Cincinnati is unsurpassed in school history. Fickell inherited an empty cupboard in 2017. Four years later, he made history with the Bearcats.
Equally important was that Fickell made the UC program attractive enough to gain membership to the Big 12. With future membership in a Power Five conference, the Bearcats are all upside. To illuminate, UC will be able to recruit at an even higher level with more in the way of national opportunities.
Alabama Crimson Tide Team Overview
Last week Alabama beat Georgia 41-24 as 6-point dogs. The game went over the total of 48.5. As a result, Alabama is 12-1 straight up, 7-6 against the spread, and 7-6 over/under. The Crimson Tide ranks 6th for total offense and 4th for scoring offense. Defensively, Alabama ranks 7th overall and 20th for points allowed.
As a result of the win, Alabama is SEC champion, and the number one ranked team for the College Football Playoff. Overall, Alabama had six offensive scoring drives, with five covering at least 75 yards. And then the other was 62 yards. In sum, the Tide finished with a staggering 536 yards against a team that was giving up just under 231 per game.
Alabama quarterback Bryce Young set an SEC championship game record for first-half passing yards with 286.
Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Alabama Crimson Tide SBG Free Picks
Although Alabama is the ultimate Betting on College Football Death Star, Cincinnati is a quality opponent. Last year the Bearcats could have and perhaps should have upset Georgia in the Peach Bowl. However, the one ultimate difference between these teams is depth. Alabama is the most talented team in the country. Accordingly, the Crimson Tide should wear down the Bearcats and get the money late.
Cincinnati vs. Alabama SBG Best Bet: Alabama Crimson Tide.