Alabama LB Will Anderson Jr. Foolishly Claims the Crimson Tide Are ‘The Underdog’ Against Mid-Major Cincinnati: ‘All Year We Have Been Disrespected’
The College Football Playoff is almost here. After a topsy-turvy college football season and an even busier coaching carousel rumor mill, the four playoff teams are preparing to make a run at the trophy. The Alabama Crimson Tide and Cincinnati Bearcats play the first game of the CFP on Friday afternoon at the Cotton Bowl in Arlington, Texas.
Nick Saban’s group is the top overall seed and favored by double digits once again. But, would you believe it if somebody thought the Tide were the underdogs against the Mid-Major Bearcats?
Alabama star Will Anderson Jr. claims that the Crimson Tide are the underdogs against Cincinnati
During the game week press conference, Anderson dropped some interesting comments. Alabama’s star linebacker insisted that his team is the underdog — for some reason.
Anderson thinks his team is the underdog despite being favored by nearly two touchdowns. Even more strange is that he said, “all year we have been disrespected.”
Um, what?
If anything, it’s the opposite. Even after Alabama’s lone loss against Texas A&M, they remained in the conversation for the four CFP teams.
Where is the disrespect?
Alabama always gets respect, and after beating Georgia in the SEC title game, they are the favorite to beat the Bearcats and potentially add another championship trophy to Saban’s jam-packed mantle.
Bearcats head coach Luke Fickell knows Cincinnati is the underdog against a dominant Alabama team
The job that Cincinnati head coach Luke Fickell has done is exceptional. The Bearcats are undefeated and remained in the conversations all year.
His name floated around for different job openings, including Notre Dame and LSU — with some wondering if he might even make the jump to the NFL.
Nonetheless, he is staying put, and Fickell knows that the Bearcats are the underdog — but that it doesn’t mean anything (h/t Brad Crawford of 247Sports).
“Regardless of what the line is of any sorts, we’ve said it all year long — the best team doesn’t always win the game. It’s just reality. The teams that play the best, wins the football game.”
Luke Fickell
Well, Anderson says that Alabama is the underdog — for some reason. But, Fickell says, and knows, that Cincinnati is the underdog — which they are.
Nick Saban’s legendary coaching style is shining through in light of Anderson’s comments
Now, Anderson might not be too far off here. Yes, the spread heavily favors Alabama, and why wouldn’t it?
Year after year, Saban’s group dominates the competition, and they have become one of the best and most successful dynasties in the history of all sports.
However, perhaps Anderson’s comments show just how good a coach Saban is. Deep down, they have to know that they are far and away the better team than Cincinnati. Right?
In a recent episode of ESPN’s First Take, Marcus Spears mentioned that Anderson’s comments prove why Saban is such a terrific coach (h/t Keith Farner of Saturday Down South).
“This is why Nick Saban is the greatest coach of all time. He really got them believing that they’re underdogs, and that is no good for the Cincinnati Bearcats.”
Marcus Spears on Will Anderson’s comments
Saban is a legend, and his resume speaks for itself. Perhaps this is his way of getting them ready for the game.
So, while Anderson’s comments might seem foolish on the surface, perhaps it is Saban’s Hall of Fame coaching demeanor shining through and finding a way to get his team even more prepared for New Year’s Eve.
