What is Alabama’s All-Time Record Against Cincinnati?
The Alabama Crimson Tide have become regulars in the College Football Playoff. In 2021, they face off against the undefeated Cincinnati Bearcats.
The Bearcats were the story of the season. They stayed toward the top of the rankings all season long before earning a spot in the Playoff. Now, they face Nick Saban and the mighty Crimson Tide.
These two programs do have some history with one another, although not too much. So, what is Alabama’s record against Cincinnati?
The Alabama Crimson Tide are undefeated against Cincinnati
These two programs have only met five times in their history. Unsurprisingly, the Crimson Tide have won every single game against Cincinnati — and by a wide margin.
In the five previous meetings between these two schools, the Crimson Tide has demolished Cincinnati every single time.
That’s not even close. Cincinnati scored more than seven points just once against Alabama, coming in 1985 when the Crimson Tide rolled to a 45-10 victory.
Now, this year’s Cincinnati team is much different, the best in the history of the programs easily. Head coach Luke Fickell has garnered Coach of the Year consideration and has even seen his name floated around for potential NFL openings.
But, the history between these schools is on Alabama’s side, even though they haven’t played each other for a few decades.
Alabama and Cincinnati have not played each other since 1990
It has been more than 30 years since these teams played each other, so perhaps history can be thrown out the window.
These teams first faced off in 1908, and Alabama shut out the Bearcats 16-0. Alabama and Cincinnati wouldn’t meet again until the 1980s, when they faced off three times over four years.
The 1982 game between these schools was the final season of legend Paul “Bear” Bryant. However, the last time these two teams played was in 1990. Gene Stallings was on the sidelines for the Crimson Tide in another blowout.
The past does not bode well for Cincinnati, although this year’s Bearcats group is easily the best in the program’s history.
Nick Saban’s group is heavily favored against the mid-major Bearcats
This was an actual quote from star LB Will Anderson Jr.
Nonetheless, Alabama is nearly a two-touchdown favorite against Cincinnati, and the line could keep moving leading up to kickoff.
The Crimson Tide lost one game all year — to former Saban assistant Jimbo Fisher and Texas A&M — but have rolled ever since. They defeated Georgia in the SEC title game to snag the top spot in the CFP and now have a good shot at beating Cincinnati and playing for another championship.
While Alabama has dominated Cincinnati every time these teams have met, none of that matters come New Year’s Eve. The Cotton Bowl should be rocking will fans from both schools, and Saban’s group will look to improve the Tide’s overall record to 6-0 against the Bearcats.
