DALLAS, Texas — The Cincinnati Bearcats magic season came to a close at the hands of the Alabama Crimson Tide on New Year’s Eve by the final score of 27-6.
While the loss leaves the Bearcats team feeling empty, there are many positives to keep in mind.
Cincinnati’s offense was shell-shocked by the tough Alabama defense.
After the game, Bearcats Head Coach Luke Fickell was dejected but said he’s proud of his guys for all they’ve been through, especially the seniors.
“More than anything, I told them I do not want to see them hang their head,” Fickell said. “I do not want them to see any fraction against the brotherhood that they have built. When you get beat like that, at times you start to wonder why. We’ve never pointed a finger and we won’t start pointing a finger. Those guys deserve the very best.”
Bearcats head coach Luke Fickell walks to the locker room after losing 27-6 against Alabama in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic.
One of those seniors is quarterback Desmond Ridder, who finishes his career with the third-most wins in FBS history.
But during the Cotton Bowl, Ridder couldn’t get into a rhythm.
His final game as a Bearcat ended in heartbreak.
“It hurts for us seniors because we can’t come back here and do anything to go out with our brothers and try to get at them again next year,” Ridder said. “But we know that at the end of our seasons the only thing we can do is learn. These young guys are gonna take it in, watch the film, continue to get better, and continue to grow and continue to be a better Cincinnati team for years to come.”
But despite the outcome, the Bearcats can hang their hats on a historic season and what’s on the horizon.
The team moves to the Big 12 Conference after back-to-back American Athletic Conference Championships.
Ridder thanked the fans for their support all season.
“All of our fans who supported us even in our down years, and everyone who came out this weekend, and this week, travel to Dallas I just wanna say thank you,” he said.
