The Cincinnati Bearcats will be playing the most important game in program history on Friday when they take on the Alabama Crimson Tide in the Cotton Bowl. The Bearcats come in at the number 4 seed in the playoffs and get a tough task in regards to the high-powered Alabama Crimson Tide. The Bearcats will have to rely on their defense to make plays and keep track of a very high-flying offense for Alabama. The Bearcats will have to rely on their offense also to be able to put up points and keep the Bearcats within striking distance. What might be the most important and most underrated part of this game is the kicking game for both teams.
The Cincinnati Bearcats will need to figure out the kicking game against Alabama. The Bearcats have gone through a whirlpool for kickers this year. The Bearcats have had Cole Smith, Alex Bales and Christian Lowery all kick at some point this year and they have all kicked in different situations and yardage. The Bearcats overall have kicked 17 field goals, but have only converted on seven. This is a 41% clip and will not win many games against top opponents. The Bearcats will need to figure out who is the best fit for them, how many fields goals and extra points will mean a lot against a Top 5 program in Alabama.
Alabama on the other hand has had no problems this year with the kicking game. Alabama’s kicking game has been very consistent this year and has been run by their main guy Will Reichard. Reichard on the year has converted 16-of-20 field goals and is 10-of-11 from anywhere under 40 yards. He has been very consistent and has picked up the Crimson Tide multiple times this year.
If the Bearcats want to be successful and come in the New Year with a win, they are going to have to be successful in the kicking game and limit any little mistakes they can. If the Bearcats can do that then they can keep this game close and even come out with a W against the number 1 team in the country.
