Goodyear Cotton Bowl between Alabama and Cincinnati is officially a sell-out

The Goodyear Cotton Bowl between Alabama and Cincinnati is officially a sell-out, according to Brett McMurphy on Twitter. Both College Football Playoff Semifinal matchups are now sell-outs. The Capital One Orange Bowl between Michigan and Georgia recently announced that their game is a sell-out, as well.

Both fan bases are hungry to see the big game in person and they should take full advantage. Last year, the Rose Bowl, in the College Football Playoff Semifinal, didn’t allow any fans at the game due to very strict Covid-19 protocols.

The game marks undoubtedly the biggest moment in Cincinnati football history. The fourth-ranked Bearcats are making their first appearance in the College Football Playoff. Not only did the 2021 version of the Bearcats make history by making it to the College Football Playoff, but they became the first team in school history to win 13 games. Cincinnati also became the first non–Power Five school to be selected to the College Football Playoff, warming the hearts of so many people in the national media that had stumped for the Bearcats for weeks.

As many backers of the Bearcats there were, there were plenty of people like Paul Finebaum, who was thoroughly unimpressed with Cincinnati all season long. While they did go undefeated, they struggled mightily with the likes of Tulsa, Navy, and pulled away from Houston in the second half. The Bearcats have plenty of talent, dual-threat quarterback Desmond Ridder, running back Jerome Ford, and cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner. Gardner recently became the first player in school history to become a FWAA first team All-American twice.

Alabama stunned much of the college football world when they thoroughly dominated the top-ranked Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC Championshp Game. The Crimson Tide’s offensive line manhandled a Georgia front seven that had dominated for much of the 2021 season, giving Heisman Trophy front runner Bryce Young tons of time to throw in the pocket. Young and his calm, cool, unflappable demeanor have allowed him to dissect defenses all season long. The sophomore has shredded opposing defenses to the tune of 4,322 passing yards, while tossing in 43 touchdown passes and just four interceptions.

The Texas A&M game was the lone blemish on Young’s 2021 campaign, but he wasn’t helped by his offensive line or receivers in that one. The Alabama offensive line also struggled mightily in the Auburn game, allowing seven sacks. The Crimson Tide survived a major scare in that game but won 24-22 in four overtimes.

As for other playmakers on the Tide, there is receiver Jameson Williams, who many believe should have won the Biletnikoff Award given to the nation’s best receiver. He’s hauled in 68 catches for 1,445 receiving yards, while bringing in 15 touchdown catches in 2021. The Ohio State transfer has been virtually unstoppable for much of the season and he’ll pose a tough matchup for Cincinnati defensive back “Sauce” Gardner.

Defensively for Alabama, their undisputed leader is a man that many believe should have ended up in New York City at the Heisman Trophy ceremony, Will Anderson, Jr. He posted terrifying numbers in 2021, racking up 15.5 sacks (most in FBS) and 32.5 tackles for loss (an FBS record).

Alabama is currently listed as a 13.5 point favorite over Cincinnati. The Goodyear Cotton Bowl will be played at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas on Dec. 31 at 3:30 p.m. EST.