Anytime you play away from home, it’s always good to establish the run game which is exactly what Alabama did to start the College Football Playoff semifinal against Cincinnati.
From the first drive of the game, offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien made it a point to run to the football and the Crimson Tide found fantastic success in the trenches. After an impressive performance pass protecting against Georgia in the SEC Championship, Alabama’s offensive line was consistently able to move the Bearcats front.
On the opening drive of the game, 10 of Alabama’s 11 plays were rushes as the Crimson Tide went on its way to score an 8-yard touchdown through the air on quarterback Bryce Young’s lone pass attempt of the drive.