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Luke Fickell: Bearcats not focused on 'shock the world,' just embracing Alabama challenge

DALLAS – It’s been nearly four weeks since the Cincinnati Bearcats topped Houston in the AAC Championship Game and 26 days since they learned they’d be playing top-ranked Alabama in the Cotton Bowl.

On the eve of kickoff (3:30 p.m., ESPN), the Bearcats know what they’re up against. They’re a two-touchdown underdog and they’ve spent weeks studying the defending national champions, devising ways to try to stop Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young, speedy receiver Jameson Williams and star linebacker Will Anderson Jr.

“This isn't a team that wants to ride the, ‘hey, let's shock the world’ or anything like that,” Coach Luke Fickell said.