Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder has torched opposing defenses throughout his impressive college career. The Alabama defense that he is facing in Friday’s Cotton Bowl has given him fits all day.
Ridder, who is listed at 6’4”, has plenty of height for a quarterback at any level. But Alabama regularly fields one of the best fronts in college football, and the defensive line has put in work, aiding the team to a large lead.
Ridder has had numerous passes batted down on the day, with senior Phidarian Mathis doing a lot of the damage. Sports Illustrated's Richard Johnson notes that it appears that Mathis may have Ridder’s timing down to a T.