ARLINGTON, Texas – The University of Cincinnati has a great football team that deserved to be in the College Football Playoff.
Alabama was just better.
The Bearcats' 27-6 loss to the top-ranked Crimson Tide in the College Football Playoff Cotton Bowl semifinal Friday at AT&T Stadium will be fuel for the fire created by the Group of Five doubters that believe the four-team playoff should only be reserved for teams from the Power Five conferences.
Doc:Pride and disappointment for Bearcats. Disappointment and pride.
College Football Playoff semifinal:Cincinnati Bearcats' special season ends with loss to Alabama
The loss will also serve as a motivator for Cincinnati, particularly the younger players who will now assume the lead as the Bearcats continue their climb toward being a top-10 program.