Alabama Relies on Career Day From Brian Robinson Jr. in Cotton Bowl Victory

The Tuscaloosa native topped 200 yards for first time in his career in Crimson Tide win against Cincinnati in Cotton Bowl.

ARLINGTON, Texas — The Alabama offense you saw on Friday was more like your father’s Crimson Tide. Run, run, and run some more.

As the Alabama fans like to say, it was Joyless Murderball.

But why would a team ditch its usual air attack with a Heisman winner at quarterback who has 4,000-plus yards and 43 touchdowns in favor of a ground game?

You can’t really blame the top-ranked Crimson Tide for using a steady diet of Brian Robinson Jr. and Trey Sanders in the 27-6 victory that sends the Crimson Tide to its ninth national title game in 13 years. The Cincinnati defensive scheme demanded it.

The Bearcats’ 3-4 defense, which consists of linemen with an average weight of 270, going up against a bigger and stronger Alabama offensive line just made sense.

It made sense to Bryce Young, too. He had no issues watching Robinson run for a career-high 204 yards on 26 carries.

"For me, being able to hand the ball off and just clap and hand the ball to B-Rob or Trey (Sanders), it’s amazing to have a night like that," said Young, who was 17 of 28 passing for 181 yards, his lowest of the season.

Alabama opened the game with 10 straight run plays, nine by design. Young’s lone pass on the drive was an 8-yard touchdown toss to Slade Bolden for a quick 7-0 lead. Robinson was the workhorse, running six times for 37 yards. It was a precursor of things to come.

"I didn't think I was going to be the spotlight for the game," Robinson said. "Whatever they threw at us we had to adjust to it. If the run game works for us we have to stay with it. Coach (Bill) O'Brien trusted me and put the ball in my hand in certain situations and carried this team. It means a lot to me."

It was clear from the start the Bearcats couldn’t stop the run. Robinson topped 100 yards five minutes before halftime and was averaging nearly 8 yards per carry. He ended the first half with 134 yards on 17 carries.

"B-Rob was huge for us all night – making that first guy miss, falling forward, fighting for extra yards. He was huge for us," Young said. "He was a constant all night."

Alabama rolled up 172 rushing yards, the most in the first half this season. The previous high was 151 against Southern Miss.

It was also obvious the run game would have to take control because the Bearcats did have an effective game plan to slow down Young. The Heisman winner was not his effective self against a Bearcat defense that did a nice job of applying pressure and with coverage in the secondary.

Robinson obliged. The fifth-year senior from Tuscaloosa topped 100-plus yards for the fifth time this season. The Cotton Bowl Offensive Most Valuable Player has 1,275 yards for the season. 

"As a young kid I always wanted to be a part of this program, always wanted to play for a national championship," Robinson said. "Being able to go out and lead this team in a big game on this big stage and the opportunity to play for another national championship – as a young kid that’s the only thing I ever wanted to do. It’s a dream come true."

Robinson’s previous career-high was 171 against Ole Miss. He averaged 7.8 yards per carry against Cincinnati.

For his career, Robinson is at 2,636 yards, moving him to 11th on the Alabama all-time list.

Alabama's 301 rushing yards is the most this season and its 46 attempts is the third-most this season. The previous game high was 247 yards against New Mexico State. The highs for attempts are 50 against Ole Miss and 49 against Tennessee.