Cincinnati, along with the heart, hope, and determination of all non-power five schools, arrived in Dallas, Texas Sunday evening at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport just after 4:10pm central time. It’s the first trip to the Cotton Bowl Classic in school history, and comes with a chance at earning a spot in the National Title.
Head Coach Luke Fickle didn’t shy away from the fact that this is new territory for the Bearcats. “Yeah, it’s been an incredibly exciting ride this whole season, coming into it with really high expectations. A little bit different than the platform we’ve been in before. Obviously, our opponents are used to, quite used to it, obviously.”
They will square off against the defending National Champions on Friday afternoon at AT&T Stadium, who will be playing in their 9th Cotton Bowl Classic. Coach Fickle previously coached in AT&T Stadium, when he was co-defensive coordinator for Ohio State in the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship game. Having the foresight in knowing what it takes, he was adamant about enjoying the moment, but staying focused on the business at hand.
“You take care of your business, and there can be more. But I think for the most part, our guys understand that. I think last year’s bowl game gives us an opportunity to understand the magnitude of, you know, the teams that you’re playing, a team that we’re playing. So I think all those things added together, I think our guys are really excited and embracing the opportunity and the challenge that’s ahead of us.”
The teams first media availability will be Monday afternoon, which will be the first chance for media to speak with the players since their arrival in Dallas.
Kickoff for the Bearcats matchup against Alabama in the 86th Cotton Bowl Classic is set for 2:40pm central on Friday, December 31st.
Written by Adrian Beecher
Image Credit: Cotton Bowl Classic Media Communications
