Alabama Football: Tide’s report card in CFP Semifinal
By Dakota Cox
![Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/0cc5aadc31127a695520e1eed9127cfd03f86a1f4080364f51725f9ab0fdbeba.jpg)
Alabama football’s report card vs. Cincinnati
Cornerbacks: B
Alabama is without Josh Jobe for the postseason, and Jalyn Armour-Davis is still recovering from an injury. He got beat on the first drive in open space. His health was a question mark, and he didn’t look fully healthy in this one. Khyree Jackson had to play more reps than respected, but he did well.
Kool-Aid McKinstry had a solid game. He didn’t do anything spectacular, but he avoided the major mistake. Along with Armour-Davis and Jackson, McKinstry forced Cincinnati to march down the field and didn’t give up the major play. That is important when looking at how teams have beaten Alabama football’s secondary all season.
Safeties: B+
The safeties didn’t play a major role in the game plan for this one. They blitzed on occasion, and Brian Branch batted a ball down. Even when they didn’t get sacks, they forced quick passes from Desmond Ridder.
Daniel Wright had a nice play in the first half. He’s worked his way back into the lineup, and he showed why in this game. There weren’t any major plays made, but the group remained solid.
When Cincinnati got desperate, they pressed the safeties. Again, the unit didn’t break.