Cincinnati Bearcats’ first-half Cotton Bowl highlights against Alabama

The Cincinnati Bearcats only managed to score three points during the first half of Friday's Cotton Bowl, a College Football Playoff semifinal against the Alabama Crimson Tide at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. But UC did stay in the game with some key stops despite allowing 134 rushing yards from Bama running back Brian Robinson Jr., and Bearcats quarterback Desmond Ridder having multiple passes batted down by the Crimson Tide defense.

Alabama led 17-3 at the half.

"You look at these numbers and Cincinnati is fortunate to only be down 14 points," ESPN's Rece Davis said at halftime.

A look at some of the first-half highlights:

Bama scores on opening drive

The Crimson Tide marched down the field on their opening drive, and Slade Bolden scored the game's first touchdown.

Bearcats respond with field goal

UC would've preferred a touchdown after it had a 1st-and-goal at the Bama 9, but settled for a field goal to pull within four points in the first quarter.

And social media reactions to some other significant developments:

Jerome Ford leaves game, gets checked out, re-enters