DALLAS, Texas — Bearcats fans are leaving Dallas with their heads held high after a tough loss to No. 1 Alabama. 

There was a lot of excitement as UC fans headed into the Cotton Bowl. And a sea of black took over AT&T stadium.

​​​After the game, every fan said the same thing; they are extremely proud of this team and can’t wait to see where UC football goes next.

“Very proud," John Sparks, a UC alum said. "Cincinnati showed up well here today and I’m very proud that the city backed the football team.”

But the Bearcats came up short.

As fans left the game, they said they’re just happy their team got the chance to play in the playoffs.

“UC football is on the right track," Sparks said. "Luck Fickell sticks around, we’ll be back here.”

“It’s tough but you got to be happy you’re here," Matthew Broadway, a UC fan said. "You got to be glad you’re here and learn from it and be ready for next year.”

Fans are already looking forward to what this team can do next year and beyond.

“When people see that the University of Cincinnati made it to the Cotton Bowl, we actually played the No. 1 team in Alabama, the University of Cincinnati is going to get the respect that they deserve," John Antal a UC fan said.

While UC isn’t on its way to the National Championship, these fans all say they’re extremely proud of their team.

“Win or lose, we had a great time. We had a great run this year," Antal said. "What really matters is we made it this far with the team that we had. And I am so proud of Cincinnati and how far we’ve come.”

“I’m proud of them no matter what," Broadway said. "No matter what they do, you’re always proud of Cincinnati, from the 513.”

After the game, several players thanked the fans for making the trek down to Dallas, many of them driving 13 hours.

The team also thanked them for all of their unwavering support throughout the season.