DALLAS — It is just two days away from the Cotton Bowl where the University of Cincinnati Bearcats will take on the Alabama Crimson Tide, and while most activities have changed to virtual for the safety of the participants, that doesn't take away from the excitement the players have in representing UC and the state of Ohio on the biggest stage in college football. 

​​​The focus is intense as the Bearcats finalize their preparations in Dallas, as a lot of pressure is on their shoulders as they take on No. 1 Alabama.

“Knocking off Alabama, oh, man, talk about a dream come true," defensive lineman Curtis Brooks said. "As a kid, watching football, Alabama, Nick Saban, that's who was on TV all the time. And now we get the opportunity to go play them. It's everything you ask for as a football player.”

But for many of the players — 76 to be exact — they’re representing their home state. UC’s football team has the most players from Ohio on its roster, and for tight end and Cincinnati native Josh Whyle, that means a lot.

“Yeah, that's Coach Fick's (Luke Fickell) biggest thing," Whyle said. "That 300‑mile radius, keeping the guys here. Because you have something to play for.”

For wide receiver Tre Tucker, an Akron native, he even joked that some of the guys disagree on which part of the state is best.

“I’m from northeast Ohio, so, like, sometimes I'll argue with the guys down here that are in Cincinnati that northeast Ohio is better," Tucker said. "But as a whole, Ohio is a great state. Tremendous football. And I'm just honored to be a part of it.”

UC has become Ohio’s team the season, something the players don’t take for granted.

“Being able to play on the big stage and have your hometown friends come home and see you play, so it's definitely a big thing," safety and Cincinnati native Bryan Cook said. "Especially since as a kid, you dream of these opportunities and these experiences.”