COLLEGE FOOTBALL: Non-P5 Cincy takes CFP journey to Cotton semi against Bama

Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder looks to pass from the pocket during the American Athletic Conference championship game against Houston on Dec. 4 in Cincinnati. The fourth-ranked Bearcats (13-0) get their shot in the CFP semifinal Cotton Bowl on Friday against No. 1 defending national champion Alabama. (AP File)
Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder looks to pass from the pocket during the American Athletic Conference championship game against Houston on Dec. 4 in Cincinnati. The fourth-ranked Bearcats (13-0) get their shot in the CFP semifinal Cotton Bowl on Friday against No. 1 defending national champion Alabama. (AP File)

ARLINGTON, Texas — Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder and the breakthrough Bearcats aren’t caught up in what their unprecedented playoff appearance could eventually mean for other non-Power Five te…