In this week’s review, Andy Dalton gets benched by the Cincinnati Bengals. Cincinnati Reds connections to a history-making World Series. Plus, a plethora of developments in local college sports.

A busier than expected bye week for the Cincinnati Bengals

One Bengals-related story from Tuesday dominated local headlines last week. Not their unwillingness to trade anyone before that day’s trade deadline. Instead, it was the decision to bench quarterback Andy Dalton going into Week 10. With Ryan Finley set to start this coming Sunday at home against the Baltimore Ravens. For more analysis on this story, check out this “Cincy Sports Journal” article from last Friday.

Former Cincinnati Reds pitcher Tanner Rainey gets a ring

Few probably saw the possibility of Tanner Rainey being a 2019 World Series champion in 2018. When he made his major league debut with the Cincinnati Reds. Rainey’s appearances with the Reds were not impressive. Nonetheless, he and the Washington Nationals made history last week. Through their first world championship in franchise history; winning every game on the road.

Ironically, Rainey didn’t look drastically different with the Nationals compared to his brief Reds career. Giving up a home run and walking back-to-back batters in his World Series debut. Fortunately for him, he landed on the right team at the right time. The Nationals found ways for him to contribute effectively. Managing to avoid the questionable pitching change decisions their opponents made.

There was another Reds connection to this World Series win. The late Frank Robinson was the Nationals first manager when they moved to Washington D.C. Robinson made history as Major League Baseball’s first Black manager. He spent part of his major league playing career with the Reds. Robinson passed away this past February at the age of 83.

College Basketball is just around the corner

This week marks the start of the college basketball season. Coming just in time to lift up local sports fans sprits. No.19 Xavier Basketball will start their season Tuesday night against Jacksonville. Tip-off from Xavier’s Cintas Center is set for 7 PM Eastern on FS2. The Darren Horn era for Northern Kentucky Basketball also begins Tuesday at 7 PM at home against UC Clermont on ESPN 3. The first game for John Brannen as Cincinnati Basketball’s head coach is this Wednesday. Facing No.18 Ohio State Basketball in Columbus at 8:30 PM Eastern on FS1.

Cincinnati Football escapes a close one in the Carolinas

Cincinnati Football had a close one last Saturday against East Carolina Football. Though the Cincinnati Bearcats ultimately won 46-43 to remain undefeated in conference play. No.17 Cincinnati is now the highest ranking team in the American Athletic Conference. With Memphis trending up and SMU Football trending down in the AP Top 25. After those teams met in a Saturday night primetime clash.

USC hires Cincinnati’s Mike Bohn to be their Athletic Director

University of Cincinnati Athletic Director Mike Bohn was California bound this past weekend. After being hired last Friday to be the new AD for the University of Southern California. He will take on a program marred by the college admissions “Varsity Blues” scandal. Becoming the successor to USC Football legend Lynn Swann in that role. Bohn was hired by Cincinnati in 2014 and has 21 years of experience as an AD.

One of Bohn’s most noteable achievements was hiring football head coach Luke Fickell. He also hired John Brannen earlier this year after Mick Cronin’s departure. He also played a role in renovations to Nippert Stadium and Fifth Third Arena. Along with overseeing programs achieving noteworthy recent sucess. Leaving Bearcats athletics in good shape and his successor with big shoes to fill.