In this week’s review, a quarterback change brought similar results for the Cincinnati Bengals. Cincinnati Football gets a homecoming win and the college basketball season begins.

Baltimore Ravens complete season sweep against the Cincinnati Bengals

It’s official, the Zac Taylor’s first season as the Bengals head coach is a losing one. Falling to 0-9 through Sunday’s 49-13 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Cincinnati’s offense didn’t look that noticeably different with Ryan Finley at quarterback. Finley made his National Football League debut on Sunday. Connecting with Tyler Eifert for a second quarter touchdown. Also on a positive note, Finley completed 16 of 30 passes. Unfortunately for Finley, he was sacked twice, threw an interception and lost a fumble.

Saying Cincinnati’s defense was utterly ineffective would be an understatement. Cincinnati’s defense was burned by Baltimore’s passing game in the first drive. Part of another highlight-packed day for Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. This game was practically over after Baltimore’s opening drive. Baltimore’s offense did more with less time; losing the possession battle to the Bengals.

Next for the Bengals, a road game against the contending Oakland Raiders. In the last regular season game between these teams; before the Raiders move to Las Vegas. Cincinnati will go into Oakland as the lone winless team in the National Football League. Just as they were going into Sunday’s divisional clash against Baltimore. Kickoff is set for 4:25 PM Eastern this coming Sunday on CBS.

Cincinnati Football’s big bicentennial bash

Homecoming weekend had an extra meaning this year for the University of Cincinnati. Being part of the celebrations surrounding the university’s bicentennial. Cincinnati marked homecoming with a 48-3 win against Connecticut Football last Saturday. The Cincinnati Bearcats’ standing in the AP Top 25 was unchanged. Ranking 17th after a weekend of blockbuster games causing many shifts in the poll.

Cincinnati ranked 20th in this season’s first College Football Playoff poll released last Tuesday. It will be interesting to see whether Cincinnati’s position is unchanged in this Tuesday’s poll. Given shifts in other polls after the most compelling week of the season so far. Pounding a lackluster Connecticut team likely wont help the Bearcats trend upward. Though staying unbeaten in a competitive American Athletic Conference could still help. Next up for Cincinnati, a road game against USF Football this coming Saturday. Kickoff for that game is set for 7 PM Eastern on CBS Sports Network.

Recapping the opening week for local College Basketball teams

While votes were being tallied last Tuesday; the local college basketball season began. Now No.21 Xavier Basketball’s opening week featured two wins at home. Beating Jacksonville Basketball last Tuesday and Siena Basketball last Friday. NKU Basketball’s Darrin Horn era began with mixed results. Beating UC Clermont last Tuesday and losing to Missouri Basketball last Friday.

John Brannen’s tenure as Cincinnati Basketball’s head coach began with a loss. To nationally ranked Ohio State Basketball last Wednesday in Columbus. Cincinnati’s home opener is tonight against Drake Basketball. The Bearcats will also face Alabama A&M in Cincinnati this Thursday. Elsewhere this week, Xavier will have back-to-back home games against teams from Missouri. Facing Missouri Tuesday and Missouri State Basketball on Friday; with both games tipping off at 7 PM Eastern. NKU travels Tuesday to play Coastal Carolina and will face Coppin State at home on Sunday.