In this week’s review, the Cincinnati Bengals simultaneously give their fans a loss and a gift. College basketball teams inch closer to their conference schedules. Plus, the University of Cincinnati gets a new athletic director.

Cincinnati Bengals set draft fate with overtime suspense

The Cincinnati Bengals have locked up the No.1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Losing 38-35 in overtime to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. Forcing overtime but not leading at any point in Miami. Sending the Bengals to a 1-14 record and a winless road record. Making 2019 already the worst season record-wise in Bengals franchise history.

Kicker Randy Bullock provided Cincinnati’s only first half points on Sunday. Through kicking two field goals, the second set a regular season Bengals record. Through a 57 yard field goal in the final minute of the first half. The most remarkable part of Sunday’s game was Cincinnati’s late second half performance. Scoring 23 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to force overtime.

Cincinnati’s rally began in earnest with a C.J. Uzomah touchdown reception. Followed later by a drive featuring the efforts of Tyler & Tyler. Through a Tyler Boyd touchdown and Tyler Eifert’s two point conversion reception. Cincinnati followed this up with their first successful onside kick return since 2010. Eifert came through again with a 25 yard touchdown reception. Making it 33-35 in the final minute of regulation. Quarterback Andy Dalton completed the comeback with a two point conversion.

The frustrating blunders hampering Cincinnati in 2019 re-emerged in overtime. Blundering potential game-winning drives with a mix of mistakes. Penalties, missed catches, not getting key third down conversions and more. All encapsulating the reasons why the Bengals are 1-14. While setting the stage for Jason Sanders’ game-winning field goal for the Dolphins. The Cincinnati Bengals now turn their attention towards their 2019 season finale. Facing the Cleveland Browns this coming Sunday at home at 1 PM Eastern.

The College Basketball roundup

In local college basketball news, the countdown to conference play is on. Cincinnati Basketball wrapped up their non-conference schedule with mixed results. Beating then No. 21 Tennessee last Wednesday in Cincinnati. For the most significant win of the John Brannen era at Cincinnati yet. Though they followed that up with a loss to Iowa last Saturday in Chicago.

Meanwhile, Xavier Basketball swept through their week. Beating Western Carolina last Wednesday at home to conclude the Skip Prosser Classic. Then beat TCU 67-59 on Sunday in Fort Worth, TX. In Xavier’s last game before starting Big East Conference play next Monday. Northern Kentucky Basketball lost their last game before Horizon League play begins. Losing on the road to UNC Greensboro last Saturday 67-50. NKU starts their conference schedule this coming Saturday against Milwaukee.

Cunningham comes to Clifton

John Cunningham was introduced as the University of Cincinnati’s Athletic Director last week. Taking over after former AD Mike Bohn went west. To become the new AD for the University of Southern California. Cunningham was most recently the Deputy Athletic Director for Minnesota. He also has previous experience with Boise State and Syracuse University.

Programming note

Next week’s Weekly Review will delve into the year that was in Cincinnati sports. The athletes, the teams and moments that define 2019. Meanwhile, regardless of what holidays you’ll celebrate this week. Hopefully it’s a happy, safe and peaceful week for you and your loved ones.