In this week’s review, the Cincinnati Bengals blunder a three possession lead. COVID-19 sidelines No.9 Cincinnati Football; while the Crosstown Shootout’s date and location is set. Plus, FC Cincinnati has a week packed with firsts.

Leads remain unsafe around the Cincinnati Bengals

Despite leading 21-0 at one point, the Cincinnati Bengals lost to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. Losing 31-27 on the road to fall to a 1-4-1 record. Cincinnati began the game with one of their best starts of the season. Getting the ball thanks to a Xavier Williams fumble recovery and scoring in their first drive. Something they’ve struggled to do in several games in the last five years.

Cincinnati took charge thanks to their rushing game. Which was responsible for all of their touchdowns on Sunday. With first quarter touchdowns from Giovani Bernard and Joe Burrow. Plus, a Joe Mixon touchdown just four seconds into the second quarter. After that touchdown, the Bengals only managed to score through two Randy Bullock field goals.

While Cincinnati’s rushing game had a hot start. Indianapolis turned to a passing game that Cincinnati’s defense struggled mightily with. Three of the Colts’ four touchdowns were scored through passing plays. All three were scored through passes of ten yards or more. The last one was scored in the first play of the fourth quarter. Rodrigo Blankenship’s extra point gave the Colts their first lead of the game. A lead they would not relinquish; despite three opportunities for Cincinnati to reclaim the lead.

Cincinnati went three and out on their next drive. The Bengals got another opportunity thanks to an interception snagged by Jessie Bates III’s. That opportunity was undercut by Randy Bullock missing a 48 yard field goal attempt. Cincinnati’s last opportunity to reclaim the lead was squandered by an interception. With Colts safety Julian Blackmon snagging an interception with 39 seconds left in the game.

Cincinnati will now turn it’s attention to the home half of this year’s Battle of Ohio. Facing the Cleveland Browns to wrap up October this coming Sunday. Kickoff in that game is set for 1 PM Eastern on CBS.

No.9 Cincinnati Football’s week upended by COVID-19

Last week featured a whirlwind of developments for Cincinnati Football. Positive COVID-19 cases within the program prompted the postponement of their game against Tulsa Football. A game initially scheduled to be played last Saturday in Tulsa, OK. The game is now scheduled to be played on December 5th. Joining a long list of programs to have games postponed in-season by COVID-19.

While UC hasn’t disclosed how many players or coaches have contracted COVID-19. As of Monday morning, at least 676 students and 32 employees have test positive since August 17th. According to the University of Cincinnati’s COVID-19 dashboard. The Tulsa postponement means this Saturday’s game against No.16 SMU Football will be UC’s first road game of this season. That top 25 clash is set to kickoff Saturday at 9 PM Eastern on ESPN 2. Despite being sidelined last week, UC remains in the top ten of the AP Top 25. After climbing to eighth last week, the Bearcats are ranked ninth in this week’s poll.

Crosstown Shootout date and location announced

College Basketball fans had a reason to breathe a sigh of relief last week. The date and location for this year’s Crosstown Shootout is set. Xavier and Cincinnati Basketball will renew their rivalry on December 6th. Cincinnati’s Fifth Third Arena will host the game as originally planned. This followed negotiations that featured a dollop of good-natured feuding. Between Cincinnati Basketball head coach John Brannen and Xavier Basketball head coach Travis Steele. Akin to the recent squabbling over this year’s Louisville vs. Kentucky Basketball game.

It’s unclear whether spectators will be allowed for the game due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Considering it’s an indoor event typically played in front of a passionate sold out crowd. Something that would fit a laypersons definition of a super spreader event. It would be unsurprising if this game happens with no in-person spectators. Or if tickets were limited just to a few students from both schools or player’s families.

FC Cincinnati: snapped streaks and franchise firsts

FC Cincinnati managed to do something they hadn’t done in several weeks last week. Score goals and win a match; which they did last Wednesday against the Columbus Crew. Beating their “Hell is Real” derby rivals 2-1 at home and snapping two streaks in the process. A five match goal-less streak and a four match losing streak. Yuya Kubo snapped the goal-less streak in the 17th minute. While Nick Hagglund got the winning goal in the 49th minute. Becoming the first Cincinnati native to score a goal for FCC since joining Major League Soccer.

In quintessential Cincinnati style, Hagglund celebrated the score by doing the Ickey Shuffle. Hagglund’s goal was one of a few firsts FC Cincinnati had last week. Last Wednesday’s win was also FCC’s first at their home Nippert Stadium this season. It was also goalkeeper Bobby Edwards’ MLS career debut. 17 year old Beckham Sunderland also made franchise history. Becoming the first FC Cincinnati Academy alum to be signed to a professional contract. While also becoming the youngest player to make FCC’s match-day roster.

FC Cincinnati followed Wednesday’s win with a 2-1 home loss Sunday night against D.C. United. FCC’s next match is this Saturday against Minnesota United FC. The match at Nippert Stadium is scheduled to start at 7:30 PM Eastern on WSTR-TV.