In this week’s review, Trevor Bauer makes Cincinnati Reds franchise history. Fake punts play a role in two drastically different Cincinnati football games. Plus, a somber week for football fans in the Bluegrass state.

Cincinnati Reds pitcher Trevor Bauer wins NL Cy Young Award

Trevor Bauer became the first Cincinnati Reds pitcher to win a Cy Young award as a Red last week. Bauer won the National League’s Cy Young Award thanks to some noteworthy achievements. He had a career-best 1.73 earned run average this past season. His .566 winning percentage in 2020 was his best since his All-Star 2018 season. He also had a career-high two complete games in 2020.

Bauer also made MLB Postseason history this year. By throwing 12 strikeouts, no walks and no runs given up. In the Reds first postseason game since 2013. Bauer’s Cy Young win and his social media antics make him one of the most fascinating pitchers in baseball. Making him a top target for teams willing to play financial hardball with him.

The football review

The Cincinnati Bengals’ losing streak against the Pittsburgh Steelers continues. The still undefeated Steelers won in Pittsburgh 36-10 on Sunday evening. Sunday’s game resulted in Pittsburgh’s 11th consecutive win against the Bengals. Cincinnati’s few flashes of brilliance were a second quarter Tee Higgins touchdown. Plus, a fake punt resulting in a first down in the fourth quarter. That kept the last scoring drive alive for the Bengals. Setting the stage for a successful 37 yard field goal from Randy Bullock.

Outside of that and a lack of controversial Bengals penalties. It was what passes in recent years as a typical Bengals vs. Steelers game. With Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow left limping twice. While Cincinnati fared better than the Steelers rushing-wise; with 139 rushing yards compared to Pittsburgh’s 44. Veteran Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers passing game overwhelmed the Bengals. Next up for the Bengals, a road trip to the nation’s capital to face the Washington Football Team. Kickoff in that game is set for 1 PM Eastern this coming Sunday on CBS.

No.7 Cincinnati Football predictably pummeled ECU Football on Friday night. Matching the most points scored by the Cincinnati Bearcats so far this season. Through their 55-17 home win on Senior Night. The Bearcats capitalized on four East Carolina turnovers. The biggest highlight of this game was a fourth quarter Cincinnati fake punt while up 32. Which reportedly prompted a long post game conversation between Cincinnati and ECU’s head coaches. Along with an apology from Cincinnati’s head coach Luke Fickell.

Rankings-wise, the Bearcats spot in the AP Top 25 didn’t change. Cincinnati still ranks seventh while Alabama Football still ranks first. Notre Dame Football ranks second and Ohio State Football still ranks third. All despite Alabama and Ohio State not playing this past weekend due to COVID-19. Next up for Cincinnati, UCF Football this coming Saturday afternoon. In the first part of a three-game road trip to close out the regular season. Kickoff in Orlando is set for 3:30 PM Eastern on ESPN.

Last but not least, this past week was a somber week in local college football. Kentucky Football paid tribute to the late John Schlarman last Saturday. Through the first play of their game against Vanderbilt Football. Schlarman was a former Kentucky player and offensive line coach. He died after battling cancer last Thursday at the age of 45. In the first play from scrimmage Kentucky lined up without a left guard in tribute to Schlarman. In the next play, left tackle Landon Young came in wearing Schlarman’s no.65.

Louisville native Paul Hornung also passed last week at the age of 84. Hornung had quite an accomplished football life. He won the 1956 Heisman Trophy while playing for Notre Dame. Hornung is the only Heisman winner to represent a team that had a losing season. Hornung also played for the Green Bay Packers during the Vince Lombardi era. Winning four National Football League championships with the Packers. He was also inducted into the pro and college football halls of fame.