In this review, Cincinnati Football remains unbeaten after a big week in the national spotlight. The Cincinnati Reds start the off-season with payroll shedding. While FC Cincinnati’s inaugural season at TQL Stadiums concludes.

The Football Review

Cincinnati Football is emerging from a weekend full of hoopla. With ESPN’s College Gameday making their first visit to Cincinnati last Saturday. Along with outrage expressed by many locally and nationally. Over the Cincinnati Bearcats ranking No.6 in last week’s College Football Playoff rankings. Despite ranking No.2 in the AP Top 25 and AFCA Coaches Poll going into last week. Along with last Saturday’s game marking Homecoming for Cincinnati. All of this put another glaring spotlight on the Bearcats.

Under the glare of that spotlight, the Bearcats escaped with a 28-20 win against Tulsa Football. Tulsa was never fully out of this game; they trailed 12-14 at halftime. Cincinnati took a 28-12 lead into the fourth quarter. Tulsa whittled it down to a one-possession game through JuanCarlos Santana’s touchdown. Along with a two-point conversion scored by Sam Crawford Jr.

Cincinnati almost had the game locked down with 1:14 to go in the game. After Tulsa turned the ball over on downs at Cincinnati’s two-yard line. They got the ball back a play later through a snap fumbled by Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder. Tulsa pushed their way up from Cincinnati’s three to their one-yard line. Then Cincinnati recovered a fourth and goal fumble by Steven Anderson with 36 seconds left.

Cincinnati’s close win will likely not help them in this week’s CFP rankings. After not blowing out under .500 Navy and Tulane Football. Which was the Country Club CFP selection committee’s justification for ranking Cincinnati No.6 last week. A one-possession win against 3-6 Tulsa will be the CFP’s latest excuse to exclude Group of Five Cincinnati. Over one loss Power Five programs Alabama, Oregon and Ohio State Football.

The Bearcats’ close win didn’t hurt them badly in the other polls. Cincinnati remains No.2 in the AP poll and dropped one spot to No.3 in this week’s Coaches poll. Despite that, Cincinnati will likely stay No.6 or at best move to No.5 in this Tuesday’s CFP rankings. A No.5 ranking will likely be due to No.3 (CFP) Michigan State Football’s upset loss against Purdue. Plus, current No.5 (CFP) Ohio State Football’s closer than expected win against Nebraska.

Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bengals didn’t leave fans in suspense last Sunday. Losing the first round of this season’s Battle of Ohio 41-16 against the Cleveland Browns. After Cleveland endured a week of headlines and roster uncertainty. From quarterback Baker Mayfield recuperating from a shoulder injury. Along with releasing wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. The Browns went into yesterday’s game looking to change the narrative. While dropped passes, not utilizing a more effective rushing game and turnovers sunk the Bengals.

Up next for the Bearcats, a road game against South Florida Football. This Friday’s game is set to kick-off at 6 PM Eastern on ESPN2. Meanwhile, this Tuesday’s CFP rankings reveal will happen at approximately 9 PM Eastern on ESPN. The Bengals are now heading into their bye week. Their next game is November 21st at 4:05 PM Eastern on CBS. Taking on the AFC West contending Las Vegas Raiders in Vegas.

Cincinnati Reds launch off-season with payroll shedding

In an article last Friday, I pondered how the Cincinnati Reds would approach the offseason. So far, they’re approaching the off-season by shedding players from the payroll. The team traded Gold Glove catcher Tucker Barnhart to the Detroit Tigers for prospect Nick Quintana. Then after the article’s publication on Friday, the Reds waived pitcher Wade Miley. Miley was subsequently claimed off waivers by the Chicago Cubs. Coming months after Miley pitched a no-hitter. This could lead to the Reds making a heftier offer to free agent outfielder Nick Castellanos.

FC Cincinnati’s 2021 season ends and USMNT match approaches

FC Cincinnati’s 2021 season mercifully came to a close last Sunday. Wrapping up their inaugural season at TQL Stadium with a 2-1 loss hosting Atlanta United. Sunday’s game went like many other losses for FCC this season. They couldn’t hold onto the lead in the second half. Cincinnati jumped out to an early lead with Zico Bailey’s goal in the 21st minute.

The orange and blue held the 1-0 lead deep into the second half. Miles Robinson tied the match in the 70th minute. Josef Martinez scored Atlanta’s match-winning goal nine minutes later. FCC wraps up this season with another last place finish in MLS’ Eastern Conference. With 34 match points, a league-worst four wins, eight draws and 22 losses.

This week soccer-wise, Cincinnati will host a match between the U.S. Men’s National Team and neighboring Mexico. The FIFA World Cup Qualifying Match will take place Friday at TQL Stadium. The match is set to start at 9:10 PM Eastern. Friday’s match can be seen on ESPN2, Univision and TUDN.

Olympic medalist Wineberg elected to Cincinnati School Board

Among the winners on Election Night last Tuesday is Mary Wineberg. The Olympic gold medalist and longtime Cincinnati area teacher won a seat on the Cincinnati Public School Board. Fueled perhaps by name recognition for her work in and out of the classroom. Wineberg won the most votes in the race with over 35,000. She joins Kareem Moffett and Brandon Craig as newcomers on the school board.

College Basketball season tips-off this week

College Basketball season tips-off in earnest this Tuesday. Cincinnati Men’s Basketball will be among the programs playing on Tuesday. Launching the Wes Miller era against Evansville Basketball at Cincinnati’s Fifth Third Arena at 7 PM Eastern. Cincinnati will host Georgia Basketball Saturday at 7 PM Eastern. Cincinnati Women’s Basketball will host Alabama A&M Basketball Wednesday at 7 PM Eastern. They will host Bellarmine Basketball Friday at 7 PM Eastern. All four Cincinnati Basketball games can be seen on ESPN+.

Xavier Men’s Basketball will also tip-off their season this Tuesday. Hosting Niagara Basketball at the Cintas Center at 7:30 PM Eastern. Xavier will host Kent State Basketball Friday at 6:30 PM Eastern. Both of those games can be seen on FS1. Xavier’s women’s team might have the toughest opening week schedule of any team in the area. Facing Memphis Basketball and Utah Basketball on the road. The Memphis game is Tuesday at 7 PM Eastern; Saturday’s game at Utah is set to tip-off at 2 PM Eastern.

Like Xavier, Northern Kentucky Men’s Basketball will open their season with Tuesday and Friday games. Starting the season hosting Wheeling Jesuit Basketball Tuesday at 7 PM Eastern at BB&T Arena. NKU will host UNC Greensboro Basketball Friday at 7 PM Eastern. NKU’s women’s team will host Kent State Wednesday at 7 PM and Eastern Kentucky Sunday at 2 PM Eastern. All four games can be seen on ESPN+.