In this review, Cincinnati Bengals players, staff and fans prepare for the Super Bowl. Plus, news almost lost amid the big game hype. Including the Winter Olympics and local College Basketball news.

Who Dey nation prepares for Super Bowl LVI

The hoopla surrounding Super Bowl LVI is in full swing. The surreal reality of the Cincinnati Bengals qualifying for the big game is still sinking in for many. Given the hefty media coverage that typically surrounds the game. The hoopla may already be in the “just kick the game off already” stage for some. The Bengals are striving to keep their eyes on the prize. By trying to approach the Bengals game of the century so far like it’s any other game. An approach that is working well for them so far this season.

Meanwhile, local officials and venues are making plans for Super Bowl festivities. The proposal for a Super Bowl watch party at the Bengals’ home Paul Brown Stadium was scuddled. Due to the NFL not granting their permission for the event. Reportedly due to safety concerns, along with legal and logistical barriers. Personally, I wouldn’t be surprised if concerns over it effecting Super Bowl ticket sales were another factor. Paul Brown Stadium will host a pre-team flight pep rally tonight at 6 PM Eastern. The event is sold out but can be seen on a big screen at The Banks in Cincinnati.

Cincy Sports Journal will have updates regarding Super Bowl LVI. Along with the local sports news lost in the Super Bowl hoopla throughout this week.

Desmond Ridder shines at the Senior Bowl

While no Bengals players took part in Sunday’s Pro Bowl. In College Football, Cincinnati Football fans had a rooting interest in last Saturday’s Senior Bowl. Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder threw two touchdown passes playing the National team. Which beat the American team 20-10 in Mobile, AL. In one of the major annual events for NFL Draft prospects.

2022 Winter Olympics local review

Freestyle skier Nick Goepper ranked 22^nd out of 31 competitors. In the qualifying round of the men’s big air event Monday morning. Missing the cut for the final set to happen Wednesday. The main event for Goepper at these games starts late Super Bowl Sunday. He’s set to compete in the Men’s Freeski Slopestyle event.

Goepper earned his two Olympic medals in this event. The qualifying round is set to begin at 11:30 PM Eastern Sunday night. Giving Goepper a dilemma that is generating many headlines. Of how much of the Super Bowl he watches before his event. Considering the Super Bowl is set to kickoff around 7:30 AM Beijing time. Goepper’s fellow Laurenceburg, IN skiing teammate Justin Schoenefeld will start his competitions this week. Schoenefeld will compete in the Mixed Team Aerials final Thursday at 6 AM Eastern.

Meanwhile, Ohio native Red Gerard missed out on the podium. Finishing fourth in the Men’s Slopestyle Snowboarding event Monday morning. Another Olympian with Ohio connections is U.S. Women’s Hockey defenseman Jincy Dunne. Team USA is 3-0 in preliminary round play. With back-to-back shutout wins over Russian Olympic Committee and Switzerland last weekend.

Team USA began their Olympic competition with a win over Finland. The Ohio State alum Dunne has three assists so far in these Olympics. Team USA is gearing up for what could be a preview of the gold medal game. In their last preliminary round game tonight against Canada. The opening face-off is set for 11:10 PM Eastern on USA Network.

The local College Basketball roundup

Men’s Basketball

Last week’s Winter storm managed to be the only thing. To shift the Cincinnati Bengals from being the lead story on local newscasts. That same storm led to two local men’s basketball postponements. Cincinnati Basketball’s home game against Memphis was postponed. Originally scheduled to be played last Thursday. That game will now be played on February 15th. Cincinnati lost 58-80 hosting No.6 Houston on Sunday.

Another game affected by the winter storm featured Northern Kentucky Basketball. Their game against Oakland was delayed from Thursday to last Friday. NKU won in overtime 87-78, over an Oakland team that led the Horizon League going into last week. 24 hours after the Oakland game tipped-off, NKU faced Detroit Mercy at home. The end result was a 78-64 loss that ended NKU’s six-game winning streak.

No.21 Xavier Basketball’s games went on as originally scheduled. Beating Butler at home 68-66 last Wednesday. Getting the win after Xavier’s offense struggled to close out the game. Then last Saturday, Xavier lost to DePaul at the Cintas Center. The 69-65 loss dropped Xavier to No.25 in this week’s AP Top 25. While highlighting a major concern for Xavier heading through February. The challenge of avoiding the kind of late season rut that hurt Xavier last year.

Women’s Basketball

Northern Kentucky Basketball won two of their three road games last week. Getting back to winning ways after their ten-game winning streak was snapped. Beating UIC 71-41 last Tuesday and Purdue Fort Wayne 67-43 last Thursday. NKU lost to Cleveland State Saturday 59-56.

Xavier lost all three of their games last week. Losing on the road to St.John’s Wednesday 63-83 and Seton Hall 86-91 Friday. St.John’s completed the regular season sweep, with a 62-96 win at Xavier Sunday. Meanwhile, Cincinnati had one game last week. Losing on the road to Memphis 54-66 last Wednesday.

What to watch this week

Super Bowl LVI and related events

As NBC and many American media outlets will frequently remind you about this week. Super Bowl LVI between the Bengals and Los Angeles Rams is Sunday. Kickoff is set for 6:30 PM Eastern at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA on NBC. The pre-Super Bowl NFL Honors awards show is Thursday. The ceremony is set for 9 PM Eastern on ABC, ESPN+ and NFL Network.

Men’s College Basketball

No.25 Xavier at Seton Hall, Wednesday at 7 PM Eastern on FS1 and WKRC-AM (550).

Cincinnati at South Florida, Wednesday at 7 PM Eastern on ESPN+ and WLW-AM (700).

Northern Kentucky at Milwaukee, Wednesday at 8 PM Eastern on ESPN+ and The Project (100.7/106.3 FM).

Xavier vs.Connecticut, Friday at 7 PM Eastern on FS1 and WLW-AM (700).

Northern Kentucky at Green Bay, Friday at 8 PM Eastern on ESPN+ and WSAI-AM (1360).

Cincinnati at Tulsa, Saturday at 7 PM Eastern on ESPN+ and WLW-AM (700).

Northern Kentucky at Wright State, Sunday at 2 PM Eastern on ESPN+ and WKRC-AM (550).

Women’s College Basketball

Cincinnati vs. SMU, Wednesday at 7 PM Eastern on ESPN+.

Northern Kentucky vs. UIC, Thursday at 7 PM Eastern on ESPN+.

Xavier at Creighton, Friday at 7:30 PM Eastern on FloSports.

Northern Kentucky vs. IUPUI, Saturday at 2 PM Eastern on ESPN+.

Xavier at Providence, Sunday at 12 PM Eastern on FS1.

Cincinnati at Tulane, Sunday at 3 PM Eastern on ESPN+.