Bearcats on the Brink
The Key for the week of November 18, 2024
When “bye” week takes on a whole new meaning
Ben was as frustrated as any Bengals fan Sunday when the Men in Stripes once again came ohsoclose to a win, but managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. It’s not official, but we’re close to saying “bye” to any chance of the playoffs. And while the Bengals have an off week this week (hold the jokes, please), the most disconcerting item is now the players are beginning to complain publicly about play calling, etc. Losing the locker room is never a good look for any coach. But don’t expect big changes in these next two weeks, leading to more frustration for fans and players alike. Marvin Lewis was persuaded to leave when fans stopped going to games. Will it take something similar to force high level changes?
We’ll find this week what Indiana football is all about
In what may be the Hoosiers’ biggest football game since they faced USC and OJ Simpson in the Rose Bowl in 1968, undefeated Indiana travels to Columbus this weekend for Saturday’s matchup with The Ohio State University. While Ohio State is firmly positioned to make the college football playoffs, Indiana’s position in the post season is a little more tenuous. IU already has rewarded its first-year coach Curt Cignetti with a new eight-year contract with an annual paycheck averaging $8 million. The Buckeyes are early 10 ½ point favorites in this one, but don’t be surprised if Indiana makes more of a game of it than oddsmakers think. Thinking about heading to Columbus? Tickets aren’t outrageous, starting at $111 on StubHub for nosebleeds.
Reds on radio and several other places this spring
It’s no surprise, with the dissolving of Bally Sports Ohio and its Diamond Sports parent group, that MLB now will broadcast Reds games in 2025. The MLB is doing that for several teams—last year for the Padres, Diamondbacks and Rockies, and in 2025 MLB will pick up Brewers, Twins and Guardians games as well. What does that mean for you? Well, it likely will include several options, including cable, satellite and streaming opportunities. If you’re out of market or don’t have cable or satellite service in Cincinnati’s home territory, an MLB streaming subscription will mean you can watch with no blackouts. Stay tuned to find out where you can stay tuned…
Ben’s Best Bet
The UC Bearcats are one win away from being bowl eligible, but also have lost their last three contests. They stay on the road this weekend at Kansas State, sporting a 7-3 record, including wins over Colorado and arch rival Kansas. The Wildcats have lost two in a row, and at home they’re a little more than a touchdown favorite over the Bearcats, according to BetMGM. A score here and a bounce there, and UC could have a much better record than their 5-5, so expect the ‘Cats to at least cover, if not win outright to get bowl eligible.