Hanging by a Thread
The Key for the week of Thanksgiving 2024
Did Ben really want the turkey to be the national bird?
If so, we’d feel a little uneasy on Thursday sitting down with a cooked version of America’s mascot. Truth is, Ben really didn’t lobby for the turkey, but he sure threw shade on the eagle, saying the “Bald Eagle...is a Bird of bad moral Character. He does not get his Living honestly…[he] is too lazy to fish for himself.”
About the turkey, Franklin wrote that in comparison to the bald eagle, the turkey is “a much more respectable Bird, and withal a true original Native of America...He is besides, though a little vain & silly, a Bird of Courage.” So while Ben showed his affinity for turkeys, he didn’t officially want to swap our Thanksgiving dish from gobbler to eagle. Now, THAT would make for an awkward Thanksgiving dinner.
Speaking of awkward dinners..
What do you think it’s like around the Harbaugh family table this week, now that brother John remains undefeated against brother Jim in NFL matchups? After Monday night’s 30-23 Ravens win over the Chargers, John is now 3-0 against his younger sibling, thanks in great part to Lamar Jackson. The Ravens’ quarterback ran for one touchdown and threw for two more as Baltimore moved to within a half game of the AFC North lead behind the Steelers, who face the Bengals this weekend.
Bearcats’ bowl season rides on Saturday’s game
With UC still hovering at the five-win mark, the Bearcats absolutely need the win Saturday at home against TCU to become bowl eligible. And after their strong start, we didn’t think the Cats would be depending on the final game to get into a bowl, but a four-game losing streak has put UC in a true “win or go home” position. TCU is 7-4 on the season in the middle of the Big 12 standings, and have a two-game win streak, including 38-13 over Oklahoma State and 49-28 over Arizona. The player to watch for the Horned Frogs is quarterback Josh Hoover, who ranks sixth nationally in passing yards (3,485) and is tied for 13th in touchdown passes (23). He tops the Big 12 and is fifth in the FBS with 51 completions of 20-plus yards.
Ben’s Best Bet…
Ben is going bold on this week’s pick, but as the Bengals’ season hangs on by a thread, the upcoming division games are truly make or break. With the Steelers coming to town, the Bengals are 3-point favorites, according to BetMGM, despite their 4-7 record. If the Bengals’ defense can get to Russell Wilson, the Bengals can start the long climb back into contention with a much-needed win at home. Ben says the Bengals will not just cover, but will win outright. If not, console yourself with the fact that the Reds season is only four months away.