The Key for the week of October 27, 2025
And somewhere (Indianapolis, actually), Lou Anarumo is laughing
Coach A, you remember, was the Bengals’ defensive coordinator until he was let go this past off season to make way for Al Golden and what the Bengals thought would be a better, more efficient defense. Instead, Coach A and his Indianapolis Colts are 7-1 on the season, sitting on top of the AFC East while the Bengals defense ranks as the worst in the NFL, last in the league in both points per game and rushing yards per game. No better example was the shocking loss to the previously-winless Jets, with the men in stripes blowing a 15-point lead in the final quarter. Coach Zac Taylor says someone needs to step up. He may be running out of people to point fingers at.
UC and Notre Dame fans probably are getting a chuckle…
As Brian Kelly, who left Cincinnati for the chance to win a title at Notre Dame, then left South Bend for the chance to win a title at LSU, is now leaving Baton Rouge with a $54 million buyout (still being negotiated) and no title. Rumblings had been building about his job status at LSU even before Saturday’s blowout loss at home to Texas A&M, and the clincher seemed to come when LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward got into a heated discussion with Kelly about possible changes in the coaching staff. The LSU vacancy is still a coveted job in the coaching world, and the firings among Power 4 teams probably aren’t over yet. And don’t be shocked if Brian Kelly takes a tour on TV before getting back on the sidelines.
In the middle of everything else going on..
Let’s not forget the Cincinnati Cyclones are back on the ice with every promotion in the business to get you to attend. Two dollar beers? Of course. Themed jerseys? Who doesn’t need a “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” themed hockey sweater? And in between, of course, is hockey. The Cyclones used to be the stop you made before you went out for the rest of the night (Again, $2 beer). Now, it may be the stop you make with the kids. Either way, for an easy, affordable night out, don’t forget the ‘Clones.
Ben’s Best Bet
FC Cincinnati is looking for revenge in its “Hell Is Real” playoff series with Columbus, but there’s a bigger goal in mind. The Orange and Blue may have finished second in the Eastern Conference, but they’re sixth in the betting odds to win the MLS Cup. The Messi-led Inter Miami CF are the favorites, followed by Supporters Shield winners Philadelphia Union, then Vancouver, San Diego, LAFC and FC Cincinnati in that order. FC can’t forget two seasons ago, when Columbus came to TQL Stadium and won the East in a shootout, then went on to take the MLS Cup. Ben says take FC Cincinnati to win the East. Once you get to the finals, anything can happen.