Show preview
Bengals Sports Talk with Lap and Trump, 6-7pm
Bengals Roundtable with John Thornton, 7-9pm:
John and I discuss:
*The scene in the locker room when the Bengals clinched in 2005.
*Why John believes winning the division in 2005 was a big deal, and how it should have been handled better by the organization at the time.
*The crazy scene in the locker room two weeks earlier when they'd beaten Pittsburgh in 2005.
*How the Bengals handled the final two games in 2005 after clinching.
*Why John played the poorest game of his career in the regular season wrap-up in 2005 vs KC.
*What it's like playing in a game and waiting for that "tap" on the shoulder that it's time to rest guys.
*How John believes the Pats will roll over Sunday vs New England and the Bengals should "go for it" Sunday night.
*The voting process for the Pro Bowl and the arguments that went on in the room when he was with the Bengals.
*Carson as a leader and what he once told Jerome Simpson in the huddle.
*The possibility of Mike Zimmer leaving
*Why Zimmer has worked out here but Leslie Frazier and Chuck Bresnahan did not.
*John being told by Marvin to add 15 pounds in training camp.
*Sam Adams' battle to lose weight in training camp.
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Sugar Bowl: UC's Binns just fine not grabbing attention
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What they are saying about UC-UConn
Huskies leave themselves at the mercy of a whistle
Hartford Curant
By the time you read this, many of you will have seen the replay 10 times, slowed it down, sped it up, used stop action and had the benefit of such great high definition that you could count the pores on Cahill's face. Maybe you feel you have definitive proof that Edwards fouled Lance Stephenson with the score tied and .7 seconds remaining. And maybe you feel you have definitive proof it was not a foul. That is your prerogative as an unofficial official. As this is being written, I don't have that prerogative.
UC's Stephenson shows UConn that Big East isn't too big for him
Mike DeCourcy, The Sporting News
Which do you suppose was the moment Lance Stephenson realized he was operating in the Big East Conference and that nothing he'd done before in basketball--not Rucker Park, not the New York City championships, not even the Maui Invitational---had approximated this experience?
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Huggins takes country road back to top
Yahoo
Huggins won’t say it, but the Mountaineers have final weekend of the NCAA tournament kind of potential. April is a long way off and the Mountaineers could use a steady point guard but this may prove to be his best team since 2000, when Kenyon Martin’s snapped leg derailed the favorite to win the national title.
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Miller and Arizona try to regroup and move above .500
The Wildcats are 6-6 going into Thursday's Pac-10 opener vs USC.
Arizona lost to BYU 99-69 Monday, their worst loss in the 38-year history of the McKale Center.
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Chad says he'll pull a Fireman Ed
NY Daily News
Chad Ochocinco not only plans on abusing good friend Darrelle Revis on Sunday but he says he has been scheming a special surprise for Jets fans since the offseason.
Chad's teleconference: On his matchup with Darrelle Revis: "Look here, me and Revis is better than (Manny) Pacquiao and (Floyd) Mayweather. Period. Case closed. I don't care what anybody is doing Sunday night. If you don't tune in to the game Sunday, you have no life. You have no life."
Revis will silence loud-mouth Ochocinco
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Jets Edwards: "We won't lose to the Bengals"
AP
Braylon Edwards has a message for all those New York Jets fans feeling a bit uneasy about their team's do-or-die matchup against Cincinnati.
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In appreciation of Lucy Pinder
Show preview
Sports Talk, 6-6:30
No Pro Bowl players for Bengals?
UC basketball, 6:30pm
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Woodley says Bengals and Pats will "lay down" to spite the Steelers
NFL.COM
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Organizational report: Reds proceed with caution
USA Today
Temptation comes around almost every day to whisper come-ons in the ear of Cincinnati Reds general manager Walt Jocketty.
Your club finished in a rush last season, winning 27 of its final 40 games. You have a growing collection of good young players. You have so much pitching that other clubs come to you looking for help.
Why wait? Grab at a quick fix. Go for it now.
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Xavier/UC/FS Ohio news
Sunday, January 3
5:30pm Xavier @ Wake Forest
Cincinnati/Dayton, Ohio:
*Cincinnati Bell Fioptics: Channel 261
*Time Warner: Channel 310
*Insight: Channel 6
Saturday, January 2
8p Cincinnati @ Rutgers
Cincinnati/Dayton, Ohio:
*Cincinnati Bell Fioptics: Channel 261
*Time Warner: Channel 310
*Insight: Channel 6
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Bengals news
Placed LB Rey Maualuga on the Reserve/Injured list. A rookie from Southern California, Maualuga suffered a left ankle fracture this past Sunday at Paul Brown Stadium against Kansas City. He has started every game this season and ranks tied for fourth on the team in tackles (80) while ranking first in forced fumbles (three).
Signed rookie TE Darius Hill to the roster. Hill (6-7, 245; Ball State) had been on the Bengals practice squad since Sept. 6. He entered the NFL with Cincinnati last May as a college free agent and played in all four Bengals preseason games (no statistics).
Signed rookie TE Carson Butler to the practice squad. Butler (6-4, 260; Michigan) was originally signed by Green Bay in May as a college free agent, but was waived and signed Aug. 6 with Detroit. He played in all four Lions preseason games, with four catches for 59 yards and a touchdown. He was waived by the Lions on Sept. 5. He spent Week 7 of this season on the San Francisco practice squad.
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Draft Audibles
"Cincinnati QB Tony Pike is too inconsistent game to game, but that's what you are going to be as a first-time (full-time) starter. I don't see anything special about him. Some team that needs a QB will take him earlier than they should out of need like they always do with that position. It won't be us.....I know that much."
-NFL front office executive to Pro Football Weekly
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"I get no respect"
Bengals and Bearcats this week
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Does the New Orleans Times Picayune even know UC is playing a game there?
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Bengals can change the course of two franchises
NY Times
Who would have guessed that the Cincinnati Bengals, of all franchises, would have life-or-death power over an aspiring team's playoffs hopes?
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Chad's comments are tweet and sour
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Sugar Bowl stuff
UC not offended by all the fawning over Gators
To coach or not to coach?
UC's Daniels renews his life
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What they are saying about UC-UConn
Hartford Courant
The No.10 Huskies, ready or not, will pull on blue jerseys at Fifth Third Arena tonight and face unranked Cincinnati in their first game this season on an opponent's home floor. It is the first of 18 conference games.
"My biggest fear is whether we truly understand what we're kind of getting into," coach Jim Calhoun said shortly after arriving at the team hotel. "This will be a test for us----if we can hold our own, on the road, Big East, a good Cincinnati team, a chance for us to find out more about ourselves."
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Catching up with Levi Jones
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X crushes LSU
UK's Wall sets assist record
Former UK guard transfers....again
UK football is daunting job in SEC
Barnhart wants Brooks to stay as coach
Buckeyes brace for Oregon's fast pace
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Pro Bowl analysis
ESPN
Not having one player from the AFC North champion Cincinnati Bengals looks odd. Tailback Cedric Benson was the top player for the Bengals who got the biggest snub.
Hall 4th biggest snub in NFL Pro Bowl
Jones one of eight snubs
Stat of the day
From emailer Brian
Jonathan Joseph: 6 INTs, 26 pass def, 1 forced fumble, 1 td, 56 tackles
Leon Hall: 6 INTs, 30 pass def, 2 forced fumbles, 0 tds, 55 tackles.
Champ Bailey: 3 INTs, 16 pass def, 1 forced fumble, 0 tds, 61 tackles
Pro Bowl selections
Colts: 6
Ravens,Broncos, Chargers: 5
Texans, Patriots: 4
Jets: 3
Steelers, Browns, Raiders: 2
Bills, Jaguars, Dolphins, Titians: 1
Bengals, Chiefs: 0
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Bizzare Bowl belongs in New Orleans
GatorSports.com
Florida's coach is here but will be banned from his office after the game while he tries to find an inner peace. Cincinnati's new coach is here as well, but Butch Jones is staying behind the scenes.
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Underrated Larkin deserves spot in HOF
Jayson Stark, ESPN
If you're hanging out in a Skyline Chili or in the Montgomery Inn right now, you already know all about Barry Larkin.
But if you're not someone who has passed through the inimitable 513 area code in the past quarter-century, please listen up. I have some important news for you about this man:
Barry Larkin is one of the greatest shortstops who ever lived. Period.
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In appreciation of Heidi Cortez
Careful viewing
Autograph signing today
WHO: Cincinnati Bengals LB Rey Maualuga and LB Keith Rivers will be appearing at Kroger Store 423 (130 Pavilion Parkway, Newport, KY 41071).
WHAT: Two linebackers from the AFC-North leading Bengals will be signing autographs for fans. Each fan should bring no more than two items to be autographed. Members of the media are welcome.
WHEN: 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 29, 2009
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Chad hypes battle with Revis
Drilled by fans, Colts GM ends radio show early
Oregon unimpressed by Pryor's passing prowess
Northwestern basketball ranked for first time since I was three years old
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Bet on Kentucky Cup race in 2011
ESPN
Whatever it takes.
No matter how he has to do it, Speedway Motorsports Inc. chairman Bruton Smith plans on bringing a Sprint Cup race to Kentucky Speedway in 2011.
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Don't underestimate momentum in playoffs
Wall Street Journal
Since the 16-game schedule began in 1978, 61 teams have entered the playoffs having won two or fewer of their last five games. And only one of those teams, the 2006 Indianapolis Colts, won the Super Bowl. But of the 47 NFL teams that entered the playoffs on five-game winning streaks since 1978, 10 have won the Super Bowl.
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Mo is on the scene in The Big Easy and blogging all about it
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Vegas must think the Bengals rest their guys
The Jets open a 10 point favorite
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Bengals' Lewis can control whether Jets make playoffs
CBS Sports
The decision is his, and there are a lot of New York Jets fans who would appreciate it if he and his team took the day off. A playoff spot is at stake, and Cincinnati isn't involved because the Bengals already won their division. So, Jets fans wonder, what's another loss?
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The playoff picture
Use this playoff scenario generator to run every scenario you can imagine this weekend.
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(Enquirer photo)
Gilyard: 2009 Cincinnati Sportsman of the Year
UC wide receiver Mardy Gilyard is your choice for 2009 Cincinnati Sportsman of the Year.
With 34% of the vote Gilyard edged out former UC coach Brian Kelly, who finished second (27%), and Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, who finished 3rd (14%).
Gilyard put the Bearcats on his shoulders, in a comeback win over Pitt, and carried them to a perfect regular season and Sugar Bowl berth. Gilyard's 99-yard kick return for TD started the 21 point comeback vs Pitt.
Gilyard recorded 381 all-purpose yards in the game. For the season he's totaled 80 catches for 1,150 yards and 11 TD's receiving. He became the first UC WR to record back to back 1,000 yard seasons.
He averaged 12.6 yards per punt return with a TD and 31.6 yards per kick return with 2 TD's this season.
For his efforts Gilyard earned All American status from the American Football Coaches Association. He was also named Big East Special Teams Player of the Year for the second consecutive season.
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Playoff picture clearing
C. Trent Rosecrans, CNATI.com
The playoff picture never seems to go as planned headed into the last week of the season, but the Bengals will have a clearer picture going into their last game with the Jets of what their future holds.
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Jets focus on playoffs, despite possibility of Bengals resting stars
Newark Star Ledger
Lewis said yesterday in Cincinnati that he’s undecided on how he’ll approach the game.
However, one would think the thought of facing Sanchez instead of possibly the Steelers or Ravens in the opening round of the playoffs will likely factor into Lewis’ decision.
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Sugar Bowl teams try to stay focus
Where's the Sugar Bowl hype?
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Lyons changes the game for XU
Paul Dehner Jr., CNATI.com
Three games ago, Mark Lyons made his first start for the Xavier Musketeers. The redshirt freshman guard hasn't left that spot since.
LSU gears up for Xavier
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Scouting the opposition: The Florida Gators
Sugar Bowl notes
UC defensive coordinator Bob Diaco news conference today
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Last shot
Today is your last chance to vote for the Cincinnati Sportsman of the Year.
Vote in the Heineken Poll Question.
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Then and now
On April 15, the day after the NFL schedule was announced, I picked the Bengals record on my blog.
I said 11-5. I was off on how they'd get there...missing on four games I thought they'd lose that they actually ending up winning.
My losses: at Green Bay, Pittsburgh, Chicago, at Pittsburgh, at San Diego.
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Cincinnati Gardens to announce new indoor football team
December 28, 2009--Cincinnati, OH---The Cincinnati Commandos, the city's new professional indoor football team, will hold a press conference on Tuesday, December 29, 2009 at 3:00 pm at the Cincinnati Gardens to announce specifics about their team and upcoming season. Cincinnati Commandos' General Manager, Travis Johnson, as well as the team's staff and select players will be on hand to answer questions. The announcement will be held in the Legends Museum at the Cincinnati Gardens, on the second floor in the rear of the building.
The Cincinnati Commandos are a part of the Continental Indoor Football League (CIFL), the longest-running indoor football league in North America.
The team will feature local and experienced talent including:
Terrill Byrd (University of Cincinnati/Colerain High School)
Dominick Goodman (University of Cincinnati/Colerain High School)
Dustin Grutza (University of Cincinnati)
Ben Mauk (University of Cincinnati/ Wake Forest)
Clayton Mullins (Miami University)
The team is preparing for a ten game regular season in the CIFL, under the direction of Head Coach, Derrick Shepard.
Season tickets will be available for purchase at the Cincinnati Gardens box office and through Ticketmaster. Group rates will be available.
For more information, please visit the team website at www.cincinnaticommandos.com, the CIFL website at www.ciflfootball.com or contact Travis Johnson at 513-289-8408 513-289-8408 or Greg Waddell at 513-351-3999 513-351-3999 x224
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NFL playoff picture
Here are the clinching scenarios for each team
Here is a breakdown for the seven AFC teams competing for the two wild card spots
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Playoff picture
From Michael Berger, NFL Network researcher
The Bengals are locked into the #4 seed---UNLESS the Patriots lose to the Texans, and the Bengals beat the Jets, giving Cincinnati the #3 seed due to a better overall record (11-5) than New England (10-6).
A likely scenario would have New England beating Houston earlier in the day in Week 17, which would officially make the Bengals the #4 seed (giving them nothing to play for vs Jets). In that case, a Jets win over the Bengals Sunday night would make the Jets the #5 seed and ensure a rematch the following week in Cincinnati in the AFC Wild Card playoff.
Again, the Jets and Ravens control their own destiny in terms of the remaining two AFC playoff spots, even though Denver is still technically ahead of both teams in the current standings.
And in case Bengal fans are wondering about the Steelers' chances, here is their clinching scenario for Week 17:
Pittsburgh clinches a playoff spot:
1) PIT win + HOU loss or tie + NYJ loss or tie
2) PIT win + HOU loss or tie + BAL loss or tie
3) PIT win + NYJ loss or tie + BAL loss or tie + DEN loss or tie
One more point of interest:
If Pittsburgh beats Miami, and New England beats Houston----- then a Bengals lose to the Jets would ensure that the Steelers do not make the playoffs.
(Steelers could also make playoffs in that scenario with a Baltimore loss at Oakland).
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Honors for another Wildcat
LEXINGTON, KY---UK men's basketball player DeMarcus Cousins was named the SEC Freshman of the Week as announced by the league office on Monday.
Cousins, a 6-11 forward from Mobile, Ala., averaged 16.5 points and 11.5 rebounds in leading the Wildcats to wins over Drexel and Long Beach State. Cousins had 33 points and 23 rebounds in only 27 minutes on the week.
He recorded 18 points and 13 rebounds in only 14 minutes in Kentucky's historic 2,000th win over Drexel. He then had 15 points and 10 rebounds in only 13 minutes of UK’s win over Long Beach State. It was his sixth double-double of the season. Cousins, who dished out a career high three assists against LBSU, has hit 22 of his last 23 free throws. He had a streak of 22 consecutive free throws made come to an end against the 49ers.
The honor is the first for Cousins and the sixth freshman of the Week honor in seven weeks for the Wildcats.
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Chris Henry Tailgate Tribute
From Big John and the Bengal Bomb Squad
"I can say, quite honestly, that it was very impressive to hear the honks coming from all directions and echoing throughout the lots. I wasn't sure what to expect when we counted down at our tailgate to start, but the horns came from EVERYWHERE. The horn on my 1985 bus showed its limitations, but we didn't stop. It was truly a special moment in Bengals fandom. From where I was, I could see people at several tailgates stopping and raising their drinks to the heavens in a toast....or holding their heads down in a show of respect.
Two fun coincidences added to the moment. First off, two trains passed over Lot 1 & Longworth's just before 1115....both blew their horns/whistles consistently just as we all prepared to countdown. Next, the wind blew right as we started honking....and the inflatable Who Dey mascot on our bus rooftop leaned straight-back as a result, facing the heavens throughout the entire tribute.Couldn't think of a time when I was prouder to be a Bengal fan."
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What they are saying about the Bengals
Michael Silver, Yahoo: I know it looks like the Bengals (10-5) are staggering to the finish---they're emotionally spent in the wake of wideout Chris Henry's death, and on Sunday they had a tough time subduing the Chiefs (3-12) before pulling out a 17-10 victory to clinch the AFC North, ending a two-game losing streak. They lost another key player, rookie linebacker Ray Maualuga, who went out with a broken ankle. Yet I still regard Cincinnati as a legitimate contender......
Clark Judge, CBS Sports
1. People tell me the Jets can determine their own fate, but somehow I think their playoff hopes depend more on what Cincinnati does next weekend. If the Bengals pull an Indianapolis and sit down starters in the second half the Jets can....and probably do...make the playoffs. Somebody pass the word to Rex Ryan.
11. I can't say enough about the job that Cincinnati's Marvin Lewis has done. He holds his team together through two tragedies -- the deaths of defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer's wife and wide receiver Chris Henry -- and wins a division that includes last year's conference championship participants and the defending Super Bowl champion. Attaboy, Marvin.
Kansas City LB Mike Vrable: "The reason they're winning games is that they're more balanced. "I've played the Cincinnati Bengals before where Carson Palmer would throw it 50 times and if he completed 38 or 40 of them, they'd win. If he didn't, they wouldn't.
"They're a lot more balanced now. They're able to dictate the flow of the game. We hung in there for awhile."
Charles Robinson, Yahoo The Cincinnati Bengals In spite of all the adversity with the death of Chris Henry and the recent offensive struggles on the field, the Bengals gutted out a win over Kansas City and punched their playoff ticket. The offense still lacks an explosive quality, which could become a problem against some of the high-powered AFC teams. But the Bengals have also shown the ability to slow games down with Cedric Benson and win in a more patient, grinding style. It might be time to start talking contract extension with coach Marvin Lewis.
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Colts forsake chance at perfection
Bob Kravitz, Indy Star
They tossed perfection away like a Christmas leftover. They treated it with a casual shrug of the shoulders, disdain even, as if they were beyond such a trivial pursuit. Standing on the precipice of NFL history, the Indianapolis Colts' brain trust arrogantly, foolishly, treated Sunday's second half like a preseason game.
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Things I'm told
From emailer Justin
"Did you here about Chad renting out Cadillac Ranch tonight? We saw him post on
facebook, right after game, that to come to cadillac ranch to celebrate with
him. We figured why not since we parked close. So we get there, and the doorman
gives us free beer tickets. Then we go inside and see that there are food
buffets set up, for free! Then, ocho appears and speaks. He tells us that he is
going to eat with his family, then sign autographs and mingle. You know, I
never have thought much of his showmanship in the past. But he is slowly winning
me over (of course free beer and wings will do it)! He evidently teamed up with
motorola to make this happen, but it was the coolest thing I had ever seen!
Just had to pass it along! "
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UC learned a lesson at Orange Bowl
Meyer has change of heart
UK's Brooks tells team he probably won't return
Buckeyes enjoy days leading up to Rose Bowl
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Bengals-Jets moved to Sunday Night on NBC
Next Sunday's Bengals game at the New York Jets has been moved from a 1 p.m. EST kickoff to 8:30 p.m. EST and will be aired nationally on NBC's Sunday Night Football, the NFL announced tonight.
The game will mark the Bengals' second regular-season appearance on Sunday Night Football since the series moved to NBC in 2006. On Dec. 2, 2007, Cincinnati lost 24-10 to Pittsburgh at Heinz Field. The Bengals played a Sunday night NBC game in preseason in 2006, defeating Washington 19-3 at Paul Brown Stadium.
The Bengals are 10-5 this season and have clinched the AFC North Division championship. The Jets are 8-7 and alive for an AFC Wild Card berth.
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Playoff picture
As of 8pm Sunday....Bengals #4 seed hosting Denver in first round and likely getting Indy on the road in second round.
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Were talkin' playoffs!
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Come and get 'em
Bengals Pro Shop opens at 8am Monday
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Opening observations
*After the mental meat grinder of the last two weeks, take it and move on
*10-5....playoffs....AFC North Champs......Who Dey
*The game winning drive defines this team...gutty. They went 14 plays-98-yards-7:18
*The drive included a 3rd and 7 shovel to Leonard on their own five yad line, a 3rd and 3 to Caldwell and a hell of a TD catch by Chad.
*Gotta admit, I dozed off in the first half...was it the cold medicine or the offense?....most boring half I've watched in years.
*Brutal: 3rd and 1...they got the 1st down, but Marvin called time because the playclock was at :01, then a hold on Jeremi and then a sack......4th and 11 punt.
*Broken ankle Rey....ouch.
*Leon Hall seals it with a redemption interception....and had 4 passes defended
*This isn't anything close to the defense that dominated earlier this year. No Peko, Odom, Maualuga, Williams and Crocker..but guys are stepping up...Chinny with a pick and M. Johnson with big plays....his 3rd sack and another pass batted down.
*Ced 29 carries for 133 yards....they rode their horse. A team record six 100-yard games. He had 66 yards on three carries and 67 on the other 26 carries.
*A 10 play 77 yard drive to start 2nd half and end in Coles TD.......Cosby another big 3rd down catch!
*Has a reverse EVER worked for the Bengals?
*What's up with Bobbie Williams pants? Was he a lineman or a plummer Sunday?
*Hebert nice special teams tackle
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Xavier news
CINCINNATI---Xavier University freshman guard Mark Lyons (Schenectady, N.Y.)
has been named Atlantic 10 Conference Co-Rookie of the Week. Lyons scored a
career-high 13 points, hitting 5-of-7 shots from the field, to go with four
assists, three rebounds and two steals in the win over Miami (Ohio) this past
Wednesday.
Lyons, who made his third straight start against Miami, has averaged 9.2 ppg.
for the season, including 10 ppg. as a starter in these last three games. Lyons
is second on the team at 2.9 assists per game.
Xavier hosts LSU on Tuesday night at 7 p.m. in a game that will be broadcast on
ESPNU and 700 WLW-AM.
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In appreciation of Kate Winslet
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26th Annual La Salle High School Sports Stag
Date: Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Guest Speaker: Mark Grace
Master of Ceremonies: Chris Welsh
Place: La Salle High School
Ticket Price: VIP ticket - $150.00 includes VIP reception, Mark Grace autographed baseball, dinner and drinks
General Admission ticket - $50.00 includes dinner.
Ticket Sales: Tickets can be purchased at La Salle from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day or online at www.lasallehs.net
Meyer: "I have to focus on my health"
Gainesville Sun
On Christmas night, Urban Meyer sat in his Gainesville home and asked his family a stunning question.
"What if I walk away?"
It had all caught up to him--the chest pains, the anxiety, the deterioration. After a lot of soul-searching that had been going on for years, Meyer was ready to leave a $4 million a year job. But he needed to know one thing.
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Candidates to replace Meyer
The Sporting News
1. Kevin Sumlin, Houston
Sumlin's offenses have been among the best in the nation at Houston, and he would open up the state of Texas for Florida in recruiting. His smooth style and personality would win over elite recruits--and fat--cat boosters.
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Book: Cyst on Meyer's brain aggravated by stress
GainesvilleSun.com
"Since his days when he blacked out and nearly fell while on the sidelines as an assistant at Notre Dame, Meyer had tried to learn how to better control his emotions. It turned out to be an arachnoid cyst on his brain, benign, but it also caused severe migraines when aggravated by emotional stress. The doctors told Meyer to 'cool it with the screaming and yelling,’' which he did until he became a head coach at Utah. During a game against Oregon, in a tense moment or the fourth quarter, he almost passed out. Doctors helped him pinpoint those emotional outbursts---usually, in the fourth quarter---and he began to alter his behavior pattern."
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Woody Hayes left his mark on Rose Bowl
LA Times
On his first trip, Hayes ingratiated himself by saying he thought there were six schools in the Big Ten better than our local float entry: USC. He complained the bands had made "a quagmire" of the wet field with their halftime entertainment antics.
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Congrats and best of luck to former UC coach Rick Minter. Rick served as interim coach for Marshall and won the Little Ceasars Pizza Bowl Saturday. West Virginia assistant "Doc" Holliday will take over as new Marshall coach after Mark Snyder resigned at the end of the regular season.
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Brooks: UK has Music City motivation
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Shannahan targets Zimmer for Redskins?
ProFootballTalk.com
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Stat of the day
From emailer Neil
The longest run the Bengals have allowed all year is 24 yards. That is the
lowest figure of all 32 NFL teams. The next lowest number is 35 yards (Dallas,
NY Jets).
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Catching up with former Red Tom Runnells
The Tribune
He was a player for the Reds, and sitting on the bench between Dave Parker and Eric Davis on Sept. 11, 1985, when Pete Rose broke the major league career hit record with his 4,192nd careet hit, breaking the old mark set by Ty Cobb. Rose finished his career with 4,256 hits, still the all-time hit record.
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10 plays that shaped the Steelers season
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
1. Fourth-down catch helps Bengals end five-game losing streak to Steelers.
Of all the plays the defense has given up in the fourth quarter this season, none may be more vexing than the 11-yard catch Brian Leonard made near the end of the Sept. 27 game.
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In appreciation of Jamie Eason
We have....wait for it...........a sellout
This Sunday's 1 p.m. Bengals home game against Kansas City is officially a sellout, the club’s ticket office announced today. The game is the club's 52nd consecutive sellout in regular season and postseason play, and it will air live on Local12 (WKRC-TV) in Cincinnati as the Bengals pursue a win that would clinch the AFC North Division championship.
In spite of the blackout being lifted, there are seats remaining for the game. They can be purchased today through Ticketmaster, by calling 800-745-3000 800-745-3000 or by visiting www.ticketmaster.com. If tickets remain available on Sunday, they will be available at the Paul Brown Stadium ticket windows.
Local12 and Motorola helped lead the way in ensuring the blackout would be lifted. The game will also air live on the other two CBS affiliates in the Bengals home market---WHIO-TV (Channel 7) in Dayton and WKEF-TV (Channel 27) in Lexington, Ky.
The Bengals have not had a regular season or postseason home game blacked out for local TV since Nov. 9, 2003. The streak of 52 consecutive sellouts is a franchise record.
PLAYOFF TICKETS ON SALE TONIGHT: A limited number of tickets to potential Bengals home playoff games will go on sale at 6 p.m. today through Ticketmaster. Fans may call 800-745-3000 800-745-3000 or visit ticketmaster.com.
Tickets will be sold as a two-game package, as the Bengals could host two games. Refunds will be available for any game(s) not played.
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Must see TV
Have you watched any of the documentaries from the ESPN 30 for 30 series?
I watched Without Bias last night. It's the story of the Len Bias who died of a cocaine overdose 48 hours after being drafted #2 overall by the Boston Celtics in 1986. Well done, sad and tragic.
The Legend of Jimmy The Greek examines the rise and fall of the man that brought talk of gambling from the back room to our living. A fascinating behind the scenes look at the relationship he had with Brent Musberger, Irv Cross and Phyllis George on The NFL Today on CBS.
The U. details the heyday of Miami Hurricane football. It's amazing how much of a renegade program Miami football became in the 80's, from the trouble to the swagger to the wins. A fascinating look at how much pride those players took in their image, then and still now.
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The Cupcake Diet
How big a factor is scheduling when it comes to attendance? Bob Hunter of The Columbus Dispatch has an interesting look at the impact OSU basketball's non conference schedule is having on attendance.
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A rush for title?
Bengals.com
The Bengals have never had 14 games like this one.
They've lost loved ones. They've swept their division. They've won three games in the final 22 seconds and lost three in the last 15 seconds. They’ve won with five touchdown passes and won with three different 100-yard rushers and their first top 10 defense in a playoff run in 35 seasons.
And no one of sound mind would have said on Sept. 12 that a Pittsburgh win on the 16th Sunday of the season would guarantee the AFC North title for the Bengals
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In appreciation of Jennifer Aniston
Follow along
I have created a new Facebook page. You can join by clicking on the Facebook
button on the right above my picture.
You can also follow me on Twitter by clicking on the button on the right above
my picture.
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Vote now
Over the last week I have taken nominations for the Cincinnati Sportsman of the Year for 2009.
Vote in the Heineken Poll Question.
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Show preview
Bengals Sports Talk with Lap and Trump 6-7pm:
Trump talks about taking a chain saw into the woods and cutting down his own Christmas tree. Lap talks about dressing up as Santa. We discuss the emotional impact of the last two weeks on the Bengals and preview the Chiefs game.
Bengals Roundtable with John Thornton 7-9pm
Topics
Leadership on the Bengals....including the role guys play like Andrew Whitworth, Carson Palmer and Marvin Lewis.
John as a leader and how being captain made for an uncomfortable year for him.
The impact TJ had on the Bengals in the locker room, on the field and at practice.
Why John used to listen to the opposing coaches weekly news conference on-line?
John's thoughts on Justin Smith and Ahmad Brooks and what they are doing in S.F.
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What a story
I had not seen this until Christmas Eve. What a story of inspiration. I had tears in my eyes watching it.
You don't say....no way....shocking
The NFL today extended the deadline by which a sellout must be reached to permit local television coverage of Sunday's 1 p.m. Bengals game vs. Kansas City at Paul Brown Stadium. Due in part to considerations for the holiday week, the deadline has been extended to 1 p.m. this Saturday (Dec. 26)
Lacking an extension, games normally must be sold out 72 hours prior to kickoff for lifting of the local TV blackout.
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Chiefs expect to see motivated Larry Johnson
Kansas City Star
"Knowing Larry, I know he’ll be up for this game," Chiefs coach Todd Haley said. "I would expect nothing less, so we’ve got to be up. Whether it’s (starter Cedric Benson) or (Johnson) in there, we’ve got to be ready to play."
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Well done!
Check out what Mo has put together for his blog. It's a review of the local sports scene over the last decade.
Excellent work. Make your guesses on the categories listed below, then check out his list.
Best team
Best player
Best coach
Best game
Biggest story
Worst team
Worst coach
Biggest disappointment
Biggest story
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Quality wins, depth for surprising A-10
ESPN
Mystery team: Xavier. Under first-year coach Chris Mack, the Musketeers haven't exactly fallen off. They beat Cincinnati and have more-than-respectable losses to Kansas State, Butler and Marquette. The Baylor loss? Not quite as respectable but here's the mystery: Will X make it to the NCAA tourney? The Musketeers haven't missed since the 2004-05 season.
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Tis the season
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A Sunday tailgating tribute to Chris Henry
"Out of respect for the loss of Chris 'Slim' Henry, all Bengals tailgaters are encouraged to join in a memorial tribute."
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26th Annual La Salle High School Sports Stag
Date: Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Guest Speaker: Mark Grace
Master of Ceremonies: Chris Welsh
Place: La Salle High School
Ticket Price: VIP ticket - $150.00 includes VIP reception, Mark Grace autographed baseball, dinner and drinks
General Admission ticket - $50.00 includes dinner.
Ticket Sales: Tickets can be purchased at La Salle from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day or online at www.lasallehs.net
Bengals news
Princeton University announced today the hiring of Bengals assistant coach Bob Surace as head coach. Surace will, however, continue working with the Bengals in his position of assistant offensive line coach through the completion of the 2009 season.
"We will work with the Bengals to accommodate what works best for the Bengals and for Princeton, until the Bengals' season is completed," said Princeton athletic director Gary Walters.
"We are sad to see Bob go," said Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis, "but we’re excited for him and his family that he has achieved a career goal, being named head coach at Princeton. Bob has been a huge part of our staff and of the success we’ve had. We wish him only the very best, and I know he will do a fine job for Princeton."
Surace, 41, played center at Princeton from 1987, earning All-Ivy League recognition. He has been on the Bengals coaching staff since 2002. He was head coach at Western Connecticut State for two seasons before joining the Bengals, leading his teams to an overall 18-3 record and ranking in both seasons among the top 25 rankings for NCAA Division III schools.
"It’s a tremendous opportunity for me to return to my alma mater as head coach,"Surace said. "I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the Bengals coaching staff for the past eight years. I have the utmost respect for the Brown family, Marvin Lewis, all the coaches and our players and the entire organization. Although my family and I will greatly miss Cincinnati, we are thrilled to continue to wear Orange and Black."
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Bengals news
Fans attending Sunday's Bengals-Chiefs game at Paul Brown Stadium will receive a commemorative '15' decal in honor of the late Chris Henry.
The Bengals will also hold a special pregame ceremony in recognition of Henry, the fifth-year WR who died in an accident last Thursday.
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Show preview
Sports Talk 6-6:30
Topics
We have 30 action packed minutes. Let's compile a Christmas gift list for Cincinnnati sports figures and teams. What would you like to see under their tree?
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Xavier news
From FS Ohio. Here is the updated channel information for tonight's Xavier, including the
Direct TV and Dish Network channel listings. This information is also available
on our website, www.foxsportsohio.com.
6:30pm Musketeers Live pre-game show
7:00pm Xavier v. Miami (OH)
DISH Network: Channel 453
Direct TV: Channel 652
Cincinnati/Dayton, Ohio:
*Cincinnati Bell Fioptics: Channel 261
* Time Warner: Channel 310
* Insight: Channel 6
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Happy Birthday
Santo Alcala turns 57 today. The former Reds pitcher went 11-4 as a rookie in 1976.
He was a long and lanky right hander (6'5 195 lbs.). Despite winning 11 games he did not appear in the 1976 post season. He was traded to Montreal during the 1977 season for Shane Rawley and Angel Torres. Alcala was out of baseball following the 1977 season.
He wound up 12-5 4.81 for the Reds and 14-11 4.76 for his career.
Email of the day: Agree or disagree?
From Jeff
"If I told you before the season, the Bengals would be in first place at this point of the division while sweeping the division, winning at Green Bay, barely losing in San Diego-btw a extremely tough place to play--You would have gladly taken that, wouldn't you? Shouldn't Bengals fans just be happy making the playoffs when nobody saw this kind of season coming? It's the typical Cincy Fan attitude of win us a championship or you suck!
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BK Q/A
Chicago Tribune
Kelly couldn't comment on it, but barring any snags his strength coach from Cincinnati, Paul Longo, is to run those workouts. It is, to use Kelly's terminology, part of repairing Notre Dame.
On whether he would have coached Cincinnati in a national title game: "When you have an opportunity to play for a national championship, I'm going to be on that sideline. The questions would have to be asked (of athletics director Jack Swarbrick). You know what I would've said: 'Heck, we can make this work, let me coach this team. Come on, man, we'll be fine, don't worry about it!'"
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Trying to defy the odds in New Orleans
Dan Hoard, GoBearcats.com
Three years ago, the Mountaineers experienced what the Bearcats are going through now as head coach Rich Rodriguez bolted for Michigan 19 days before WVU faced Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl.
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Bengals bid Slim goodbye
Bengals.com
The Bengals contingent headed by president Mike Brown and head coach Marvin Lewis arrived Tuesday at the Alario Center to pay their last respects to Chris Henry with some wearing black ribbons bearing his nickname "Slim."
Show preview
Reds Hot Stove 6-7pm
UC basketball 7:30
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Dodgers pursuit of Harang not done yet
Yahoo
a trade sending reliever George Sherrill to the Cincinnati Reds remains possible. The holdup: The Reds want a prospect of some merit from Los Angeles in addition to Sherrill---especially since Cincinnati is willing to eat nearly $10 million of Harang’s $14 million salary and thus keep the deal a financial wash for the skid-row Dodgers---and also need to find a taker for Sherrill. The former closer, who should earn about $4.3 million in arbitration, would serve as trade bait for the Reds, who want to hoard prospects.
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My head hurts
MLB's concept of a luxury tax/competitive balance tax is such a joke. Any team that spent more than 162-million in 2009 must pay a tax. The Yankees spent 226.2 million and must pay a tax of 26-million. No other team will pay a tax for 2009. What good does it do to set a salary threshold that impacts only ONE team?
In fact, since 2003. The only other teams to pay have been Boston ($13.9 million for 2004-7), Detroit ($1.3 million for 2008) and the Los Angeles Angels ($927,059 for 2004). What is the use?
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Scouting the opposition: Kansas City cheerleaders
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Wow....Bulls blow 35 point lead and lose
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Chiefs' rushing defense has been run ragged
KC Star
The Chiefs dropped to 31st in the league in rushing yardage allowed at 162.6 per game, ahead of only Buffalo. The gap between the teams, once considerable, has narrowed to 3 yards per game.
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Milestone belongs to UK's past and present
Mark Story, Lexington Herald Leader
"This is for the greatest fans in the history of college basketball," UK Coach John Calipari said.
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Brooklyn Person of the Year: Lance Stephenson
NY Daily News
"I'm glad that people are finally starting to recognize the things that he has accomplished this year," said Lincoln coach Dwayne (Tiny) Morton. "It's always overlooked how hard he's had to work and what he's had to deal with to get to where he is today. To Lance's credit, he kept quiet and just dealt with the adversity."
'Lance is the most talented player in high school ball, maybe the most talented player in college ball...right now.'
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Carrie Underwood to marry Ottawa center
© 2010
