ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL

Last weekend I was at the top of the highest mountain and then in the depth of the deepest valley.    UC Bearcats played their way into an undefeated season and a trip to the final four of the college sport. The Bengals tripped over their own feet, bumped their heads on the cabinet door, stubbed their toe, and melted into oblivion.  Worse than the loss they couldn't afford to take, they injured themselves into disrepair for this weeks game.

The Bearcats were awesome.  It's almost indescribable how amazing it is that they are one of four teams in the country vying for the title of National Champion.  Not many years ago, most people didn't even know they played football in Clifton.  Now, they're scheduled to play Alabama at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas on New Years Eve.  Holy Moly.  

Sunday, the professional boys play the San Francisco 49ers.  They are a formidable group playing very well right now but coming off a loss last weekend.  The oddsmakers have installed the Bengals as 1 point favorites.  Don't bet on it.  Keep your eyes on the injury reports as they come out this week.  Keep on the lookout for center Trey Hopkins and tackle Riley Reiff both of whom missed the last game and it showed.  Also, watch for middle linebackers Logan Wilson and Markus Bailey both of whom went down during last Sunday's debacle.  On top of all that, quarterback Joe Burrow will probably be playing with a bad pinkie on his throwing hand - not good.  Oh yes, cornerback Chidobe Awuzie is banged up as well.  Things are not going very well right now.  Pray for healing.  The inconsistent Bengals can win this weekend but there is no telling if they will.

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A big game coming up for UC and XU basketball is the Crosstown Shootout at the Cintas Center scheduled for this Saturday 8:30 pm.  Xavier is the much older and more polished team.  They will be a heavy favorite.  But, the favorite doesn't always win this tussle.  First year UC head coach Wes Miller will learn what this game is all about this year.  XU head coach Travis Steele, whose team plays Ball State tonight, seems to have eased himself off the the coaching "hot seat" with some impressive wins in the last two weeks.  Expect the game to be a lot of fun.