Unabated Sports

The 110th meeting between Cincinnati and Miami is taking place tonight and Unabated Sports will be there! It's one of those special mid-week nationally televised games that can mean so much to the programs involved.

Factors for tonight's game include injury riddled linebackers for Miami and inexperienced players all around for UC, including the quarterback spot.

Last night, we held a special Victory Bell show with MU wide receiver Martin Nance and UC's radio commentator Jim Kelly. We had callers from both sides rise up and show pride in their school. Dave from Mason and Mike from Hamilton were sporting Bearcat Black. Unfortunately, Mike doesn't see UC winning. Travis, Pete, and Phil from Hamilton were flying Miami Red. They all foresee Miami victory. Phil even went old school and propped up the Redskins.

Here's a rundown of what some emailers thought of tonight's match-up:
"Dantonio stays undefeated against Miami and UC extends it's winning streak over MAC schools to 4. UC 32, Miami 28" Andy, Hamilton, OH

"I expect this game to follow the tradition of high scoring games. Definitely Miami is the stronger of the 2 teams going in to the game. UC should get a jump start on the offensive side of things from the pure emotion of the game, as this is definitely a big local rivalry. I think Miami will pull this one out 41-23. Definitely not a close one! Miami's depth and veteran leadership should be the key in this one." Our own Martin.
Unfortunately, I agreed with Martin and see my Bearcats losing 38-24. Jeff called for a 35-17 Miami win.

A couple of our callers will know the outcome first hand, as they picked up tickets to tonights showdown. And if you see us at the game, say hi. We'll give the first few people that recognize us some gift certificates to Crossroad Sports Bar & Grill. Its that easy to win stuff from Unabated Sports. And as always, all new callers and emailers receive a Crossroads gift certificate if they call during our regular time slot on Thursday nights.

We'll be on at our regular time, this Thursday at 8 to break down the Victory Bell game, as well as the other sports happenings.

We're going to start a little segment here where we spotlight emails or blog comments from our listeners. We got an email from a Mike in Fairfield (there's apparently more than one. Maybe we'll start calling the other one "Moe" or something.) that addresses something that's been burning up ESPN radio for about a month now.

I want to know your take on whos going to win the AL MVP A-Rod or Ortiz. And how much does the DH have to do with who is the winner??

Well, Mike, I can't speak for Jeff, Martin, Ciji, or Bill, but here's my take: Of those two choices, Alex Rodriguez will win the AL MVP. From what I've heard from various baseball writers, the designated hitter tag will have a lot to do with the winner. A lot of the voters remember a time before the DH was added to the American League in 1973 and are likely pretty bitter about it. There's definitely a bias against the designated hitter.

Do I think that's right? Not really. The DH has been around longer than I have so, for me, it's as much a part of baseball as anything else. I understand the argument that Ortiz and others in his position only play half the game. All things being equal, go with the guy who at least goes out in the field. But when you look at the clutch hitting and late-inning heroics, no one else comes close. I think that should give the edge to Big Papi. After all, it didn't stop him from being the 2004 ALCS MVP, so why should it prevent him from winning the regular season award?

Thanks for the question, Mike from Fairfield. Maybe we'll even bat it around on our show Thursday night.

You can hear more from our callers in the September Snippets.

Week 3 was a tough week to call and our group was widdled down after some last second heroics and big overtime plays. Here's the group who is alive for Week 4 and what teams they can't pick.

Woody: (Colts, Cowboys, Bengals)
Mike from Fairfield #1: (Bucs, Packers, Bengals)
Mike from Sharonville: (Colts, Packers, Redskins)
Brad: (Colts, Cowboys, Redskins)
Marc: (Colts, Cowboys, Steelers)
Greg: (Seahawks, Rams)
Brian: (Colts, Rams)
Mike from Fairfield #2: (Vikings)
Sean from Fairfield Township: (Colts)
Darin: (Colts)
Dave: (Seahawks)
Bob in Liberty Township: (Cowboys)

On the Sideline:
Jeff: (Panthers, Eagles, Steelers)
Martin: (Panthers, Packers, Bengals)
Bill: (Jets, Rams)
Beefy: (Bills)

And here's where we put our round winners.
HILLS: Jeff-1

If you're still alive, email in your Week 4 pick to unabatedsports@gmail.com before noon on Sunday.

This begins the second round of our King of the Hill contest. We have fourteen competitors, including three newcomers. Next to their name is the team they are picking to win this week. In parenthesis is the teams they have already chosen and can't use anymore.

Jeff: Panthers (Eagles, Steelers)
Martin: Panthers (Packers,Bengals)
Woody: Colts (Cowboys, Bengals)
Mike from Fairfield #1: Bucs (Packers, Bengals)
Mike from Sharonville: Colts (Packers, Redskins)
Brad: Colts (Cowboys, Redskins)
Marc: Colts (Cowboys, Steelers)
Greg: Seahawks (Rams)
Brian: Colts (Rams)
Bill: Jets (Rams)
Mike from Fairfield #2: Vikings
Sean from Fairfield Township: Colts
Darin: Colts
Beefy: Bills
Dave: Seahawks
Bob in Liberty Township: Cowboys

And here's where we put our round winners.
HILLS: Jeff-1

Executive Sports Producer George Vogel is a fixture in the Cincinnati sports scene and a hell of a storyteller. So we had to get him on our show. Hear our interview with George Vogel. He talks about what is the difference between Marvin Lewis's squad and what the other Bengals coaches had to deal with in the previous decade. He also talks about Channel 5's Sunday night Sports Rock show and all the characters that make it unique. Hel also gives the dirt about whether or not Woody was as bad an intern for Vogel as Jeff was for Brad Johnansen.

We know a lot of you can't sit around and listen to our in-depth interviews due to time-contrainsts or what-not. So, just like we did with our August Nuggets, here are some brief samples from our shows in the past month.

Jeff Rips Rocky Top
What Are "Must Win" Games?
Woody Gets Twitterpated

And here are some samples from our End of Huggins Era special show:
First off, a couple highlights from our interview with Mike Decourcy where he says Image Matters and Cincinnati Basketball As You Knew It Is Over. We had lots of people phone in and give us different takes. Here's how the Callers Reacted.

We'll keep working to try and get more of our shows available online so everyone can take part in the Unabated Goodness.

The Bengals are 2-0. What does that mean to you? Is a major weakness being glossed over in the wins? Is the team just that good? Vote in our poll down on the left-hand side. The Iowa Hawkeyes are coming to Columbus. Are you worried, Buckeye fans? Miami and UC have the weekend off as they gear up for next Wednesday's Victory Bell battle.

It's the final homestand of the weekend for the Reds. Do you care anymore? Would you go even if it's for a good cause?

George Vogel, Executive Sports Producer of News 5 Sports, will be on a little before 8:30.

The Gauntlet: Our road trip theme continues. If you could have your choice, what person would you like to road trip with? If you haven't suggested a song for our road trip CD, we still have a couple more tracks open.

King of the Hill is open again for anyone who wants to join in. You'll hear us mock Jeff relentlessly for his poor showing in the Unabated Sports Fantasy Football League. Yeah, he may not have had the lowest score again, but he was only off by 1.

If you wanna be a part of the fun, tune in to ESPN Radio 1450 The Ticket from 8-10 tonight. Call During the Show: 513-868-9664. Every first time caller wins something. Email Us: unabatedsports@gmail.com and we'll read it on the air.

We're also putting together a line-up for a special Victory Bell show next Tuesday night before the Miami-Cincinnati rivalry game. Stay tuned to see what big names we'll bring on.

Former Miami Univervisty head football coach Terry Hoeppner joined us last week to talk to us about life at his new home, Indiana University. Listen to our interview with Terry Hoeppner. He talks about the border war with Kentucky, building up the Hoosiers football program, and how he handles the skeptics who say it can't be done.

Due to one of the most pathetic collapses in NFL history, we already have a King of the Hill victor after just two weeks. Who won isn't important. What is important is that this means it's time to start a new round and everyone can join in. If you were eliminated or didn't get in the first time around, join in. All you have to do is send in an NFL team you think will win their Week 3 match-up. Email us at unabatedsports@gmail.com or just put your choice in the comment section. Once you pick a team, you can't pick them again for the rest of the season. Here's the folks who took part in the first round and which teams they can't use anymore.

Jeff: (Eagles, Steelers)
Martin: (Packers, Bengals)
Woody: (Cowboys, Bengals)
Mike from Fairfield: (Packers, Bengals)
Mike from Sharonville: (Packers, Redskins)
Brad: (Cowboys, Redskins)
Marc: (Cowboys, Steelers)
Greg: (Rams)
Brian: (Rams)
Bill: (Rams)

Seriously, I'm struggling to think of a worse breakdown in the NFL than what Dallas had Monday night. To give up two touchdowns (one on 4th and 15) in a matter of seconds to an offense that bad just boggles my mind. On top of that, the Cowboys had the ball at midfield with 2 1/2 minutes to go and only needed a field goal to win it. Maybe the Miracle at the Meadowlands was a bigger screw-up but that was just one score and the Eagles were a decent team.

Beginning Tuesday at Great American Ball Park, the Cincinnati Reds will sell sets of their complete 2005 bobblehead doll lineup and Sean Casey figurine to raise money for the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. This is the final Reds homestand of 2005. The Reds have three against the Cardinals starting Tuesday, then welcome the Phillies for the final home series of the season. The team may be in "wait until next year" mode, but you can help folks who need it and get some nice collectibles. Win-win situation.

Three players go down to an upset at Candlestick. Who will still be around for King of the Hill after Week 2? Seven are eligible this week. The teams in parenthesis have already been used by that player. Those left look to pin their hopes of moving on to a few teams. Green Bay Packers will retire Reggie White's No. 92 on Sunday. That should have the cheeseheads fired up. Philadelphia looks to rebound against the worst team in the league last year. The Cowboys try to continue their dominance over Washington. Will these teams rise above their competition and allow one of our own to become King of the Hill?

Jeff: Eagles (Steelers)
Martin: Packers (Bengals)
Woody: Cowboys (Bengals)
Mike from Fairfield: Packers (Bengals)
Mike from Sharonville: Packers (Redskins)
Brad: Cowboys (Redskins)
Marc: Cowboys (Steelers)

On the Sidelines:
Greg: (Rams)
Brian: (Rams)
Bill: (Rams)

Once the other seven are eliminated, Greg, Brian, and Bill will be back in the game. We'll also open it back up for those who missed out Week 1 and want to join in the fun.

Here's a look at where the gridiron action is this weekend:

UC's kickoff against Western Carolina is 7:00 p.m. at Nippert Stadium. The Catamounts are ranked 21st in ESPN/USA Today NCAA I-AA poll. Miami's game against the Golden Flashes is Kent State's homecoming. Kickoff is at 4:00 and coverage begins on ESPN Radio 1450 The Ticket at 3:00. Ohio State closes out its non-conference schedule Saturday by hosting San Diego State. Kickoff is 3:30 and can be seen regionally on ABC. Michigan State and Notre Dame will start at the same time on NBC. Kentucky and Indiana's border war begins at 5:45 on ESPN Classic. The big Florida-Tennessee match-up is the primetime game on CBS at 8:00.

On Sunday, Bengals coverage begins at 11:00 on Fox 19. Local 12 will carry the Browns and Packers for the 4:00 kickoff. ESPN's Sunday night game is Kansas City going to Oakland to take on the Raiders. Monday Night Football begins on ABC at 7:30 with the Saints taking on the Giants. At 9:00, the New Orleans-New York game switches over to ESPN and ABC picks up the Washington-Dallas game. Of course, both games will be on at Crossroads Sports Bar and Grill which is where the Unabated Sports crew watches Monday Night Football. Join us at Crossroads to cap off another great football weekend.

It may be difficult for Buckeye fans to relive but we've got some pretty pictures for you from the
Ohio State-Texas game. All the big names are on here: Vince Young, Jim Tressel, Santonio Holmes, the guy who dotted the "i", even Eddie George was in the house. Despite the outcome, it was a great game and actually lived up to the hype. Overall, it was a bad weekend for the Big 10. Now, we'll see if OSU rebounds from this loss, settles on one quarterback, and can make this stinging loss seem like a distant memory.

Here's the list of who's taking part in our King of the Hill contest:

Jeff: Steelers
Martin: Bengals
Woody: Bengals
Mike (from Fairfield): Bengals
Mike (from Sharonville): Redskins
Brad: Redskins
Marc: Steelers
Greg: Rams
Brian: Rams
Bill: Rams

Whoever's team wins chooses another next week. Whoever's team loses takes next week off.

Think you know the NFL? We've got your chance to prove it. We're starting a new game called King Of The Hill. It's simple. Starting Week 1, you pick one team that you are absolutely positive will win their match-up that week. If they win, you pick another team for Week 2. If you lose, you're out of this round. The last player standing is The King of the Hill for that round. You get to pick again once everyone in your division is eliminated. When you choose, pick carefully. Because you can only choose a team once for the entire season. Whoever wins the most rounds during the season is King of The Hill champion. All you have to do is send an email to unabatedsports@gmail.com by noon on September 11th and tell us who you think will win their Week 1 game. (The Patriots-Raiders game is not eligible.) Or you can just leave a comment here.

A few of our listeners have already claimed teams for this weekend. Mike and Brad pick the Washington Redskins. Marc picked his Steelers. Who will you pick?

Madden 2005 has been out a few weeks now. And, if you're like me, you've been adapting to the new Vision and Precision feature in this year's model. So far, my numbers are very similar to Carson Palmer's preseason stats. Yeah, not so good. If you go to the Vision and Precision link, you'll see a quote in there from C.P. about the new edition. He also has an interview with IGN online. When it comes to the pixelated Cincinnati team, the Bengals ranked third in the division on Madden's rosters.

You can click here to hear our interview with Chris Erb from EA Sports who talks about Madden 2006.

And, if you want another Cincinnati pro football team on your game console, there's the Crusaders from Blitz: The League. Haven't played it yet, but found it interesting that they used Cincinnati as one of their cities.

It's not the time the defense was shredded by Donovan McNabb, Terrell Owens, and the Philadelphia Eagles offense. Not the time a Patriots unit comprised mostly of back-ups handled the Bengals in Cincinnati. Not the time where the team started out slow against a questionable Washington Redskins squad. It's the one last night. That's right, I am concerned about the game where the offense finally lived up to pre-season expectations.

While listening to the interviews from the locker room following the game, I heard a lot of pride on this team. I'm worried they might give this exhibition game too much credence. I'm worried that instead of beating up on another team's back-ups, they might look at this as "Hey, we beat the Indianapolis Colts. We didn't just beat them, we demolished them."

At least after the losses, the team was humbled and Marvin Lewis felt he had his players' attention. Now, I'm concerned that confidence will swell into arrogance and not give the Cleveland game the attention it deserves. Yes, the Browns will probably struggle this year. But they'll probably be better than last year's team who scored 82 points against the Bengals, so they cannot be overlooked.

Be sure to vote in our poll down there on the left-hand side. How many games do you think the Bengals will win this year?

The University of Cincinnati started off their football season in explosive fashion. Pregame fireworks announced the team's first game as a member of the Big East. Of course, the conference season doesn't begin until next month but any excuse for fireworks, I guess. It was going to be interesting to see how this young team played on the field. It was going to be even more interesting the reaction of people off the field. In the midsts of last week's dismissal of Bob Huggins, some fans called for a total boycott of the school's athletic program. Would they hold their grudge against Mark Dantonio and his football players? The answer was, thankfully, no. 21,458 fans came out on a Thursday night to cheer on the Bearcats against the Eastern Michigan Eagles.
The fans did boo during this pregame message where Nancy Zimpher's name was mentioned. But their support of the football team was not questionable. I was surprised to see only a smattering of T-shirts that supported the former basketball coach or suggested innapropriate things for the school president. Those were greatly outnumbered by those who were sporting Gino Guidugli jerseys. It probably won't be too much longer before we start seeing Dustin Grutza jerseys in the stands. He played well, throwing a pair of touchdowns and running in another from 21 yards out. The rushing attack was the driving force, gaining almost 300 yards. Still, it came down to a two-point conversion in the fourth quarter that could have tied it, and a final Eagles drive that began at midfield and only needed field goal to win. It was an exciting game that went down to the wire. I walked away feeling pretty good about this team. Of course, we'll see if that good feelings lasts past their trip to Happy Valley next weekend, Yeager Stadium at the end of the month, and seven games against their new Big East rivals.