Six years ago today... One of the finest Bengal performances ever

On this day in 2005, The Bengals hosted the Minnesota Vikings at Paul Brown Stadium. The Vikings were heavy favorites to make the Super Bowl that year, but on the games second play from scrimmage Chad Johnson had something to say about that as he took Fred Smoot downtown for a 68 yard Touchdown on the games 2nd offensive play. The Bengals played great that afternoon. Carson Palmer looked amazing that day throwing three Touchdown passes in the first half, Johnson, Housmanzadah and Tight End Matt Schebel. The Bengals defense intercepted Viking QB Dante Culpepper 7 times that day, four of those INT's were made by Deltha O'Neal and he almost returned one for a Touchdown. The Bengals defeated the Vikings 37-8. My cousins Peter, Eli, Jake and myself were at the game, it was pretty awesome

Also on this very day, the Browns upset the Packers at Lambeau Field, 26-24. Braylon Edwards scored his first two NFL Touchdowns.

Five years ago today... The end for two Bengals players

On this day five years ago, My Dad, Emily, Justin, Doug, Scott, Brad and Kurt Barhorst went to the Bengals Browns game at Paul Brown Stadium. I to this day have referred to that game as the "heater bowl", being at that game was like sitting in an outdoor oven it was that warm. The Bengals won 34-17, however that game signaled the end for two Bengal players; Rich Braham and David Pollack

Dayton and Kentucky Starting Point Guard and Centers over the last 15 years

I've followed two college basketball programs over the last 15 years; Dayton and Kentucky like you would not believe. Here are the two programs starting PG and C during the last 15 years

Dayton:

1997 and 1998: Edwin Young, Ryan Perryman

1999-2000: Mark Ashman and Edwin Young

2000-2002: David Morris and Yuanta Holland

2002-2004: Ramod Marshall and Sean Finn

2004-2006: James Cripe and Warren Williams

2006-2008: Brian Roberts ( a 3 year starter) and Kurt Huelsman

2008-2010: London Warren and Kurt Huelsman

2010-2011: Juwan Staten and Devin Searcy

Kentucky:

1996-1998: Wayne Turner and Nazr Mohamed

1998-1999: Wayne Turner and Jamaal Magloire

1999-2000: Saul Smith and Magloire

2000-2004: Cliff Hawkins ( a three year starter) Erik Daniels

2004-2006: Patrick Sparks and Randolph Morris

2007-2008: Derrick Jasper and Patrick Patterson

2008-2009: Jodie Meeks and Patrick Patterson

2009-2010: John Wall and Patrick Patterson

2010 and 2011: Brandon Knight and Josh Harrelson

On this day in 1996, The first sporting event at newly renamed Cinergy Field

September 15, 1996, the Cincinnati Bengals hosted the New Orleans Saints at The newly renamed Cinergy Field; formerly called Riverfront Stadium. There were a few firsts that afternoon: The Bengals first Victory of the season, Ki-Jana Carter’s first NFL Touchdown and the first regular season game I attended that the Bengals won. The Bengals defeated the Saints 30-15. Jeff Blake connected with Darney Scott in the 2^nd Quarter for a 27 yard Touchdown, Ki-Jana Carter scored his first NFL touchdown in the first quarter and Eric Bienemy scored a TD in the 4^th. It was also the last NFL Victory for Bengals Coach Dave Shula, who was fired at mid-season and replaced by Bruce Coslet.

                        There in attendance that day were my Dad, my cousins Peter and Eli, along with myself. It was a great afternoon in Cincinnati. 

On this day in 2005... It's football season

Six years ago today, was the begining of the NFL season. The Bengals played the Browns in Cleveland and it was the first game for new Head Coach Romeo Cornel. The Bengals won 27-13. Carson Palmer threw 2 TD's, one to Kevin Walter and one to Jeremi Johnson. The Bengals defense intercepted Trent Dilfer 4 times.

Also on that day, The Lions beat the Packers at Ford Field. It was also the last game for Packer Wide Receiver Javon Walker, who tore his ACL in the 3rd Quarter.

Also on that Sunday six year ago, The New Orleans Saints, whose proud city was devastated by Hurricane Katrina days earlier, found the strength and courage to focus on their first game of the season and beat the Carolina Panthers 20-17 in what was the most Couragous Team Moments in all of sports.

Six years ago tonight, A thriller in Columbus

Six years ago tonight, the #4 Ranked Ohio State Buckeyes hosted the #2 ranked Texas Longhorns in their first ever battle. It was a rucus atmosphere in Columbus. The Longhorns jumped out to a 10-0 lead behind QB Vince Young. The Buckeyes rallyed behind the passing of Troy Smith and the defense of AJ Hawk and Bobby Carpenter to grab a 22-16 lead in the 4th Quarter, but Young and the Longhorns would have the last laugh. Young connected with Limas Sweed for 23 yards and the go ahead score with 2:15 remaining as the Longhorns escaped Columbus with a 25-22 victory. 

The Longhorns would go on to win the National Championship, defeating 2 time Champion USC in the Rose Bowl, thanks to the heroics of Vince Young.    

On this day 10 years ago... A Last for the Bengals

On this day in 2001, the Bengals hosted the New England Patriots on opening day at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals were coming off a 4-12 season, while the Patriots were coming off a 6-10 season.

The Patriots lead 10-0 going into the 2nd Quarter. Jon Kitna led the Bengals back. Corey Dillon scored from 5 yards out to tie the game in the 2nd Quarter, then Kitna hit tight end Tony McGee for his first Touchdown pass as a Bengal in the 3rd Quarter as the Bengals jumped out to a 23-10 lead. Things were looking good for the Bengals. But the Patriots had one last chance. The Bengals defense led by Takeo Spikes and Brian Simmons, sacked Drew Bledsoe, who started his second to last game as a Patriot that day, on back to back plays as the Bengals prevailed 23-17. It was the last Bengals victory over New England.

The Bengals would finish the season 6-10, while the Patriots would finish their season 11-5 and defeated the St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI, 20-17.

On this date in Baseball History

On this day in 1995, Cal Ripken Jr, broke Lou Gerig's all time consecutive games streak, 2,131. The Orioles hosted the California Angels that night and Ripken hit a Home Run, as ESPN's Chris Berman put it: "Oh my Goodness He's done it again". Ripken retired in 2001. Was a 2 time All Star Game MVP and in his Finale, stood on deck as Brady Anderson Struck Out to end the 2001 season for the Orioles.

Six years ago today... Ohio State Starts off the season strong

On this day six years ago, Ohio State, Ranked #6 in the Country hosted Miami University who was under the leadership of first year Head Coach Shane Montgomery. The Buckeyes looked like they were in Midseason form. Lead by Justin Zwick, Santonio Holmes, Ted Ginn and the Big Ten's top defense, the Buckeyes defeated the Redhawks 34-14. Justin Zwick had an excellent game filling in for the suspended Troy Smith. St. Henry Native Todd Boeckman threw his first Touchdown Pass as a Buckeye in the Fourth Quarter. I was real pleased with how hard Miami played that day. Their defense intercepted a pass in the endzone in the 2nd Quarter, a one handed grab. Forced a turnover on a kickoff after their first touchdown in the fourth quarter. Their Quarterback Josh Betts, a Vandaila Butler Grad had an excellent game throwing for 278 yards and a touchdown.  

The Buckeyes went on to win a share of the Big Ten Championship and won the Fiesta Bowl, beating Notre Dame 34-20. AJ Hawk, Bobby Carpenter and Andy Schleigel were a fun group of linebackers to watch in the Scarlet and Gray.