Bengals
For the Steelers, the playoffs start now
Pittsburgh Post Gazette
The Bengals and Browns have been more than accommodating to their neighbors in Pennsylvania. The Steelers have won 10 of their past 12 against the Bengals, including a 24-17 victory Oct. 21 in Cincinnati. The Browns have lost 16 of their past 18 to the Steelers, but did upset them Nov. 25 in Cleveland, 20-14.
Playoff scenarios, I think
Thanks to the Jets loss to the Titans last night, the Bengals playoff picture is more clear:
*Win at Pittsburgh and Bengals clinch at least a wild card spot.
*If Bengals lose at Pittsburgh, they would need Steelers to lose to the Browns and the Bengals would have to beat Baltimore.
*If Bengals beat Steelers and Giants beat Ravens, the Dec. 30 Bengals vs Ravens would be for AFC North title.
*If the Ravens and Bengals both win Sunday, the Bengals could clinch #5 seed by winning out and the Colts losing out (vs Kansas City/home to Houston).
*If the Colts lose both and Bengals split, the Bengals would currently lose the tiebreaker on SOV.
Hoard: Atkins actions--not words--speak volumes
Bengals season ticket holders offered tickets for possible playoff games
            With the Bengals battling to win the AFC North Division, the NFL has directed the club to begin sending invoices to season ticket holders for potential home playoff games.
            “It is exciting to be in a position where we could host up to two playoff games,” said Bengals executive vice-president Katie Blackburn. “Given where the team stands, it’s time now to start this process. After our season ticket holders have been accommodated, we will look to make tickets available to other fans.”
            First, season ticket holders will have the chance to purchase their seats for the playoffs and the option to buy additional playoff tickets. Once those requests are filled, fans who bought multi-game Ticket Packs during 2012 would have an opportunity to purchase tickets. Playoff ticket availability to other fans will be pending the results of these earlier steps.
The Bengals will host a game in the Wild Card round on Jan. 5 or 6 if they claim the division title. They would not host a game in the Divisional round (Jan. 12-13), but could also be the host if they advance to the Jan. 20 AFC Championship game.
Season ticket holders are being sent invoices covering their current seats for the two possible home games. For any games not played, season ticket holders may have the payment applied to their seats for 2013, or they may apply for a refund.
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Crosstown Classic

UC game notes
Xavier notes, quotes and exit fees

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Reds
Frank Pastore passes away
MLB.com
Pastore, who was 55, was reportedly struck by a car on Interstate 210 in California and sustained head trauma. He was taken by medical helicopter to a local hospital.

Pastore was a 2nd round pick of the Reds in 1975, going 48-58 4.29 during his eight Major League seasons. His best season was 1980 when he went 13-7 3.27, tossing nine complete games and two shutouts. He started Game 2 of the 1979 NLCS vs Pittsburgh, allowing two runs in seven innings and earning a no-decision. I will always remember him for his emergency start, replacing an under the weather Tom Seaver, on Opening Day 1980. He tossed a complete game shutout in beating the Braves 9-0.

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UC
More on UC, realignment
CBS Sports
The intentions of Cincinnati, Connecticut, the ACC and possibly more. So far, the two schools have not been thrown lifelines to BCS leagues, but are on record as being willing to jump. Cincinnati has a surprising amount of juice at this point. It has been to a BCS bowl. It draws surprisingly good TV ratings in basketball. Call it the best player left on the board.
"Cincinnati is more valuable than what is being let on," an industry source said.
Brendon Kay Granted Sixth Year Of Eligibility By NCAA
CINCINNATI – University of Cincinnati senior quarterback Brendon Kay (Marine City, Mich./Marine City) was granted a sixth year of eligibility Monday after the NCAA approved his request for an extension of eligibility waiver.
Kay, who suffered multiple injuries during his first four seasons at Cincinnati, missed participation opportunities in both 2008 and 2011. Based on contemporaneous medical documentation and the granting of a medical hardship waiver for the 2011 season by the conference office, the NCAA staff approved the granting of a sixth year of eligibility for Kay to utilize during the 2013-14 season.
"I'm excited," Kay said. "I can't thank Maggie McKinley and Bob Mangine enough for their efforts in helping me through this process. This University has given me so much and I'm grateful for the opportunity."
Kay earned a bachelor's degree in health education during the spring of 2012 and is working towards a master's in business administration.
Kay has played in 10 games for UC this year, starting the last four at quarterback and helping to lead UC to a 3-1 record in those games and the team's fourth BIG EAST Conference title in five years. He is 70-of-113 for 966 yards and six touchdowns. He has averaged 6.1 yards per carry on 38 rushes, tallying 230 yards and adding a pair of touchdowns.
Entering the season, he was limited to six career games due to injury.
He is scheduled to start the Belk Bowl on Dec. 27, 2012 as the Bearcats take on Duke in Charlotte, N.C.

From @GoBearcats on Twitter
The official helmets UC football will be wearing in the Belk Bowl vs Duke

Saw this on Twitter from @CTrent

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Bengals Line
PROGRAMMING NOTE: Next Monday Bengals Line will air from noon-3pm from the Holy Grail.

Podcast:
Robert Geathers

Boom Herron

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