We are excited to announce a rebrand from the Nati Report. As Sansom Sports Media takes on more than just Cincinnati area teams now, we felt that while we loved the Nati Report, a more all-encompassing name was needed. I highly encourage you all to subscribe below for all of our content, straight to your inbox!
The Tri-State stayed busy this week! The headlines of the week were the Bengals playing their first real game of football, a full week for the Reds, two games for FCC, major additions for college teams, and much more! On top of that, we preview a packed week ahead. Let’s dive in, starting with the Bengals!
Pro Sports
Bengals
The Bengals began their season with a preseason bout against the Detroit Lions.
Joe Burrow, Chase Brown, Ja’Marr Chase, and other key offensive pieces started the game and played the first quarter. Joe was 5/6, throwing for 39 yards and taking one sack. The Bengals punted on his first drive and scored three on the second. Chase Brown rushed for 16 yards on five carries. Ja’Marr Chase connected with Burrow for a 16 yard reception early on and that was his lone target. After the starters came out, Joe Flacco was able to lead a successful drive, ending in a four-yard touchdown pass to Jack Endries. Cincinnati would take a 16-6 lead late into the fourth quarter. The Lions scored a late touchdown but it wasn’t enough. Cincinnati won 16-14.
There were no major standouts in this game. All around, the rookies’ performances have been promising so far. The biggest positive was kicker Evan McPherson’s performance, as he went 3/3 on field goals. He hit them from 56 yards, 33, and 41.
On another note, defensive tackle BJ Hill was cleared to return to practice after a multi-month absence.
Looking ahead to this week, practice continues for Cincinnati. They match up with the Chicago Bears on Saturday (7 PM) at Paycor for their second preseason match up.
FCC
8/11 | Atlas beats FC Cincinnati 2-1 | TQL Stadium
FCC opened the week against Atlas to wrap up their group stage for the Leagues Cup. The Garys had won their first two matches, putting them in a solid spot heading into this matchup. Evander continued their momentum, putting in a 44th minute goal to take a 1-0 lead into the half. In the second, FCC was holding strong up until the 79th minute, when Florian Monzon netted an equalizer. A draw would most have put Cincy in a sketchy spot, but they would not have been eliminated. Atlas had different plans, with Jesus Serrato scoring in the 85th minutes. Atlas took their 2-1 lead and ran with it, completing the comeback. Due to this late collapse, FCC did not advance to the next stage of the Cup, leaving many fans frustrated with manager Pat Noonan’s late game execution.
8/15 | Orlando City draws FC Cincinnati 1-1 | Inter&Co Stadium
Pavel Bucha struck early on the road (23′), silencing the Orlando crowd. Cincinnati took this 1-0 lead into the half. Just three minutes into the second half, Tyrese Spicer responded for Orlando and evened the match at one. This result held for the rest of the night, with FCC picking up one point on the road.
Cincinnati currently sits at 27 points in MLS play, putting them at 6th in the Eastern Conference.
This week, the Garys host New York City FC and the Seattle Sounders at home.
Reds
The Reds went 3-3 this week, winning the series against the White Sox 2-1 and losing their next series to the Marlins 2-1.
Headlines of the week were:
-Chase Burns’ duel with Sandy Alcantara on Friday night. Chase pitched seven scoreless innings, only allowing four hits. The Reds won 1-0 off an Eugenio Suarez RBI double in the sixth inning.
-Matt McLain set a new franchise record with 108 straight errorless games at second base and counting.
-Hunter Greene underwent Tommy John surgery on Wednesday and will miss the rest of next year’s (likely lockout shortened) season.
-The Reds currently sit at 59-64, finding themselves 6.5 games off the WC position.
This week, the Reds play a five-game series at home with the Cardinals in four days. They have a doubleheader scheduled on Monday. Heading into the weekend, they match up with the Diamondbacks for a three-game series out in Arizona.
College Sports
Cincinnati
There was no major news for the Bearcats this week. However, there are a few talking points.
Hunter gathered everything you need to know about the Bearcats’ RB room, read below:
Noah took care of everything you need for the WR corps this year, read below:
Xavier
The Musketeers’ camp was relatively quiet this week. However, we do have two exciting pieces of news for you all!
Charlie was able to chat with Xavier’s new PA Announcer: Barrett Cohen! Read the whole thing here:
The Musketeers women’s soccer team opened up their season against Miami (OH), taking a 3-0 win. A brace from Kieran Bradley and a goal from Brooklyn O’Brien propelled the Muskies to the win.
Ohio State
Charlie dropped his full roster preview for Ohio State Football this week, check it out:
Northern Kentucky
Former Norse standout Kael Robinson signed an overseas deal in New Zealand, learn more here:
Both LJ Wells and Donovan Oday are a part of the lawsuit focused around Mark Mitchell. While we do not expect either to return to NKU, we’ll have everything on where they land here!
NKU’s women’s soccer team opened the season with a bang, scoring the first goal of this season! Megan Molner recorded a hat trick in the Norses’ opening day win 4-1 over Austin Peay.

Indiana
Eli finished up his Two-Game-Tuesday series this week, previewing matchups with Washington and Purdue:
Louisville
The Cardinals made a big addition this week in guard Seth Trimble. Mason has everything you need to know about Seth here:
Kentucky
Transfer target Mark Mitchell remained in eligibility limbo following a court hearing in Kentucky, with a delayed official ruling expected shortly.
Miami (OH)
No major news this week for the Redhawks!
Links
Use code SSM25 at https://statelineco.shop/ for a great discount on some awesome apparel!
SSM is now an ambassador for Bucked Up! Use the code SSM2026 for a discount at https://www.buckedup.com
