MAC Championship Preview With Chuck Martin, Bengals Get More Good News After Thanksgiving Win, Lane Kiffin Leaves For LSU, Buckeyes Reclaim Rivalry

On today's show Miami head coach Chuck Martin stops by to preview Saturday's MAC Championship game vs. Western Michigan, Bengals get more good news after Thursday night's win, Lane Kiffin leaves for LSU + OSU reclaims rivalary vs. Michigan.

In a season defined by adversity, the Cincinnati Bengals refuse to fade from the AFC North fray. At 4-8, they trail the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers—both 6-6—by just two games, with four contests remaining. This chaotic division, the NFL's only one without a winning record, offers a rare lifeline for a team that started 3-8 without star quarterback Joe Burrow.

Burrow's Thanksgiving return was nothing short of miraculous. Eleven weeks after surgery for a severe turf toe injury, he orchestrated a 32-14 demolition of the Ravens in Baltimore, tossing 261 yards and two touchdowns on 24-of-46 passing. Cincinnati's defense, maligned all year as the league's worst (32nd in points allowed), erupted for five turnovers, including two interceptions and a fumble return touchdown. Kicker Evan McPherson went 6-for-6 on field goals, including a franchise-record 63-yarder. This wasn't just a win; it was a statement—the Bengals' first Thanksgiving victory ever and their first in Baltimore since 2021. Crucially, it ensures no divisional sweep, a feat not achieved since 2015.

The math is unforgiving: Cincinnati must go 5-0 to finish 9-8 and snag the North crown. Their schedule softens late, with winnable matchups against the Browns (twice) and a reeling Titans squad. But first, hurdles loom—a road tilt at Buffalo (+6.5 underdogs) and a rematch in Baltimore. Wild-card hopes are slimmer (2.2% per SportsLine), demanding chaos above them: Steelers and Ravens splitting their head-to-heads while teams like the Dolphins and Chiefs stumble.

Burrow's poise ignites optimism. "Every game is a must-win," he declared postgame. With Ja'Marr Chase hauling in 112 yards, the offense hummed. If the defense sustains its spark and Burrow shakes rust, this Bengals squad could echo last year's 5-0 finish that fell agonizingly short of playoffs. In a wide-open AFC (Bengals 12th), they're alive. Who Dey Nation dares to dream of a division upset and postseason resurrection. The jungle roars on.

Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Holy (Trap).

Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Exercise (Rock).

#Bengals #NFL #TheStoneShieldsShow