• Isn’t Gary Glover a former White Sox? I’m dubious of him giving up a grand slam. #

Not even 4 turnovers could stop the Bears on Sunday night. The Bears defense came up huge in a goal line stand to preserve the Bears lead. The Bears had blown leads the past 2 weeks and didn’t want this one to slip away. Philadelphia had never lead in the game and the Eagles put together an impressive 75 yard drive that came up 1 yard short. Alex Brown came in from his right defensive end position to stop Correll Buckhalter.

That wasn’t the end though. The Bears offense still needed to put together a mini drive themselves to burn the rest of the time on the clock. Enter Matt Forte. The rookie carried the load and got the Bears the first down they needed to bleed the clock and secure the victory.

There was a lot of talk about the Bears being soft and not being able to close a game. I don’t know if this win takes away all of those fears, but they did look good in the fourth quarter. I think the Bears biggest problem is stringing together 4 quarters of their best football. If they can do that consistently they might be able to win the NFC North.

It almost happened again. Michigan almost fumbled away another game. Michigan’s offense is still abysmal, but they were able to get it together enough to pull off the 2nd biggest comback in Michigan history. Wisconsin was up 19-0 at halftime and then was outscored 27-6 by the Wolverines in the second half.

Michigan only notched 1 first half first down. But even worse than that were the turnovers. Michigan turned the ball over 5 times in the first half (3 fumbles and 2 interceptions) so it’s amazing that the score was only 19-0. Michigan’s defense held the Badgers to field goals on all but one of their scoring drives. In the second half it was the 25 yard interception return for a touchdown by John Thompson that really sparked Michigan. It came shortly after Brandon Minor scored on a 34 yard touchdown run. Michigan took the lead when Sam McGuffie punched it in the end zone after being set up by Steven Threet’s 58 yard run.

Wisconsin had a chance to tie it up with a 2 point conversion, but were called for an ineligible man downfield penalty. Their second effort was unsuccessful and Michigan locked up their victory.

Once again, Michigan showed it’s youth and infamiliarity with this new offensive scheme. They looked lost for the first 3 quarters. They were able to score enough points to get back in it and eventually win, but early turnovers put them in a hole again. If they could limit (or ideally eliminate) these turnovers, the Wolverine would have a lot better shot at winning games. I think that the defense would probably appreciate it too. When a team turns the ball over that much it consistently puts pressure on the defense. There can only be harmony in the locker room for so long if that keeps happening. Let’s hope that they continue to  grasp the system and learn how to hold onto the ball. They have Illinois up next which will not be an easy game.

I am a Georgia fan. Today we were beaten badly. When we were ranked #1 to start the season I was very excited. We started our year off with impressive wins over not so impressive schools, barely getting wins from South Carolina and Arizona State. I knew something didn’t smell right, but I was in denial. We were just getting ready for the big games. Then USC falls, Florida is upset in the swamp and Georgia is playing Saban in Primetime between the hedges. I take points right? Not too fast. I remember December 6, 2003 in the Georgia Dome. This man is a talented college coach and as much as I enjoy disliking him I have to respect his teams. Wow. One other team might remember Saban’s team from 2003…. you hear me Oklahoma?

Huh? I am happy to see the Trojans fall to the Beavers. The Bulldogs would not have lost that game. Next, time for the Sooners to fall. Georgia will dominate Alabama Saturday to show the poll voters that they should have stuck with their first choice.

Congratulations to the 2008 Chicago Cubs. They lock up the NL Central Saturday as they took out the St. Louis Cardinals and the Brewers also lost eliminating them from the division race.

There was definitely some low times recently, but hopefully they’ve righted the ship. I think it’s time to start resting some of the Cubs starting pitchers. They can’t afford to have Carlos Zambrano pitch like he pitched on Friday. It is unacceptable for them to lose in the first round again. It looks like it’ll be the Mets in the first round. The Cubs next series is against those same Mets. Rest, rest, rest.

Not a bad way to come back into the rotation. It took Big Z 110 pitches (73 of them strikes) to mow down the streaking Astros. Coming into the game today the Astros had won 14 of their last 15. The game was transferred from Houston to Milwaukee due to Hurricane Ike. Apparently the change in venue was a blessing for Zambrano and the Cubs.

In my mind it was only a matter of time until Zambrano threw a no-hitter. He has the arm, the stamina, and the team behind him to throw a no-hitter every time he takes the mound. I foresee more no-hitters in Carlos Zambrano’s career.

With the win Sunday the Cubs extend their lead in the NL Central to 7 1/2 games over the faltering Milwaukee Brewers.

Six turnovers? SIX? I know it was raining but hold on to the ball! And by the way, Nick Sheridan should not take another snap for Michigan. He’s terrible. He floats every pass.

Other problems for Michigan

They did not pressure the quarterback. Notre Dame gave up a record number of sacks last year. Michigan sacked Jimmy Clausen 8 times last year and zero this year.

Defensive back play. Morgan Trent got worked multiple times. Donovan Warren continues to be overrated. Warren actually played pretty well today but he also made some bone-headed plays.

There were a couple of high points to the game. When Michigan was able to hold onto the ball, they actually moved the ball effectively against the Irish defense. Steven Threet played really well. His passes were crisp (take notes Nick Sheridan) and well placed.

Another highlight was the play of true freshman Sam McGuffie. McGuffie was the most effective ball carrier and also was a major factor in the passing game. Sam McGuffie will continue to grow as a running back. As soon as he learns how to pick up a blitz there is no reason he shouldn’t be on the field.

Overall a very disappointing performance by Michigan. I’m afraid Michigan fans will have to endure a lot more of those before it gets better.

Here is a recap of the action in Week 2.

East

Florida beats Miami 26-3. This is not an ACC post, but props to the Hurricanes, it was closer than the score suggests and they will be a powerhouse again soon. Florida is off this week.

Georgia cruises to a victory over Central Michigan. The team is preparing to start Conference play this week in Columbia against the old ball coach and the Gamecocks. Last year South Carolina came to Athens and beat us, so expect a strong show this week.

Kentucky beats Norfolk State 38-3. Kentucky is playing good defense. A bright spot appeared when freshman quarterback Randall Cobb came in to play. He ran for two touchdowns and threw for another. Could we be seeing the first of the next generation of SEC quarterbacks? This week the Wildcats face Middle Tennessee.

South Carolina is upset by the Commodores 24-17. With an injury to receiver Kenny McKinley and poor play at quarterback the Gamecocks were beat by the wily, physical play of Vanderbilt. The Gamecocks welcome the Bulldogs to Columbia this weekend and will try to upset Georgia as they did last year.

Tennessee had the week off. The Volunteers host UAB this week and look for Coach Fulmer to show that what happened in LA was a fluke by destroying the Blazers.

Vanderbilt beats South Carolina. Chris Nickson had another good game, this time against a legit SEC defense (even if they had an off night). Tough running back Jared Hawkins helps deflect attention from the running quarterback and with good coaching these Commodores will be a tough team to beat this season. They face Rice this week.

West

Alabama did not keep the pace after beating Clemson in Week 1, but still beats Tulane. Tulane played well and The Tide did not, scoring most of their 20 points on special teams. The kicking game was a weak point with a missed PAT and 37 yard FG attempt. Alabama hosts Western Kentucky Saturday night.

Arkansas rallies again to avoid defeat, winning as Louisiana Monroe misses a last second field goal. Coach Petrino is doing well with what has has been left with at Arkansas, but I suspect once Conference play begins they will have a very difficult time keeping this winning streak alive. Their game against Texas has been postponed until September 27th due to Hurricane Ike.

Auburn plays a strong game against Southern Miss. You get the feeling Tuberville has these lads just stretching their legs. This week the Tigers visit Mississippi State to start conference play. Expect Coach Croom to make them earn a W in Starkville.

LSU had their game against Troy postponed. They host North Texas this week after a week of rest… watch out.

Ole Miss loses to Wake Forest on a last second field goal. Jevan Snead played well and the Rebles look like they are taking o this new coach of theirs, the Reverend. This week Samford comes to Oxford.

Mississippi State beats Southeastern Louisiana 34-10. Quarterback Wesley Carroll showed up for the Bulldogs, throwing for two touchdowns. This week will be a big game at Scott Field, looking for a huge upset against Auburn.

In the wake of Tom Brady’s season ending knee surgery, anti-Tom Brady sentiment is at an all time high. George Lampman has created a tshirt for the “Bernard Pollard Fan Club”. Pollard is the Chiefs safety whose hit injured Brady’s knee.

Some people are outraged by the thoughtless attempt to cash in on Brady’s injury, others think it’s brilliant and funny. In a conversation with CBS’s Pete Prisco Lampman concedes that it is crass, but he claims there are people willing to shell out the $19.99 for the tshirt so he’s going to print and sell them.

Even though I’m a Michigan guy, I’m not a Brady fan. It’s too bad that he got hurt. I don’t feel too bad for the Patriots. They’re my least favorite NFL team, and it’s not even close. I would never wish an injury on someone, and I’m sorry that he is in pain, but like Bill Belichick said, Brady is one player on one side of the ball. If the Patriots go down because of one player, the Belichick should be fired immediately.

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