Sports Catch Up

Sorry about the down time around here. I got sidetracked and just didn't get anything posted. Allow me a little wrap up to get us back up to speed.

- The Cleveland Indians season ended with a heartbreaking slid that left them out of the playoffs. Particularly galling was getting swept by the Chicago White Sox at home. I think maybe the Tribe just didn't have any juice in the tank after making such an exciting run. At crucial times they just couldn't come up with a hit or a out. It was extremely frustrating to be that close to a win (needing an out in the ninth or having bases loaded) and not getting it done. Most years 94 wins would take the division, but it wasn't in the cards this year. Expectations will rise next year for sure. I hope the Indians can build on this group because it was fun to follow the team again.

- With their season on the brink at 2-2 Michigan managed to win in OT. Losing to Michigan State would have been a deadly blow so I was happy to see UM pull out the upset (yes, MSU was favored and ranked). I have been saying this since early last year, and it seems obvious, but I love me that Mike Hart. He just brings something extra to the game that always seems to make the difference. The whole offense looked better. Henne apparently got some coaching on his mechanics and is throwing better and Hart gave them a big spark. Not surprisingly the defense gave up some points to a strong offense but they made some stops and caused some turnovers as well. A couple of big plays really made the difference.

Speaking of turnovers. Others have noted this as well, but it was clear to me that the fumble that was returned for a touchdown should have been ruled an incomplete pass. No question in my mind. Luckily that didn't determine the game, but it did make it closer than it should have been. That missed field goal brought back many a special teams nightmare as a Michigan fan. Good he got a shot at redemption in OT. Next up Minnesota who is bound to be hungry after a whooping by Penn State.

- The Steelers had a bye week after a disappointing loss to New England. Now they face a surging San Diego team that roughed up the Patriots. I am nervous? You betcha. The Steeler's offense will have to put points on the board and the defense will have to stop LaDamian Tomlinson and Antonio Gates - no easy task. To me the key is generating sustained drives by converting on third down. If the Steelers can find a rhythm on offense it lets the defense rest and allows them to run their game plan. This team just works better if it is ahead and able to keep the ball.

- I managed to lose all of my fantasy football games last week. Poor planning on my part meant bye weeks for too many key players. My three teams now stand at 3-1, 2-2, 0-4. Nice blend, right? It is going to be a challenge to turn that 0-4 team around as I don't think I have the talent to win right now but in a deep league free agent acquisitions aren't easy. But hey, that is why they play the games. I will just have to get creative and hope for some hot streaks.

More on the NFL, college football, and fantasy game as the week progresses.