September 28, 2009: Weekly Tidbits

Welcome back tidbit fans to another week of recapping the top sports news and stories told by your boy. In this edition, we will look at a number of different sporting events that topped the headlines from September 19-27. Unless you were out of town or fell asleep early, you missed two semi-local college football games that came down to the wire. We'll recap those match ups, and much more. Enjoy!

Michigan 36, Indiana 33

Despite a breakout game from Indiana freshman Darius Willis, the Michigan Wolverines escape with a 36-33 victory over the Hoosiers, Saturday afternoon in the Big House. The Wolverines (4-0, 1-0) stay unbeaten this season, while the Hoosiers (3-1, 0-1) suffer their first loss in 2009.

Down 33-29, the Michigan offense drove the length of the field in the game's final minutes, ending the drive in a 26 yard pass play from Tate Forcier to Martavious Odoms, giving the home team the lead.

IU had one last chance to steal the victory on the game's final drive, but Hoosier quarterback Ben Chappell was picked off by Michigan cornerback Donovan Warren, ending the game at 36-33. 

Michigan was led to victory by Carlos Brown, who finished Saturday's contest with 86 yards on 11 carries, and two touchdowns (one rushing, one receiving). Tate Forcier had another fine day for Michigan, going 11-23 for 184 yards and two touchdowns.

In the loss, Willis, a redshirt freshman, had a career day on the ground for the Hoosiers, rushing for 162 yards on 16 carries and two touchdowns. Chappell also played well on Saturday, going 21 of 38 for 270 yards.

Next up: Michigan (at Michigan State, 12:00 PM- Big Ten Network); Indiana (vs. Ohio State, 7:00 PM- Big Ten Network)

Notre Dame 24, Purdue 21
Instead of writing my own recap, I have linked a few post-game stories from the South Bend Tribune and Journal and Courier. I felt these story explained the game very well from each fanbase's perspective.

Eric Hansen, South Bend Tribune: "Irish Clear Big Hurdle-Barely"

Mike Carmin, Journal and Courier: "Notre Dame Eludes Purdue's Grasp"

Next up: Norte Dame (vs. Washington, 3:30 PM- NBC); Purdue (vs. Northwestern, 12:00 PM- Big Ten Network)

Purdue Basketball Recruiting

Since taking over the reigns in West Lafayette, Purdue head coach Matt Painter and his staff have made a vibrant effort to recruit the state of Indiana. And if this year's roster isn't an example of that, nothing will be. However, this doesn't mean Painter won't travel outside state borders for a talented prospect, who he thinks can help the program evolve. In the case of Chicago-area Alex Foster, the Purdue head coach must believe this freshman in high school is the real deal.

In a column written by Chicagohoops.com, the Boilermakers, along with many other top programs from around the country, such as Illinois and Ohio State, are lining up at the door for Foster, a  6-7 power forward. While the line may be getting longer each month, Foster is worth the wait, as many recruiting services have already tabbed the De La Salle prospect as the top player in the 2013 class. Although it will be a while before we learn of Foster's college choice--possibly two to three years even-- coach Painter is off to a quick start with one of the top prep players in the country.

Who are the AP Poll voters?
Did you know Pete DiPrimio of the Fort Wayne News Sentinel is an AP college football poll voter? I didn't either, until searching through the website pollspeak.com. With a few clicks, you can see the panel of voters, or sports writers, who vote each week in the important poll. Take a look, you may recognize some familiar names.

Speaking of polls...Week 5, AP Poll

1	Florida (55)	4-0	1490
2	Texas (1)	4-0	1420
3	Alabama (4)	4-0	1400
4	LSU	4-0	1225
5	Boise State	4-0	1203
6	Virginia Tech	3-1	1190
7	USC	3-1	998
8	Oklahoma	2-1	979
9	Ohio State	3-1	957
10	Cincinnati	4-0	946
11	TCU	3-0	896
12	Houston	3-0	844
13	Iowa	4-0	788
14	Oklahoma State	3-1	591
15	Penn State	3-1	470
16	Oregon	3-1	462
17	Miami (FL)	2-1	452
18	Kansas	4-0	418
18	Georgia	3-1	418
20	Brigham Young	3-1	349
21	Mississippi	2-1	340
22	Michigan	4-0	271
23	Nebraska	3-1	256
24	California	3-1	206
25	Georgia Tech	3-1	185

Bernard Pollard Signs with Texans

A month ago, the Kansas City Chiefs released safety Bernard Pollard, who was the team's second round draft pick back in 2006. While the cut was unexpected, it was only a matter of time before Pollard ended up with another franchise. Three weeks later, the former South Side and Purdue standout signed a deal with the Houston Texans. Pollard, a strong safety, will begin his career in Houston as a backup.

Worst College Football Team in America
And the winner is.....

Searching around SI.com the other day led me to this article. The title of the headline is sad, but very true: Indiana State is the worst Division-I program in the country.

Pirates and Attendance 

Is there something wrong with this picture......

The Fort Wayne Tincaps average seating attendance for the 2009 season was 5,319. Not bad for a single-A minor league team. A major league team couldn't possibly draw below that number, right?

Well, it happened on September 24, when the Pittsburgh Pirates hosted the Cincinnati Reds. Although 15,000 seats were sold before the game, only 3,000 people walked through the gates, according told by PNC park officials. The officials explained the low attendance was due to the  "G-20 Summit". This reason could be true, but I have two more to add: The Pirates are in last place in the N.L. Central Division, and it's football season in Pittsburgh.

College Football Hall of Fame Will Leave South Bend

On December 31, 2010, the College Football Hall of Fame will shut its doors in South Bend, Indiana, and relocate to Atlanta, Georgia, according to Hall officials on September 25. Officials expect to draw more visitors and foot traffic through the museum, leading to bigger and better exhibits and, of course, the most important aspect, larger profit gains. A new building will be constructed alongside Centennial Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta and is expected to open in 2012.

My take: While the last day of the 2010 year will be a sad one for Notre Dame fans, the city of South Bend and Hall officials can only blame themselves for the failure of the exhibit. If you have been to the museum, I'm sure you had a fun time and learned a lot about the history of college football. However, the whole point of bringing the hall from Ohio to South Bend back in 1995 was to hit the Notre Dame market, especially on game days. Good idea, except that museum is located nowhere near campus and not in a quality part of town.

Ramblings:
-Winless no more. Congrats to the Detroit Lions for picking up their first win in almost two years over the Washington Redskins on Sunday, 19-14. The victory ends the Lions' 19-game skid (second longest losing streak of all-time). 

-Remember us? Baseball season is still going,  Here's the proof.... The New York Yankees and St. Louis Cardinals won their respective divisions this past weekend, joining the Los Angeles Dodgers as the only three teams to clinch playoff berths. 

-He came back for a reason.....to make plays like this. As most know, I'm not biggest Brett Favre fan, but he made a great play on Sunday to win the game for the Vikings.