Eagles defeat Rams in season opener
The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the St. Louis Rams 31-13 on Sunday, Sept. 11 in the season opener for both teams. After forcing the Eagles to punt on their opening drive, the Rams opened the scoring and made it 7-0 on their first offensive series of the game courtesy of running back Stephen Jackson’s 47-yard touchdown run. Michael Vick, DeSean Jackson and LeSean McCoy all had great offensive days for the Eagles. Vick threw for 187 yards and two touchdowns. Jackson made a few highlight-reel catches on his way to compiling 102 yards receiving and scoring one touchdown. McCoy ran for 122 yards and also scored one touchdown.
Ravens embarrass Steelers in latest installment of heated rivalry
The Baltimore Ravens cruised to their most lopsided victory ever against the AFC champion Pittsburgh Steelers 35-7 on Sunday, Sept. 11 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. The Ravens defense pressured Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger all day long and forced a record seven turnovers. The Ravens used three turnovers in the third quarter to put the game out of reach for the Steelers. Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco threw three touchdown passes while running back Ray Rice ran for 107 yards and scored one touchdown.
Brewers defeat Phillies, avoid sweep
The Milwaukee Brewers defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 3-2 on Sunday, Sept. 11 at Miller Park in Milwaukee. Phillies starting pitcher Vance Worley gave up the game-winning run in the bottom of the seventh inning when Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun singled in Nyjer Morgan, who had doubled in the tying run earlier in the inning. Brewers starter Yovani Gallardo improved to 10-6 on the season, pitching seven strong innings while striking out 12 batters.
KHL’s Lokomotiv won’t participate this season
After a plane crash that took the lives of the entire Yaroslavl Lokomotiv team and other members of the organization on Wednesday Sept. 7, team president Yury Yakovlev announced the team will not be participating in the KHL during the 2011-2012 season. Lokomotiv would have been allowed to participate this season with a roster of different players from other teams in the league. The season-opening contest will now be known as the Lokomotiv Cup.
Michigan defeats Notre Dame in instant classic
The Michigan Wolverines defeated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in a 35-31 thriller on Saturday, Sept. 10 in the first night game ever at Michigan Stadium. After the Fighting Irish jumped out to a 24-7 through three quarters, the Wolverines staged an epic fourth quarter comeback that was capped off when Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson threw a 16-yard pass to wide receiver Roy Roundtree with just two seconds left in regulation. Robinson finished the night throwing for 388 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions.
Detroit Tigers win ninth straight game
The Detroit Tigers won their ninth straight game on Sunday, Sept. 11, defeating the Minnesota Twins 2-1 at Comerica Park in Detroit. Tigers closer Jose Valverde set a team record with his 43rd save of the season, breaking the 42 saves set by former Tigers closer Todd Jones in 2000. Detroit all but has the AL Central locked up. They lead the second-place Chicago White Sox by 10 1/2 games. Tigers starter pitched seven scoreless innings and improved his record to 8-13. However, he is 5-1 since being acquired from the Seattle Mariners on July 30.
