Eagles get much-needed win against Redskins
The Philadelphia Eagles improved their record to 2-4 heading into a bye week by defeating the Washington Redskins 20-13 on Sunday, Oct. 16. The Eagles defense finally stopped the run by holding the Redskins to 42 rushing yards. Kurt Coleman returned to the defense and was a presence as he had three interceptions. LeSean McCoy had a career high 28 carries for 126 yards and a touchdown. Michael Vick, who got banged up in this win, was still able to throw for 237 yards and a touchdown. Redskins Quarterback Rex Grossman was pulled after throwing 4 interceptions and was replaced by backup John Beck, who passed for 117 yards in the game.
Dan Wheldon dies in Indy Race
Dan Wheldon, the 2011 Indianapolis 500 winner, died in a horrific crash at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Sunday, Oct. 16. Wheldon was 33 and had won the 2005 Indy series and had an impressive resume that consisted of two Indianapolis 500 victories. The crash occurred on lap 11 when there was a 15-car pile up. The race was canceled after the crash and the drivers decided to pay tribute to Wheldon with a five-lap salute to their fellow driver. An autopsy determined that Wheldon died of blunt trauma to the head.
LSU ranked No. 1 in BCS standings
On Sunday, Oct. 16, the first BCS standings were issued and LSU was on top. Alabama was second followed by Oklahoma and Oklahoma St. This is the first time since 2000 that the top four teams are only from two conferences. The game everyone is anticipating between LSU and Alabama takes place on Saturday, Nov. 5 in Tuscaloosa Al. This game will potentially decide which team will play for the national championship. Oklahoma and Oklahoma St. also meet in late November, a matchup that will have a big impact on the BCS. Boise State, who is ranked fifth, sits in a good position because they will have the most to gain as the top four teams prepare to play one another. The SEC Conference has produced the last five national champions.
Rangers advance to second consecutive World Series
The Texas Rangers advanced to their second consecutive World Series with a 15-5 win over the Detroit Tigers on Saturday, Oct. 15. The Rangers were down 2-0 in the third inning when they exploded for 9 runs. Michael Young hit two doubles in the inning and Nelson Cruz’s home run stunned the Tigers. Cruz was selected as the ALCS MVP with his record-setting series. He set records by hitting six home runs and driving in 13 runs in the series. The Rangers became the first American League team to repeat as league champions since the Yankees did it four times in a row, from 1998-2001. The World Series begins Wednesday night in St. Louis as the Rangers look for their first World Series title in Franchise History.
