Big Story:
Obviously, football season is in full swing and last night, UM came up painfully short against the Terrapins of Maryland. Plus, the Dolphins prep for Monday night football against the Patriots, and the Marlins misery is almost over.
Hitting this agenda like UM hits strip clubs…here we go.

Firsties:
First the good from last night's UM loss to Maryland.
A depleted defense kept the team in the game most of the night.
It was a bend, don't break, defense that saw the Canes let Maryland inside the 20 too many times, but the Terps could only come up with 32 points.
Maryland should have won the game by 30 points if they could have converted all their red zone opportunities.
Plus, Stephen Morris looked decent, at least until the fourth quarter interception.
Given that UM gets back the heart of the defense before the Ohio State game, I think UM can compete with the Buckeyes at least defensively.
I also liked UM's offensive line for most of the night.
Now the bad.
Turnovers will kill you and they did to UM.
The killer was the fourth-quarter interception, but it was typical of most of the game.
UM's quarterback continued to make bad decisions and it was almost as if Jacory was throwing a pick.
If UM wants to stay on the field with Ohio State, they will have to improve big-time on offense, or it could get ugly.
I'm a little concerned that watching the offense in the first half sometimes struck me as too much pro style. Don't get me wrong, I love a good smash-mouth running game. But I also love to see a college team spread the field to create mismatches.
UM had the speed advantage, but it just seemed they were hesitant at times.
Look, UM was depleted, but Maryland was the better team last night, pure and simple.
I'm interested to see how Golden responds to his first loss at UM, but more so I'm interested to see how the players respond.
They've got a HUGE battle coming up in a couple of weeks against Ohio State.
If they come out and hang with the Buckeyes, the season is not lost.
But, if they come out and lay an egg against the Ohio State University, this season is going to get very ugly, very fast.
Let's hope for the former.
By the way, I think the person who designed Maryland's uniforms was tripping on LSD while shooting heroin and snorting cocaine.
Seriously, those were quite possibly the worst uniforms I've ever seen….well, outside of Georgia's bizarre outfits Saturday night.

Miami Dolphins:
No big surprises on cut day as most of the team was set before the final preseason game.
I like the fact they brought back Pat Devlin for the practice squad. He needs some time to improve, but he should be a capable backup one day down the road.
I noticed they ditched A.J. Edds, which was a little surprising, but he battled injuries here and could never regain his collegiate form.
I think it says more about Kevin Burnett and his ability. He's going to be the biggest addition to this team all season.
He's quick, can cover, and loves to hit. That's just what I want out of my middle linebackers.
I think the Fins defense can keep them in any game, the only question is can Chad Henne move the offense with any regularity.
They get Jake Long back for Monday's game, which will be big.
I really like the Fins holding on to Jimmy Wilson. I think he's got big-time potential written all over him, and no one will work harder to get there than him.
I guess the thing I'm really looking at with a skeptical eye is if Reggie Bush can be an every-down back.
If he can, look out.
I know the Fins are supposed to be awful this year, but I think they may surprise people.
I can't put my finger on why, but there's just something about the team coming together, or maybe I'm just seeing things.

Mizzou update:
Yikes, the defense played lights out and should have had a shutout, but the offense was sputtering at best.
Now, a short week to prepare for a game in Tempe, Arizona against the Sun Devils.
Yeah, about that.
The Tigers defense will keep them in the game, but the Tigers must get more from the running game and a vertical passing game.
James Franklin can thread the needle well, but he's going to get in big trouble eventually if he doesn't spread the ball around.
Okay, enough of that.

Marlins: (vs. New York Mets. 7:10 p.m., Fox Sports Florida)
Don't look now, but the Marlins are 3-2 in September.
The bigger news, the Fish only have eight more games to stink up Sun Life Stadium worse than a Dan Henning offense.
Final game of the year is set for September 28, 2011.
Final game will be against the Washington Nationals.