SECOND HELPINGS (6:45 p.m.): Second rounds have been excellent to Scott McCarron lately.

A week ago, he shot a second-round 65 at the AT&T National that allowed him to make the cut. He eventually finished tied for 35th, his best result in four starts.

On Saturday, McCarron shot a second-round bogey-free 5-under 66 and now stands at 8 under for the tournament going into the 36-hole end Sunday.

McCarron, who had surgery on his right elbow three years ago that forced him to miss the entire 2007 season, has two top-10 finishes this season, the latest a tie for fourth at the HP Byron Nelson Championship. — Mike McAllister

PERRY LURKING (6:30 p.m.): Defending champion Kenny Perry has quietly place together a couple of 3-under 68s and will go into Sunday’s 36-hole day in a position to make a go.

He’s at 6 under for the tournament, seven shots off the lead with half the tournament still remaining.

Since there is no re-pairing between the third and fourth rounds, the possibility exists that the winner could be someone who finishes well ahead of the last groups. Perry seems like as excellent a candidate as any to fill that role. — Mike McAllister

HAIRCUT Tale (6:15 p.m.): During his media session Saturday, Tim Petrovic was grilled about several vital issues … including his recent haircut.

For outdoor sports, weather is always an unpredictable factor.  Snow can make it hard to stay on your feet on the football field.  Heat can cut a marathon small.  Lightening requires keeping players (and fans) away from danger.  And rain can postpone a baseball game or a round of a golf tournament.

The highlight of my week was going to be a PGA tournament.  But it rained.  And rained (with lightening).  And rained.  And then it rained some more.  I only had one day available to watch this golf tournament live, but an unusual all-day downpour kept the golfers off the course.   So I was forced to follow online.  (By the way, PGAtour.com’s Shot Tracker is pretty cool!)

And I was pretty disappointed that I didn’t get to experience a tournament.  My favorite pro didn’t make the cut.  I didn’t get to walk the golf couse.  I didn’t get to build my (very limited) knowledge of the sport.  And I didn’t even get to follow the entire second round online.

My only consolation is that an Illini alum one the event, and now stands second only to some guy named Tiger in the PGA Tour FedEx standings.

Oh, and that rain cause the Cubs and Cards to play a double-header today that had some fantastic plays and an fascinating 9th inning strategy, even though the teams split the day…

Apparently the PGA tour started early today and Shot Tracker is four holes behind. Excellent times. Check the regular leaderboard if you want the best updates.

NFL
Rams +3 +100(1)

Really wanted to pass this game, but I couldn’t. Much more action will be added later.

ADDED(3:00):

Oakland +3 -115(1)
Miami +4.5 -115(1)
Seattle +7 -110(1)

That is it for today.