Day 2 four-ball schedule
Saturday Four-Ball
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Match 9: Team USA's Bubba Watson and Matt Kuchar vs. Team Europe's Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson; 2:35 a.m. ET
Michael Collins' analysis: Stenson and Rose come off two big wins on Day 1 full of confidence and gusto. Tom Watson changes things up a bit by putting Bubba and Kuchar together; both lost with different partners Friday on Day 1 and both played only once. The key to this match will play out early, with the team leading at the turn winning the match. Unfortunately for the U.S., I see Rose and Stenson staying hot.
Match 10: Team USA's Jim Furyk and Hunter Mahan vs. Team Europe's Jamie Donaldson and Lee Westwood; 2:50 a.m. ET
Michael Collins' analysis: The Furyk-Mahan partnership is another curveball thrown by captain Watson, and it is a very risky play. Both played only once Friday and both lost with different partners. While the Donaldson-Westwood pairing also got only one tee time Friday, the duo was victorious. This time I think the U.S. team manages a half-point as Furyk and Mahan grind their way along the back nine, making the big save at the 17th.
Match 11: Team USA's Patrick Reed and Jordan Spieth vs. Team Europe's Thomas Bjorn and Martin Kaymer; 3:05 a.m. ET
Michael Collins' analysis: The dynamic U.S. rookie duo surprised everyone by absolutely crushing it in their first match against American-slayer Ian Poulter and Stephen Gallacher. Spieth and Reed have to be chomping at the bit after being left off the Friday afternoon slate. Same goes for Thomas Bjorn and Martin Kaymer after letting victory slip through their hands Friday morning in four-balls. This time the rookies stay hot with another commanding performance and swing the momentum that the U.S. desperately needs.
Match 12: Team USA's Jimmy Walker and Rickie Fowler vs. Rory McIlroy and Ian Poulter; 3:20 a.m. ET
Michael Collins' analysis: Last time McIlroy and Poulter were paired together, people forgot Rory was even playing (on Saturday at the 2012 Ryder Cup). This time it will be the other way around, with Rory carrying the team. Unfortunately for Europe, Rickie and Jimmy stole one in their match early Friday, then had one stolen from them late that same day. That will leave them hungry to win outright and will carry them through to finish the job this time.
So as Day 2 reaches its halfway point, the U.S. finds itself in a spot of bother (that's how they say it over here in Scotland). Tom Watson needs to find a way to get this thing tied up going into Sunday if the Stars and Stripes are going to bring the Cup home.
Sitting out Saturday morning, Team USA: Keegan Bradley, Zach Johnson, Phil Mickelson and Webb Simpson
Sitting out Saturday morning, Team Europe: Victor Dubuisson, Stephen Gallacher, Sergio Garcia and Graeme McDowell
