Rory McIlroy plays way back into the mix with 2-under 68 on Saturday

MAMARONECK, N.Y. – Following a second-round 76, Rory McIlroy probably wasn’t thinking about his Sunday chances at the U.S. Open. But calmer afternoon conditions on Day 3 and a clutch opening nine altered that outlook.

McIlroy made the turn on Saturday in 2 under par and finished with a 68 to move to 1 over par for the week. With the leaders just making the turn upon his conclusion, that left the Northern Irishman six shots back, which under normal circumstances might feel insurmountable, but these aren’t normal circumstances.

“If Matt [Wolff] pars his way in and is 5 under par, I still don't think that's out of it by any stretch of the imagination,” McIlroy said. “It doesn't take much around…