espn.com Ali Contest
The Bears and Pats rule their divisions, while the Vikings and Broncos won't even make the playoffs? And whatever happened to Eddie George anyway? Page 2's Bill Simmons tries to make sense of the 2001 NFL regular season -- and what more appropriate vehicle to use than quotes from the cult classic "Dazed and Confused."
THE SPORTS GUY: IN AN NFL DAZE

POLL RESULTS



ESPN TOOLS
 
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Once the self-proclaimed "baddest man on the planet," Mike Tyson is losing it -- fast -- as his recent crazed bout of crystal-tossing in Cuba clearly indicates. Page 2 wanted to find out what it feels like to be on the downside of a bizarre career, so we went inside the head of the former champ and found ... well, all we can say is, hide the women and children.

The Berman Files What's Hot, What's Not
Air Jordan? Sounds like something from "That '80s Show." It's time to get with the 21st century. Michael Jordan's got a new uniform, new game and new supporting cast, so Page 2 figures it's time to give MJ a new nickname. Send us your ideas in this latest case of The Berman Files.
What do Jerry Rice's jersey, Shakira, Playboy "Fear Factor," and Eli Manning (though not Peyton) have in common? According to Page 2's expert on these matters, Dan Shanoff, they will all be hot in 2002. If you want to be cool, read our Hot List for the new year.


You've already looked at Page 2's top 10 moves of last year, so now we've compiled our readers' choices for the smartest moves of 2001. Check out the list, and be sure to vote in the poll to crown the No. 1 smart move of the year.

10]  Maryland hires football coach Ralph Friedgen
"All the man did was take a team that was 5-6 in 2000 and take them to 10-1 and a BCS Bowl Game in 2001."
9]   Patriots coach Bill Belichick sticks with Tom Brady after Drew Bledsoe returns from injury
"You hardly ever hear a coach put his job on the line publicly ... but Belichick did."
8]   Rams bolster defense
"Through an efficient 2001 draft, free-agent signing, in-house promotions and a brilliant draft-day trade, the 2001 Rams boast a top five defense and are favorites to win the Super Bowl."
7]   Islanders obtain Michael Peca, Alexei Yashin and Chris Osgood
"God bless Charles Wang and his deep pockets."
  • GET THE FULL LIST


NFL FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Sunday Raiders 4½ Jets 41½
Sunday Seahawks 4 Chiefs 41
Sunday Bucs 3 Eagles 35
Sunday Patriots 6½ Panthers 38½
Sunday Bears 6 Jaguars 33
Monday Ravens 10½ Vikings 37½
COLLEGE FB FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Rose Bowl Miami 9 Nebraska 55
All Times ET -- Bold indicates home team
Complete Line


 
Got a comment about something you've seen on Page 2?
Here's your chance to sound off to the editors and columnists.


LEST YE BE JUDGED
Bob Halloran's preparing to move into a glass house, so he details how he'll stop being judgmental in 2002.

GETTING TESTY
Did you pay attention in 2001? Test your IQ with our Year-End News Quiz or take a look back at the strange odyssey of '01.

THE SPORTS GUY
Does anyone care about all these bowl games? Page 2 sent The Sports Guy to the Galleryfurniture.com Bowl to find out.

THE WATER COOLER
Misanthropes? Substance abusers? Irrational sports fans? Page 2's Brian Murphy has found the perfect home for his Water Cooler.
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


It's Heisman Trophy winner Eric Crouch, who hopes to topple Miami in the Rose Bowl tonight, and actor Adam Lavorgna of "Seventh Heaven." Page 2 has received 15 requests for this match. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo.

Rose Bowl: Nebraska vs. Miami
8 p.m. ET, ABC
Granddaddy of them all to determine national champ, unless 'Canes lose. Then ...
 
Golf: PGA Mercedes Championships
8 p.m. ET, ESPN
Golf season tees off at Kapalua, Hawaii.
 
Rangers at Avalanche
10 p.m. ET, ESPN2
Lindros-less Blueshirts visit the champs.
 
• Complete TV Listings


If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Wed., Jan. 2: The Hot List
• Mon., Dec. 31: Whocares.com Bowl
• Fri., Dec. 28: Year in Review
• Thurs., Dec. 27: Classic Ramblings
• Wed., Dec. 26: NFL's All-Resented
Other featured content:
• The Power Poll
• Sportoon: 2002 forecast
• Mystery Photo responses
• The Year in Sex & Sports
• The Island of Misfit Athletes
• 10 Burning Questions with Dan Rather
Thursday, Jan. 3, 2002
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