espn.com Ali Contest
Why would anyone think of putting *N Sync in the next Star Wars movie? How did Halle Berry become a Bond girl without even auditioning? Why is Steve Spurrier already guaranteeing victories? And why is Tonya Harding's landlord trying to throw her out? Find out the answer in the latest edition of Page 2's "What are they thinking?"
WHAT ARE THEY THINKING?

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The Patriots are two wins away from the Super Bowl, and Page 2's Bill Simmons is trying to savor this moment. As a lifelong fan of a star-crossed franchise, the Sports Guy knows the good times are few and far between, and more bad times could be just around the corner. Not every Pats fan is enjoying the ride, though. Page 2's Bob Halloran admits he's missed New England's joyride because of his allegiance to Drew Bledsoe.

Mystery Photo Sportoon
It's tough to cope with a loss in the NFL playoffs, but 49ers coach Steve Mariucci took it especially hard after being knocked out by the Packers. Page 2 couldn't figure out if Mooch was trying to perform a Vulcan mind meld or what the heck he was doing, so we need your help with this week's Mystery Photo.
The Road to New Orleans is lined with rabbits' feet and lucky underwear. NFL players are afraid to change a thing when their team is in the midst of a playoff run, but Page 2 cartoonist Kurt Snibbe has a look at some new postseason superstitions that Super Bowl hopefuls should adopt in 2002.


You've already taken a look at Page 2's list of 10 irritating things at sporting events that must stop immediately. We asked for your thoughts and you filled our mailbag. Check out our readers' top 10 irritating things at sporting events, and be sure to vote in the poll to pick the most annoying thing you'd like to see end.
10]  TV cutaways and interviews with athlete's families
"I actually sat through a Fresno State-Wisconsin game in which the announcers ignored a Fresno comeback to have a phone conversation with David Carr's wife!"
9]   Halftime interviews with coaches
"I would rather watch a commercial, because, at least the outcome is less predictable."
8]   Men bringing baseball gloves to the park
"There should be a law that no male over age 14 can bring a glove to a baseball game."
7]   Football coaches getting doused with Gatorade
"Its the on-field equivalent of 'The Wave.' "
  • GET THE FULL LIST


NFL FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Saturday Bears 2½ Eagles 32½
Saturday Patriots 3½ Raiders 40½
Sunday Steelers 5½ Ravens 32
Sunday Rams 10 Packers 54½
MEN COLL. BB FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Saturday Duke 12 Wake Forest NL
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.


APPLY WITHIN
A long line of new candidates gave Page 2's Chris Connelly all he could handle at the 2002 NFL Coaching Job Fair.

THE SPORTS GUY
Page 2's Bill Simmons watches more NBA than just about anyone, and he's got 10 observations about what he's seen.

MJ VS. JR
If anyone's better than Michael Jordan, Ralph Wiley writes, it's Jerry Rice, that other superstar also still going strong and pushing 40.

HEY, RUBE
As if the dangerous Ravens aren't enough of a problem, Hunter S. Thompson contends with cavity searches at airports.

MASCOT LOVE
After Indiana University announced it would relent and develop a mascot, Dan Shanoff pondered the endless possibilities for the Hoosiers.
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


This one ranks as one of our most requested pairs of all-time. We've had 132 requests for the match of comedian and actor Wayne Brady, left, and 49ers running back Garrison Hearst. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo.

Golf: PGA Bob Hope Classic
3 p.m. ET, ESPN
Heads up for stray shots by members of boy bands.
 
Men's hoops: Memphis at So. Miss
9 p.m. ET, ESPN
Tigers put unbeaten Conference USA mark on line.
 
Tennis: Australian Open
11:30 p.m. ET, 3 a.m. ET Saturday, ESPN2
Is anybody left in Melbourne?
 
• Complete TV Listings


If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Thurs., Jan. 17: Rice vs. MJ
• Wed., Jan. 16: Fire 'em all
• Tues., Jan. 15: White Rat Poison
• Mon., Jan. 14: Pretzel peril
Other featured content:
• 10 Burning Questions with Jason Williams
• Fire all 31 NFL coaches
• Makin' It Better: Angels' uniforms
Weekend Edition, Jan. 18-20, 2002
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