espn.com Ali Contest
In his signature black hightops, he was the ultimate field general -- the QB with the golden arm who always threw a perfect spiral and helped turn the NFL into America's most popular sport. But as dependable as he was on the football field, Johnny Unitas was just as solid off it. Page 2's Ralph Wiley reflects on the man in full.
WILEY: MR. QUARTERBACK




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Bill Buckner. Leon Lett. Jackie Smith. Phil Luckett. Fred Brown (the Hoya). Each name has become synonymous with one boneheaded move. You can now add the name Dwayne Rudd to the list. Page 2 columnist Jason Whitlock empathizes with the unfortunate souls who have been "awarded" sports' version of the scarlet letter.

What's Hot, What's Not Casting Call
We don't remember who said it first, but it has never been truer than today -- "What was once hot will be hot again." Page 2 trendmeister Dan Shanoff explains why everything Johnny U. -- from the flat top to the retro jersey -- tops our Hot List. Don't believe it? Well, then you've clearly forgotten Unitas' appearance on "The Simpsons."
Finally, "The Sopranos" are back. And Page 2 is celebrating by re-casting several key roles with personalities from the world of sports. (That's right ... for a change, we couldn't leave well enough alone.) Send in your nominations for sports figures to play Tony, Carmela, Dr. Melfi and the rest of the gang. Then tune in tomorrow to vote for your favorites.

CALIFORNIA DREAMIN'
As the only remaining pennant race tightens up in the AL West, Page 2's Eric Neel considers some of the intangibles that might decide this thing -- like the Angels' mysterious gift for getting hit by pitches, the ghost of Gene Autry, monkeys and elephants. That's right, monkeys and elephants.


You've already seen Page 2's choices for the 10 worst college football teams of all time, so now we've compiled our readers' picks of the worst teams in college football history. Check out the top 10, and vote in the poll to crown the worst of them all.
10]  Northwestern, 1988
"They had to work hard to be that bad for that long with the resources available."
9]  Oregon State, 1971-98
"The Beavs did not have one winning season during that time, they went through six head coaches and compiled an appalling 65-238-6 record."
8]  Duke, 1999-2001
"Not only did they rack up a slew of consecutive losses, they did it playing in a conference where they were assured several winnable games each year."
7]  Oberlin, 1994-present
"It's easy to field a winning team of 70, Oberlin at one point had a team of about 20."
  • GET THE FULL LIST


NFL FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
1 p.m. Sun. Colts 3 Dolphins 46½
1 p.m. Sun. Packers 2½ Saints 46
4:15 p.m. Sun. Rams 13 Giants 46
4:15 p.m. Sun. 49ers 3½ Broncos 44
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. Plus, if you'd like to send an e-mail to The Sports Guy, here's your direct link to Bill Simmons.


MOVING ON
Much has been made about sports' ability to help us deal with tragedy -- way too much, says Page 2's David Halberstam.

TUESDAY MORNING QB
Gregg Easterbrook runs down all the stupid moves from Week 1 in the NFL ... and saves a special spot for Dwayne Rudd.

FOR OPENERS
Who knows what strange thoughts lurk inside the heads of NFL gladiators? Page 2's Ralph Wiley thinks he does.

THE SPORTS GUY
Bill Simmons opens his e-mailbag and, as usual, some unusual stuff comes pouring out in his latest edition of "Yup, these are my readers."
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


It's Houston Comets forward Rebecca Lobo, left, and Leslie from MTVs "Sorority Life." This match was requested by Jake Keys of Greensboro, N.C. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo.


College football: Marshall at Virginia Tech
7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
Check out Heisman candidate Byron Leftwich of the Thundering Herd.
 
MLS: D.C. at New York
7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2
MetroStars need the points against East cellar dwellers.
 
Athletics at Angels
10 p.m. ET, MLB Extra Innings
Final game of four-game AL West showdown.
 
• Complete TV Listings


If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Wed., Sept. 11: Sports After 9/11
• Tues., Sept. 10: Dumb & Dumbest
• Mon., Sept. 9: N.Y. State of Mind
• Fri., Sept. 6: NFHell
• Thurs., Sept. 5: Bad Approach Shot

Other featured content:
• 10 Burning Questions with Drew Carey
• NFL Stud & Dud from Week 1
• Page 2 Goes to the Movies
• 10 Burning Questions with Marty Booker
• Our Top 20 Sports Movies
• Sportoon: The devil and NFL
• Manilow meets Kournikova
• 10 Burning Questions with Steve McNair
• Makin' It Better: Serena's new outfit
Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2002
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