espn.com Ali Contest
He has been screamed at by his QB. He has allegedly terrified a traffic cop. He has spent a night in jail. It has been a strange week for Randy Moss -- and it's only Wednesday. Page 2's Ralph Wiley tries to figure out what Moss is thinking ... and what everyone else in the NFL is thinking about Minnesota's talented enigma.
WILEY: UNCENSORED NFL THOUGHTS

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According to a pretty good source (former baseball commissioner Fay Vincent), George W. Bush's dream job was the one Bud Selig now holds, not president of the United States. Page 2's Jim Caple imagines how baseball -- and world history -- might have been different if Dubya's dream of becoming baseball commissioner had become reality.

Critical Mass Mystery Photo
Why is Peyton Manning teaching pottery to children? What turned Jake Plummer into a zoo tour guide? Why are kids calling Charles Woodson a weakling? The answers lie in the United Way's series of commercials featuring NFL stars. Page 2's Eric Neel examines the philosophy behind these ads in this week's Critical Mass column.
 One guy leads one of the worst franchises in the NFL, while the other fellow works with characters like Howie Long and Alf. Who knows what Lions president Matt Millen and Fox's Terry Bradshaw are laughing about in this week's Page 2 Mystery Photo. Take a look and send us your best explanation for what's being said.

CALIFORNIA BASEBALL DIARY
As the pennant races wind down out west, Page 2 baseball diarist Eric Neel ponders a couple of mysteries -- like where all the Dodgers fans went, whether the Angels will ever win again and what makes Barry Bonds so good.


After listing the 10 best offenses in NFL history last week, we now get defensive. Check out our list of the top 10 NFL defenses of all-time, and then click here to offer your choice for the top defense. We'll run our readers' top 10 later this week.
10]  1975 Los Angeles Rams
Fred Dryer. Jack Youngblood. Merlin Olson. Get the idea? They weren't the "Fearsome Foursome," but they were almost impossible to score against.
9]  1963 Chicago Bears
Bears defensive coach George Allen came up with a new zone defense against the pass that befuddled opponents and led to a whopping 36 interceptions.
8]  1973 Miami Dolphins
The "No-Name" Defense held 11 opponents to 14 points or less, setting a record by allowing just 150 points in a 14-game season.
7]  1969 Kansas City Chiefs
Hank Stram's "Triple Stack" defense, which gave the linebackers lots of room to roam, was superb, holding five opponents to fewer than 10 points and giving up an average of less than two touchdowns a game.
  • GET THE FULL LIST


NFL FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Sunday Dolphins 3 Chiefs 44½
Sunday Bills 3 Bears 44
Sunday Packers 7½ Panthers 43
Sunday Patriots 3 Chargers 42
COLLEGE FB FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Saturday USC 3½ Oregon State 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. Plus, if you'd like to send an e-mail to The Sports Guy, here's your direct link to Bill Simmons.


TUESDAY MORNING QB
TMQ exposes conspiracies involving the NFL, the Miss America pageant and the highest offices of the U.S. government.

HERE'S THE DEAL
Dan Shanoff analyzes the second episode of "Beg, Borrow & Deal," including each contestant's contributions.

HEY, RUBE
The Good Doctor returns from his hiatus to update us on his latest gambling exploits and offer his prediction for the Super Bowl.

THE WATER COOLER
Page 2's Brian Murphy ponders sicko fans, sick 49ers and the sick state of the Pac Bell faithful at the Water Cooler.
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


It's the Golden Bear and the Ball Coach. Page 2 has received 27 requests for this match of legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus, left, and Redskins coach Steve Spurrier. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo.


Red Sox at White Sox
2 p.m. ET, WGN
Check out the Sox before they're cleaned up in offseason.
 
College football: Florida State at Louisville
7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
Unbeaten No. 4 Seminoles visit 2-2 Cardinals.
 
MLS: Fire at Revolution
7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2
Game 1 of first-to-five-points quarterfinals.
 
• Complete TV Listings


If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Tues., Sept. 24: The 0 Files
• Mon., Sept. 23: Sick Puppies
• Fri., Sept. 20: Singin' in Brain
• Thurs., Sept. 19: Paid in Full
• Wed., Sept. 18: Pregame Shows

Other featured content:
• What the Heck Are They Thinking?
• 10 Burning Questions with Mark Mulder
• NFL Stud & Dud for Week 3
• Reel Life: "The Natural"
• "The Sopranos" Casting Call
• Page 2's Fall TV preview
• 10 Burning Questions with Drew Carey
• Page 2 Goes to the Movies
• Our Top 20 Sports Movies
Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2002
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