espn.com Ali Contest
Since joining Page 2 in April, Tuesday Morning Quarterback has been deluged by requests that he add a little beefcake to his weekly cheesecake. Well, our man has finally decided to give equal time, honoring both a female and a male NFL cheerleader this week. If you're shaken by this news, don't worry. There's still plenty of hard-core football talk. TMQ: BE OF GOOD CHEER




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Ed Reed learned you shouldn't celebrate your first NFL touchdown before you actually score it. Brett Favre learned he might be able to take December off. Bill Cowher learned Michael Vick is the real deal. And Steve Spurrier continued to learn the NFL ain't as easy as it looks. As he reveals all the Uncensored NFL Thoughts from Week 10, Page 2's Ralph Wiley says lesson time is nearly over, and the playoffs are rapidly approaching.

Reel Life Mystery Photo
Remember the ABC sitcom "Sports Night," which aired from 1998-2000 and revolved around a highlight show that looked a lot like "SportsCenter"? Well, as "Sports Night" is released on DVD, Page 2's Reel Life series compares the fictitious program with real life here in Bristol, Conn. -- with the help of Chris McKendry and other SC insiders.
 How did they ever squeeze Barry Bonds' ego into the same dugout as a 626-pound sumo wrestler? Don't ask us. We've got way too many punchlines running through our heads after seeing the five-time NL MVP sitting next to former sumo champ Konishiki. So, we're counting on you to help explain this week's Page 2 Mystery Photo.

SPORTOON
The Lakers and Shaq originally said the Big Fella was going to play tonight against Atlanta. Now, they say he might return next week. Page 2 cartoonist Kurt Snibbe is tired of getting the runaround, so he's going right to the source to find out what's up with the Big Aristotle. Check out his exclusive interview with Shaq's foot.


When the going gets tough, the tough get going. So this week, Page 2 has compiled 10 sports clichés that must be stopped. After checking out our choices, drop us a note with your pick for the cliché that must be retired. Later this week, we'll compile our readers' list along with a poll to crown the No. 1 cliché that must go.

10]  "You can't say enough about him"
Real meaning: "I've already said as much as I know about him, and repeated it many times over."
9]  "They've got great team chemistry"
No evidence whatsoever that, if such a thing exists, it makes much of a difference. td>
8]  "They have to come together as a team"
Usually uttered, sans real analysis, when a team isn't playing well for many different reasons.
  • GET THE FULL LIST


NFL FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Monday Broncos 6 Raiders 46
Sunday Falcons 3 Saints 51
Sunday Giants 3½ Redskins 37
Sunday Dolphins 4 Ravens 35½
Sunday Packers 7 Vikings 50
COLLEGE FB FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Saturday Ohio State 9½ Illinois NL
Saturday Iowa 10 Minnesota NL
Saturday Florida 15 South Carolina 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.


BASKETBALL DIARY
Everybody knows the Kings lost to the Lakers in the West finals last June ... everybody except the Kings, it seems, writes Charley Rosen.

HEY, RUBE
The Good Doctor always has an excuse when the spread doesn't go his way -- but this week's is really a good one.

THE WATER COOLER
Forget the objective play calling, Page 2's Brian Murphy wants some fanaticism and emotional issues in the broadcast booth.

'8 MILE' REVIEW
Page 2's Ralph Wiley says Eminem's new movie "8 Mile" is a knockout on par with "Rocky."

THE SPORTS GUY
Page 2's Bill Simmons has talked for years about the Unintentional Comedy Ratings. Now, he releases his official scale, from Nos. 65-100.
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


It's The Sports Guy's new boss, comedian Jimmy Kimmel, left, and free-agent third baseman Robin Ventura. Page 2 has received 31 requests for this match. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo.


Soccer: Inter Milan at Ajax
2:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2
Playing for first in Champions League group stage finale.
 
Harlem Globetrotters at Maryland
7 p.m. ET, ESPN2
Just when the Washington Generals could've had a home game
 
College football: Miami (Ohio) at Marshall
8 p.m. ET, ESPN
Battle for first in the Mid-American Conference East standings.
 
• Complete TV Listings


If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Mon., Nov. 11: Walking "8 Mile"
• Fri., Nov. 8: Lookin' For Love
• Thurs., Nov. 7: The Official UCR
• Wed., Nov. 6: Terrible Two

Other featured content:
• NFL Stud & Dud for Week 10
• What "turns on" top athletes?
• Hail to the Cheaters at UM
• Page 2 celebrates its 2nd birthday
• What the Heck Are They Thinking?
• Page 2 Goes to the Movies
Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2002
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