espn.com Ali Contest
Athletes? They're either too bland ... or too darn outspoken. Coaches? They're either cheating to win ... or losing too many games. Social issues? Players are either too passive, like Tiger Woods ... or too darn mouthy, like Charles Barkley. It seems nothing makes sports fans happy anymore. And Jim Caple is trying to figure out what's goin' on. CAPLE: HARD TO PLEASE




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Yeah, Michael Vick is the greatest thing since sliced bread. But unless you're paying close attention to the parity-dise known as the AFC, where every team except the Ben-Gals might end up 8-8 and even the Ray Lewis-less Ravens could still make the playoffs, Page 2's Jason Whitlock says you're missing some of the 10 best stories in the NFL.

Sportoon Bob Halloran
Because there are only two unbeaten teams left in college football, many observers are suffering from the delusion that the BCS actually seems to be working. Nothing, says Page 2 cartoonist Kurt Snibbe, could be further from the truth, and he offers a musical salute to prove his point.
What do Peyton Manning's demonstrative audibles and Marge Simpson's breast implants have in common? Well, they're both very confusing for Page 2's Bob Halloran. As he compiles the latest list of things he doesn't know, Halloran hopes you've got the answers.

MAKIN' IT BETTER
On any given Sunday, it might be difficult to recognize your NFL team. The Jags might be in black, the Panthers in teal and the Broncos and Browns in hunter orange. Page 2's Makin' It Better examines all the NFL's alternate jerseys and asks you to pick the best one.


We always love to second-guess, so this week's list is the 10 worst coaching decisions of all time. Check out our list, then vote in the poll to crown the top coaching blunder of them all.
10]  Bird-brained
With the Pacers and Lakers tied near the end of regulation in Game 4 of the 2000 NBA Finals, Indiana coach Larry Bird calls on Travis Best over Reggie Miller as the go-to guy.
9]  Dennis Green sits on it
The Vikings and Falcons are tied at 27 in the NFC championship game on Jan. 17, 1999. Vikings ball, 30 seconds on the clock, third-and-three on their own 30-yard line. Minnesota still has two timeouts remaining, but Green decides to run out the clock.
8]  Switzer's decision
On a frigid December Sunday in 1995 at Veterans Stadium, Dallas has the ball on its own 29 with 2 minutes remaining. Fourth and a foot. Head coach Barry Switzer goes for a first down, and Philly's defense stops Emmitt Smith cold.
  • GET THE FULL LIST


NFL FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Sunday Patriots 4½ Bills 44½
Sunday Chiefs 3 Rams 46½
Sunday Buccaneers 3½ Falcons 39
Sunday Titans 2 Colts 43½
COLLEGE FB FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Thursday Fresno State 1½ La. Tech NL
Saturday Navy 3 Army 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.


THE SPORTS GUY
Just because he's living the SoCal life, doesn't mean Page 2's Bill Simmons isn't still rambling.

BASKETBALL DIARY
What do coaches say at halftime and during timeouts? In Part 2 of his series on the Hidden NBA, Charley Rosen sheds some light on the secret rituals of pro basketball.

THE HOT LIST
What do the Tom Glavine and Jay Z have in common? Both are on the sizzling side side of our Hot List.

TUESDAY MORNING QB
TMQ was a little confused by the NFL's throwback week, so he transported his column back to 1930.

GAME TIME
From offense to defense to the mental game, Page 2's Ralph Wiley tries to identify the best all-around baller in the NBA.

HEY, RUBE
After a dismal week of NFL wagers, The Good Doctor looks to clear his head while preparing for the Honolulu Marathon.
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


It's Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey, left, and actor Zachary Ty Bryan of "Home Improvement." Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo.


College football: Cincinnati at East Carolina
7 p.m. ET, ESPN2
Bearcats' win will clinch second in Conference USA.
 
Mighty Ducks at Blackhawks
8:30 p.m. ET, NHL Center Ice
Theo Fleury expected to make his Blackhawks debut.
 
Mavericks at Lakers
10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
Dallas tries to kick L.A. while it's down.
 
• Complete TV Listings


If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Thurs., Dec. 5: Walk of Fame
• Wed., Dec. 4: Think Vick
• Tues., Dec. 3: Bedtime for TMQ
• Mon., Dec. 2: How Lo Can You Go?

Other featured content:
• Page 2's Photo Gallery of the Weird
• Sportoon: Dear Santa ...
• How to improve NFL video games
• What the Heck Are They Thinking?
• Bizarre & Bogus
Weekend Edition, Dec. 6-8, 2002
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