espn.com Ali Contest
We expect NFL refs to run with speedy receivers, police the trenches and catch every infraction on the field. Unless, of course, it's the final minute of an important game -- then we want the officials to swallow their flags and "let the boys decide it." TMQ says that's simply ridiculous -- and, yes, he means, you, Bill Cowher.
TUESDAY MORNING QB: FLAG DAY




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As the NFL season winds down to a precious few games, Page 2's readers are sad, because that also means Ralph Wiley's Uncensored NFL Thought Balloons are soon to go into winter hibernation. But, luckily, that's then, and this is now ... so grab your last brainload of Falcons, Jets, Steelers and 49ers innermost musings while you still can.

The Daily Quickie Our Top 10
LeBron James hasn't graduated from high school yet, but the kid has learned one thing already: Get yours before it's too late. As the Daily Quickie takes a ride in LeBron's Hummer, we advise Willis McGahee and Marvin Lewis to follow LeBron's lead. As for Anna Kournikova, she denies she's got hers ... tattoo, we mean.
 Bob Knight has on his "game face" and is carrying a bullwhip. Jim Mora doesn't know "diddly-poo." And Mike Tyson is headed to "Bolivian." All these fine gentlemen make Page 2's list of the Top 10 press conferences performers -- but none of them is No. 1. Find out who earned our top "honor."

HOW MUCH DOES MJ HAVE LEFT?
As he prepares for his 40th birthday next month, how much does Michael Jordan have left in the tank? Page 2's Charley Rosen put No. 23 under his microscope and offers a scouting report on the 2003 edition of the game's greatest player.


With the NFL postseason in full swing, Page 2 got to thinking about all the upsets and underdogs of football playoffs past. Check out our list of the 10 greatest upsets in NFL playoff history and vote in the poll to pick the biggest shocker ever.

10]  Vikings burn 49ers in 1987 NFC divisional game
The Vikings receiver Anthony Carter caught 10 passes for 227 yards on a wet Candlestick Park field as wild-card Minnesota shocked San Francisco 36-24.
9]  Denver beats Green Bay in XXXII thriller
The Packers, with uber-MVP Brett Favre at the helm, seemed a lock for a second straight Super Bowl title. But John Elway, who QBed Denver to three Super Bowl defeats, drove the Broncos to a game-winning TD with 1:45 left, and finally got to hug the Vince.
8]  Jags beat Broncos in '96 divisional
In only their second NFL season, the Jags upset the Bills and then the top-seeded Broncos, both by scores of 30-27, both on enemy turf -- to advance to the AFC Championship Game.
7]  Seahawks stun Dolphins in '83 divisional
The 12-4 Dolphins, the '82 AFC champs, seemed a lock, especially playing in front of a home crowd at the Orange Bowl with star rookie QB Dan Marino at the controls. This mattered not to Seattle, who had snuck into the playoffs for the first time in their eight-year history, as a wild-card team.
  • GET THE FULL LIST


NFL FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Sunday Eagles 3½ Bucs 34
Sunday Raiders 7½ Titans 47
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 WATER COOLER
With the final four set in the NFL playoffs Page 2's Brian Murphy has one thing to say: "Ain't that America!"

HEY, RUBE
Forget last week's reconciliation with the 49ers! The Good Doctor says good riddance to the Niners and embraces their Bay Area rivals.

REALITY JOES
Is "Joe Millionaire" an ironic scam or reality TV at its best? The show's premise inspired Page 2's Dan Shanoff to cook up show ideas for the sports world.

THE SPORTS GUY
Page 2's Bill Simmons knows there is a great void in the sports world with the passing of Will McDonough.

SPORTS ALMANAC
After some exhaustive research, Page 2's Jim Caple has finally compiled the Old Farmer's Sports Alamanc for 2003.

BASKETBALL DIARY
Charley Rosen goes to the mailbag with the same passion as Kobe Bryant going to the hole.
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


It's Miami tailback Willis McGahee, left, who might be soon turning pro, and rapper Lil Wayne. Page 2 has received 14 requests for this match. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo for Page 2.


Men's hoops: Michigan State at Purdue
7 p.m. ET, ESPN
Boilermakers want a big, Big Ten win.
 
Men's hoops: Pittsburgh at West Virginia
7 p.m. ET, ESPN2
Mountaineers haven't lost at home.
 
Men's hoops: Kentucky at Vanderbilt
9 p.m. ET, ESPN
Vandy tries to knock off two SEC giants in one week.
 
• Complete TV Listings


If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Mon., Jan. 13: We The People ...
• Fri., Jan. 10: Skin Deep
• Thurs., Jan. 9: Dating Yourself
• Wed., Jan. 8: Say It Ain't So

Other featured content:
• Uncover Anna's tattoo mystery
• Sportoon: NFL playoff recap
• 10 Burning Questions with The Bachelorette
• Ranking sports cities for '02
• "Win a Date with Anna" winners
Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2003
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