espn.com Ali Contest
When it comes to our great American games -- whether you're talking teams or individuals, viewing pleasure or fan sophistication -- California has it all over the other 49 states ... put together. So says Jim Caple in his first postcard from San Diego, and it's hard to argue with the man's voluminous body of evidence.
CAPLE ON THE COAST

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From a safe spot on the West Coast, Page 2 Coolermeister Brian Murphy says goodbye to the hobo of the NFL, the last great concrete bowl of the '60s, the only stadium ever to have its own judge and criminal justice system, that repository of gloom and roiling anger -- the "grimy ... dingy ... dank ... musty" Vet.

Me-shawn Johnson Sportoon
While the other 52 Bucs were celebrating the biggest win in the history of the franchise, self-centered Me-Shawn Johnson was only thinking -- as usual -- about cheesy ways to get himself some free pub, says Page 2's Jason Whitlock.
In case you slept through Sunday, Page 2's Kurt Snibbe has a recap of championship weekend: The Eagles had their bags packed, but forgot about the other three quarters, while the Raiders took a page from soccer fans across the pond.

THE DAILY QUICKIE
Super Bowl XXXVII. The return of Chucky to Cali. What's next in Philly? The Daily Quickie wraps up a weekend of hits and misses on the road to the Super Bowl. Also checking in are Bill Walsh, Rasheed Wallace and a frightening Laura Flynn Boyle.


As the Bucs and Raiders dream about starring on the NFL's biggest stage, Page 2 reflects on the 10 greatest performances in Super Bowl history. Check out our list and vote for the best ever.

10]  Raiders LB Rod Martin (Super Bowl XV)
Martin set the tone quickly in the Raiders' 27-10 victory over the Eagles by picking off Ron Jaworski's first pass to set up Oakland's first touchdown. He finished with a Super Bowl-record three interceptions.
9]  Rams QB Kurt Warner (Super Bowl XXXIV)
Warner followed up his regular-season MVP performance with the kind of day that would make even the staunchest atheist ask some questions. Warner's 414 yards passing set a Super Bowl record, and it was entirely necessary, as the Rams just barely squeezed past the Titans 23-16.
8]  Redskins RB John Riggins (Super Bowl XVII)
Plowing behind The Hogs, Riggins ripped through the Dolphins defense (the best in the NFL during the 1982 season) for 166 yards on 38 carries as the Redskins won their first Super Bowl and their first NFL title in 40 years with a 27-17 victory over Miami.
7]  49ers QB Joe Montana (Super Bowl XXIV)
Picking apart the Denver secondary with ease, Montana completed 22 of 29 passes for 297 yards and five TDs to win his third Super Bowl MVP award.
  • GET THE FULL LIST


NFL FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Super Bowl XXXVII Raiders 3½ Bucs 43½
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.


HEY, RUBE
With war looming, the Good Doctor says we should enjoy this year's Super Bowl, the last peacetime Big Game we may see for awhile.

BASKETBALL DIARY
Page 2's Charley Rosen finally breaks down Yao's game. Hey, over one million NBA fans can't be wrong.

THE SPORTS GUY
Greetings from Hollywood, where Page 2's Bill Simmons takes you behind the scenes of his new ABC talk show.

SINCERELY, BUD SELIG
Page 2's Jim Caple shares an email from his pal Bud Selig, exclusively with Page 2 readers.

FROM ANOTHER PLANET
Some suggest the citizens of the Black Hole aren't from Oakland, but another planet. Page 2's Ralph Wiley knows them well.
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


This happy Buccaneer and "Angry American" have a lot in common. It's Tampa Bay running back Mike Astott, left and country singer Toby Keith. This match was suggested by Mark Ridgely in Houston. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo for Page 2.


Men's Hoops: Ohio State at Indiana
7 p.m. ET, ESPN
In case you haven't seen Hoosier frosh Bracey Wright, yet.
 
Men's Hoops: Alabama at Mississippi
9 p.m. ET, ESPN
Ole Miss rolling, Tide still struggling.
 
Aussie Open Quarterfinals
10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2
Fire up the bar-b, this is getting good.
 
• Complete TV Listings


If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Fri., Jan. 17: Meet the Daddy
• Thurs., Jan. 16: MJ vs. MJ
• Wed., Jan. 15: Bad Hair Daze
• Tues., Jan. 14: Excuse Me!

Other featured content:
• The Bad Sports Hair Hall of Shame
• 10 Burning Questions with Shannon Elizabeth
• Uncover Anna's tattoo mystery
• 10 Burning Questions with The Bachelorette
• Ranking sports cities for '02
Monday, January 20, 2003
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