espn.com Ali Contest
We can't think of a hotter way to start the season than Britney Spears in this Thursday's kickoff celebration -- especially after her up-close-and-personal performance with Madonna last week. (Let's see Jon Gruden or Ricky Williams top that!) Page 2's Dan Shanoff has everything in (and out of) vogue in the NFL.
SHANOFF: HOT 'N NOT IN THE NFL




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Tuesday Morning Quarterback has issues. Lots of issues. With Canada. With the Redskins. With the way the Raiders played in the Super Bowl. So where do we go from here? Everywhere! Page 2's Gregg Easterbrook takes you through it all in his preview of the AFC and his look-ahead to the NFC.

NFL Preview '03 Sportoon
Page 2's Ralph Wiley says AFC teams will have to go through Ray Lewis if they harbor Super Bowl dreams. And this is the year of the speed receiver in the NFC, starting with Mr. Rogers in Detroit.
 Wondering what sort of devilish action to expect as the NFL season gets underway this weekend? Sportoon is, too. So Page 2's Kurt Snibbe sold his soul and spent a little time in NF-Hell to find out.

RULES FOR UNLEASHING RAGE
The rules change when the uniforms go on, as the Raiders' Marcus Williams learned from the business end of a Bill Romanowski punch last week. Alan Grant says the NFL is a different society.



Does East Coast Bias exist? YES ...

10]  "Nails"
Lenny Dykstra "wrote" this book two years into his mediocre big-league career. You think somebody in Seattle or Denver or Minneapolis wanted to read that book?
9]  Stan Musial vs. Ted Williams
While Williams' stature grew through the years, the image of Musial has faded … because he didn't play in Boston or New York
  • GET THE FULL LIST
... NO ...

10]  Sports movies
Take a look at popular sports movies: Seabiscuit (West Coast horse); The Rookie (pitcher from Texas); Blue Crush (surf girls from Hawaii).
9]  College football voting
Of the All-Time AP College Football Top 20, only three of the top 10 can be considered "East Coast," and those only marginally -- Alabama (really more South than East), Tennessee (ditto), and Penn State.
  • GET THE FULL LIST


VEGAS' ODDS TO WIN 2003 WORLD SERIES
Yankees 7-2   Phillies 10-1
Braves 5-1   Mariners 11-1
Red Sox 7-1   White Sox 15-1
Giants 7-1   Astros 16-1
Athletics 9-1   Cardinals 18-1
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.


BALLPARK TOUR
Cincinnati had high hopes for its new ballpark, but like Ken Griffey Jr., it's hurting in a few places.

REAL SEABISCUIT
Page 2's Jeff Merron compares Seabiscuit's real life to Seabiscuit's reel life.

EMBRACING ANNA
After seeing Ms. Kournikova in action off the court, here's the thought for the day: It's time to drop the Anna-mosity.

TUESDAY MORNING QB
TMQ's NFC preview kicks off with some big-name advice for the team in the nation's capital.

MEET THE 'MAKERS'
Page 2's Bill Simmons says ESPN's "Playmakers" is worth watching, but several flaws keep it from being a great show.
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


It's K.C. outfielder Raul Ibanez, left, and Tom Morello, guitarist for Audioslave (formerly of Rage Against the Machine). Page 2 has received 12 requests for this match. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo for Page 2.


US Open: Women's Quarterfinal
11 a.m. ET, USA
(1)Clijsters vs. (5)Mauresmo
 
WNBA Playoffs: Rockers at Shock
7 p.m. ET, ESPN2
It all comes down to Game 3.
 
Playmakers
9 p.m. ET, ESPN
See what everybody is talking about.
 
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If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Fri., Aug. 29: One Nation, Divided
• Thur., Aug. 28: College Lo-Down
• Wed., Aug. 27: Anna-tude Adjustment
• Tue., Aug. 26: Meet Your 'Makers'

Other featured content:
• Ultimate Scorecard: 101 best uniform numbers
• The most underrated athletes of all time
• The most overrated athletes of all time
• Page 2's Top 10 Pop Icons
Monday, Sept. 1, 2003
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