espn.com Ali Contest
Page 2's Stacey Pressman joins the 49ers' Kevan Barlow as he searches for hope and redemption among murderers like the man who took the life of his own uncle. And as she listens to Barlow's lessons, Stacey discovers that California's most hardened criminals aren't the only ones who can learn from them.
PRESSMAN: FOOTBALL AND CHAIN




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Now that the vote for the PGA Tour Player of the Year is no longer the sure thing it once was, Page 2's Brian Murphy says Tiger Woods will have to rely on his popularity among his peers to retain his title. Is it too late for Tiger to start throwing keggers and giving out free private-jet rides? The answer is yes.

Course Overload Reel Life/Real Life
So Maurice Clarett is about to flag one of Ohio State's "weeder" courses (Phys. Ed. 101). Page 2's Graham Hays says it's time for the nation's institutions of higher learning to lighten up on their student-athletes.
 How factual are the depictions of British-Indian life and women's soccer in "Bend It Like Beckham," now out on DVD? Jeff Merron puts the Reel Life of the film up against the Real Life of the game in England.

THE DAILY QUICKIE
The Daily Quickie says Roy Jones Jr.'s narrow victory over Antonio Tarver paves the way for a shot at Iron Mike . . . and a $40 million payday. Plus, NFL's Week 10 Hot/Not, and de facto BCS playoffs.


A bad record around midseason doesn't always mean your team is out of the NFL playoff picture. Here are 10 teams which turned it around and made the postseason.
10]  1995 Chargers
A year after reaching the Super Bowl, the Chargers were 4-7 and in last place. But they won their final five and squeezed into the wild-card spot with a 9-7 record.
9]  1970 Bengals
The third-year expansion franchise surprised the Raiders in its opener, but then lost six straight. After a 43-14 trouncing of the Bills got the team going, the Bengals finished 8-6 to win the AFC Central.
8]  1961 Oilers
A 1-3-1 start looked bad, but the Oilers won their final nine (scoring 45 or more points five times) to finish 10-3-1. They then beat the Chargers in the AFL title game.
  • GET THE FULL LIST


NFL FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Sunday Panthers 6½ Redskins
Sunday Vikings 4½ Raiders
Sunday Patriots 4 Cowboys
Sunday Titans 6½ Jaguars
NCAA FOOTBALL FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Saturday Ohio State 3½ Purdue NL
Saturday Texas 16 Texas Tech NL
Saturday Florida St. 14½ N.C. State NL
Saturday Miami 20½ Syracuse NL
Saturday Michigan 19 Northwestern NL


 
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.



DEEP THOUGHTS
Page 2's Ralph Wiley goes inside the minds of NFL stars as Week 10 approaches.

THE SPORTS GUY
At the halfway point, the weekly picks and the NFL season aren't any easier to the Sports Guy.

GIPP OFF OL' BLOCK
On the 75th anniversary of "Win One for the Gipper," Page 2's Jim Caple updates the speech for the 21st century.

TAILGATE TOUR
Our college football continues by hanging out in Block O at Ohio State.

TALE OF THE TAPE
On Page 2's third birthday, Page 2's Nick Bakay compares our beloved section with the venerable New York Times.

THE REAL RADIO
Page 2's Jeff Merron compares Radio's real life to Radio's reel life.
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


It's U-Miami's big-mouth TE Kellen Winslow, left, and actor Vin Diesel. This match was requested by 51 Page 2 readers. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo.


NFL Primetime
4 p.m. ET, ESPN
Recap Sunday's action, talk MNF.
 
Monday Night Countdown
7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
Wait for the game with us.
 
Monday Night Football
9 p.m. ET, ABC
Eagles at Packers.
 
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If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Fri., Nov. 7: Coach 'Neon'
• Thur., Nov. 6: Happy Birthday to Us!
• Wed., Nov. 5: First Blood
• Tue., Nov. 4: Our Damn Yankees

Other featured content:
• Re-building the Yankees
• What the Heck Were They Thinking?
• All-Time World Series Rankings
• 100 Greatest Home Runs of All Time
• Ballpark Tour: Final rankings
• Ultimate Scorecard: 101 best uniform numbers
• The most underrated athletes of all time
• The most overrated athletes of all time
Monday, Nov. 10, 2003
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