Silva: Each NFL team enters the offseason with a series of pressing needs. Sometimes a team can address them all, sometimes they ignore them all. But if a team's smart, they'll listen to us. These are the most crucial aspects for NFC teams.
SportsTalk: Albert Pujols signs with the Angels and Prince Fielder joins the Tigers. Which team is better now?
Ryan Callahan scored for the fifth time in four days and defenseman Ryan McDonagh snapped a second-period tie to lift the New York Rangers to a 3-2 victory over the Washington Capitals on Sunday.
Kobe Bryant hit a baseline jump shot with 4.2 seconds left and the Los Angeles Lakers wrapped up a six-game road trip by holding on to beat the Raptors 94-92 on Sunday, their eighth victory in nine meetings with Toronto
Arc's five up, five down: After No. 11 Michigan State's 58-48 upset of No. 3 Ohio State, you'd be a fool to discount the Spartans' national title chances now.
Miami coach Al Golden says the worst is behind him, but his headaches figure to continue now that former booster Nevin Shapiro, now in jail, says his involvement with the Hurricanes program will result in stiff penalties.
Eleven shots separated Phil and Tiger Sunday at Pebble Beach as Lefty secured his 40th Tour win. Jason Sobel had hole-by-hole reports.
The United States completed a 5-0 rout of Switzerland in the Davis Cup on Sunday, with 19-year-old Ryan Harrison and John Isner winning closing singles matches.
Zambia has won the African Cup of Nations, beating pre-tournament favorite Ivory Coast 8-7 on penalties in a dramatic final at Stade de l'Amitie.
Tessa Worley of France fought off gusting winds to win a second consecutive World Cup giant slalom Sunday in the Andorran Pyrenees. Overall leader Lindsey Vonn was more than a second behind and finished eighth.
Robins: It’s the Year of the Dragon on the Lunar calendar, and this Chinese influence could extend to it also being the year of the Pekingese on the green carpet at the 136th Westminster Dog Show on Tuesday.
AP6. The Fourth Saturday in October
I know it defies all logic. I know Alabama should simply waltz into Neyland Stadium and dispatch downtrodden, desperate Tennessee.
But I just ain't buyin' it.
And you know why? The quarterback.
Tennessee finally has a quarterback who, more than anything, realizes the importance of ball security. Nick Stephens has some moxie, has a little fire that has energized this Tennessee team.
Then there's the Terrence Cody factor. No newcomer has had as much an impact on his team as Cody, whose presence in the middle of the Alabama defense has drastically changed this team. And now he's out with a knee injury.
Tennessee can run, and the Vols will protect the ball. And much as they have all season, the Vols will play well defensively. Here's your upset of the weekend, everyone.
7. My kingdom for points
Look, I'm not saying it's going to be ugly, but if Florida State and Virginia Tech combine for more than three offensive touchdowns, it'll be minor miracle.
Two terrific defenses, two very average offenses. At least, at this point in the season.
The 'Noles are close, people. Really close. If Christian Ponder can stop sailing throws, if Bert Reed can stop skipping classes, if the offensive line can continue to gain more confidence, if Greg Carr can become more than an jump-ball receiver, Florida State is going to be 10-1 or 9-2 when Florida rolls into Tallahassee at the end of next month.
And what could be a better going away present for Papa Bowden than beating the Gators and eliminating them from the national title picture?
8. Flexbone fun
Remember when everyone said Paul Johnson would have to change his funky Flexbone offense to succeed at the Big Boy level?
Think about this: If the Jackets don't have three turnovers in a 20-17 loss at Virginia Tech, they're unbeaten and part of the national title talk. Granted, a small part — but part, nonetheless.
Is there any doubt who wins coach of the year honors this fall?
9. Bad timing
Wouldn't you know it, just when it looked as though Arizona had enough players to catch USC napping, the Trojans go through their annual sleepwalk a month too soon.
If USC were unbeaten, this game in Tucson screams upset. Since we all know the Trojans already lollygagged around in Corvallis and lost, the Cats have zero chance this weekend.
Why would they?
Because Arizona has played USC as well or better than any team in the Pac-10 the last three years.
Because Willie Tuitama and the Arizona passing game will be the first real test for a USC secondary that hasn't played a team that can pressure its secondary.
Because Arizona has the most balance on offense — and most athletic skill players — USC has seen this season (remember, Chris Wells was injured in the Ohio State game, and Pryor shared time).
Because USC won 20-13 last year in Los Angeles with backup quarterback Mark Sanchez leading the offense.
10. One more shot
So you remember the happy Vandy story, right? You know, here comes mighty Vanderbilt, all undefeated and stuff. Playing in the big, bad SEC and primed to win the rough and tumble East Division.
A funny thing happened along the way to nirvana: Vandy became Vandy. And if the Commodores can't win at home this week against improving Duke, they won't win again — and hopes for a first bowl appearance since 1982 are gone.
Just a friendly update from your friends at reality central.
Miami coach Al Golden says the worst is behind him, but his headaches figure to continue now that former booster Nevin Shapiro, now in jail, says his involvement with the Hurricanes program will result in stiff penalties.
CFT: Jordan Jefferson makes it clear he wasn't happy with LSU's game plan in the Tigers' BCS Championship Game loss to Alabama.
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 Memphis fulfills BCS dream Tigers officials thrilled to announce that school has been accepted to join the Big East Conference in 2013. |
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Zambia has won the African Cup of Nations, beating pre-tournament favorite Ivory Coast 8-7 on penalties in a dramatic final at Stade de l'Amitie.
Wesseling: Each NFL team enters the offseason with a series of pressing needs. Sometimes a team can address them all, sometimes they ignore them all. But if a team's smart, they'll listen to us. These are the most crucial aspects for AFC teams.
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