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 three goals as the New York Rangers beat Philadelphia 5-2 on Saturday for their seventh straight win over the Flyers.
Jeremy Lin hit a free throw with 4.9 seconds left to overcome a dreadful second half and lift the New York Knicks to their fifth straight victory, 100-98, over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday night.
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.
CFT: Jordan Jefferson makes it clear he wasn't happy with LSU's game plan in the Tigers' BCS Championship Game loss to Alabama.
Move over, Hollywood and NFL types, golf's two real A-listers take center stage Sunday at Pebble Beach, both in need of a win.
The United States swept favored Switzerland out of the Davis Cup on Saturday when Mardy Fish and Mike Bryan beat Roger Federer and Stanislas Wawrinka 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-3.
Luis Suarez's refusal to shake hands with Patrice Evra overshadowed Manchester United's 2-1 win over rival Liverpool that lifted the defending champions to first place in the Premier League on Saturday.
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.
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Tim Tebow, Colt McCoy and Sam Bradford owned the college football spotlight throughout their careers. But the quarterback trio, along with much-publicized Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen, heads to the NFL.
So we move into a new decade with new stars at the most important position on the field. A look at the top five quarterbacks heading into the 2010 season:
1. Ryan Mallett, Jr., Arkansas
Why him? In just one season, the Michigan transfer has blossomed under coach Bobby Petrino. In addition to recovering from a foot injury that will sideline him for at least three months, Mallett's accuracy and decision making still need to improve. But he's the most talented of the group left in college — and could've been the first quarterback picked in the April NFL draft had he left school.
Ole Miss coach Houston Nutt says: "He's a big-time talent. He can make all the throws and has that leadership quality you look for. When we saw him in high school, we knew he was going to be a special player. He has all the tools: a big, physical guy with a big arm."
2. Kellen Moore, Jr., Boise State
Why him? He's 26-1 in two seasons as a starter, and not only are the numbers (64 TDs, 13 interceptions) impressive, he's way ahead of the curve with intangibles. WAC coaches say his arm strength has improved significantly from his freshman season.
TCU coach Gary Patterson says: "I was just really impressed with his poise. My goodness, is he going to be a good one next year. He stands in there and makes throws and takes hits and pops right back up. You don't see that very often."
3. Jake Locker, Sr., Washington
Why him? A physical specimen, Locker still is raw in his mechanics and decision making. He may have the most upside of the group and will benefit from one more season under Washington coach/quarterback guru Steve Sarkisian.
Oregon coach Chip Kelly says: "I love Jake as a player. Just a tough kid with a ton of talent who plays with a lot of passion. You like to see guys who need one more year stay and continue to learn and reach their potential. I see him doing that, no doubt."
4. Case Keenum, Sr., Houston
Why him? He's not necessarily an elite NFL prospect, but he'll break numerous NCAA career records in 2010 with another big season. The goal next fall is twofold: improve his NFL stock and lead Houston to a BCS bowl.
Tulsa coach Todd Graham says: "You're going to work when you play against him, I'll tell you that. He can make so many different throws. What's really dangerous is he keeps plays alive and is accurate on the run. What's impressive is he gets better every season."
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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The Week in Sports Pictures The Giants on top of the football world, getting ready for the London Olympics and more. more photos |
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Jeremy Lin hit a free throw with 4.9 seconds left to overcome a dreadful second half and lift the New York Knicks to their fifth straight victory, 100-98, over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday night.
Doron Lamb hit a 3-pointer with 3:18 left to put No. 1 Kentucky ahead to stay, and the Wildcats took a big step toward a Southeastern Conference regular-season title by beating Vanderbilt 69-63 Saturday night for their 17th straight win.
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.
