The Week Ahead
SI PICK OF THE WEEK
SATURDAY 9/17
Orange Crush
Welcome to the SEC, Urban Meyer! Florida's new coach gets his first conference challenge when the No. 6 Gators (2--0) host the defending SEC East champs, No. 5 Tennessee (1--0). Meyer's spread-option offense (SI, Aug. 15), which Utah rode to an undefeated season in 2004, will be put to the test. The Volunteers' D has eight returning starters, including defensive end Parys Haralson (above, right), who was fifth in the conference with seven sacks. Meyer can't even bank on a home field advantage: After losing seven straight at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Tennessee has won its last two visits to the Swamp. CBS 8 p.m
SUNDAY 9/18
New England at Carolina
Before Sunday this rematch of Super Bowl XXXVIII looked like it could be a preview of Super Bowl XL. Hampered by injuries, the Panthers limped home with a 7--9 record last year. Buoyed by the return of running back Stephen Davis, who missed most of last year with a knee injury, and the arrival of free-agent cornerback Ken Lucas (left) from Seattle, the Panthers had high hopes. But a Week 1 loss to New Orleans had an all-too familiar feel: defensive tackle Kris Jenkins tore his ACL and will miss the season. Getting back on track won't be easy: The champs will be well-rested after last Thursday's win over Oakland. CBS 1 p.m.
Nextel Cup Sylvania 300
Now that the field has been set for the Chase for the Cup (page 100), NASCAR returns to the one-mile New Hampshire International Speedway--which is good news for Tony Stewart and Kurt Busch. Stewart, the series leader, won on the track in July; Busch, the defending Nextel Cup champ, was runner-up to Stewart and swept the track's two races in 2004. TNT 1 p.m.
60 Minutes
When Mike Wallace met with Ricky Williams last fall, the recently retired Dolphins running back was unapologetic about his decision to walk away from his teammates. He also bet Wallace a meal that he wouldn't return to the game. Strap on the feed bag, Mike, because Williams is back. "I found a reason to apologize," Williams says in the new segment. "We are all different.... If someone sees things differently than I do, I still have to respect them. Therefore, if I hurt someone or if they felt what I did upset them, then out of respect for them, I owe them an apology." CBS 7 p.m.
TUESDAY 9/20
Indians at White Sox
There might be a race in the AL Central after all. Chicago's division lead, which stood at 15 games on Aug. 1, has shrunk to 5 1/2, thanks in part to the hot bat of Cleveland's Victor Martinez (left). The catcher has raised his average from .209 to .293 since June 16, and the Tribe (page 114) will have ample opportunity to make up more ground: Starting tonight the teams play each other six times over the season's final two weeks. 8 p.m., check listings
THURSDAY 9/22
Presidents Cup
The 12 top golfers in the U.S. (including Tiger Woods) take on an international team (led by Vijay Singh) in Prince William County, Va. Even with home turf advantage, U.S. captain Jack Nicklaus is wary of Gary Player's squad. "If there is to be a favorite ... I think that Gary and the international players would be it," said Nicklaus. (Through Sunday) TNT, check listings
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ELSA/GETTY IMAGES (HARALSON)
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STAN BADZ/PGA TOUR/WIREIMAGE.COM (PLAYER AND NICKLAUS)
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DAVID DUROCHIK/SPORTPICS (MARTINEZ)
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60 MINUTES/CBS NEWS (WALLACE AND WILLIAMS)
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TOM CAMMETT/WIREIMAGE.COM (LUCAS)