Inside: The Week In Sports

College Basketball

Duke is overrated, and other impressions from the first month of the season • Under Tom Penders, Houston stages a revival • An NBA scout on Temple's Mardy Collins

The NHL

Better days are ahead for Joe Thornton following his trade to the Sharks • A Quebec politician suggests the province should field its own team • Marc Savard is a hidden gem

The NBA

Behind MVP candidate Elton Brand, the Clippers are the hottest show in L.A. • Will young center Joel Przybilla stay with the Blazers? • The new and improved Steve Francis

Boxing

Jermain Taylor defends his middleweight crown in an anticipated rematch with longtime champ Bernard Hopkins • Mosley-Vargas bout lined up for February

College Football

With another dazzling performance, Reggie Bush seals his place among USC's great backs • West Virginia is the nation's best unknown team • Kansas State finds its Prince

The NFL

Osi Umenyiora has turned the Giants' defense into one of the league's best • The Chiefs roll out a new weapon in Larry Johnson • Dr. Z says the Colts will stay perfect

Baseball

The Blue Jays gave $47 million to B.J. Ryan, the Mets $43 million to Billy Wagner. Will either team regret its decision? • Baseball Prospectus: The value of six relievers

Olympic Sports

A new face, 21-year-old Ted Ligety, has emerged to join U.S. veterans Bode Miller and Daron Rahlves on the slopes • Lindsey Kildow repeats World Cup victory

PHOTO

Photograph by Simon Bruty

MILLER'S CROSSING Despite a sore left knee, Bode Miller navigated the giant slalom course to win the World Cup event last Saturday in Beaver Creek, Colo.