Week Ahead
SATURDAY 9/9
Chevy Rock &Roll 400
Kasey Kahne has one more week to claw his way into the Chase for the NextelCup. His win at California last week (above)--his series-best fifth victory ofthe year--pulled him within striking distance of Tony Stewart, Mark Martin andJeff Burton, who hold the final three spots in the Chase. Kahne will need astrong finish at Richmond International Raceway, where he finished 34th inMay's Crown Royal 400.
TNT 7 p.m.
No. 18 Clemson atBoston College
The Tigers, who hammered Florida Atlantic 54--6 last Saturday, are hoping toavoid yet another postopener swoon. In 2004 Clemson won its first game, thenlost the next four. Last year it won its opener, then dropped three offour--including a 16--13 OT loss to the Eagles. That was the first game startedby BC QB Matt Ryan (below), who proceeded to lead the Eagles on a four-gamewinning streak.
ABC 3:30 p.m.
SUNDAY 9/10
Padres atGiants
San Diego picked up another body (and a big one at that) last week at thewaiver deadline, getting hefty lefty David Wells from the Red Sox. Boomer willenter a tight wild-card race. The Padres have a one-game lead on the Phillies,with San Francisco 2 1/2 games back.
ESPN 8 p.m.
Colts atGiants
All eyes will be on the arms of quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning (page 72).But if their first head-to-head matchup is a tight one, it could be decided bythe leg of Adam Vinatieri. After getting bounced from the playoffs last year ona missed last-minute field goal against the Steelers, Indianapolis went out andsigned free agent Vinatieri, who's got two Super Bowl--winning kicks on hisrésumé.
NBC 8:15 p.m.
SI PICK OF THE WEEK
MONDAY 9/11
StrikingPoses
The women'sbowling pro tour, the PWBA, folded in 2003 because it couldn't attract enoughsponsorship dollars. So what does a sport do to get noticed? Makeovers, baby!The 16 bowlers in the USBC Women's Challenge--led by 2006 U.S. Amateur champDiandra Asbaty (above)--were picked for their ability to pick up stares as wellas spares. The five-part series features a tournament in Las Vegas on one lane.When they're not on the lanes, bowlers will meet with stylists and receive newhairdos, makeup and, yes, manicures. Those bowling balls can be hell onnails.
ESPN2 9:30 p.m.
TUESDAY 9/12
Women's FIBAWorld Championship, USA vs. China
The U.S. women hope to show that anything boys can do, girls can do better. TheAmerican men picked up a bronze at the men's championship in Japan; the womenhave their sights set on a second consecutive gold. Scoring won't be a problem,not with Diana Taurasi (left) around. The Phoenix Mercury guard set asingle-season WNBA scoring mark this year (25.3 per game). The first game forthe U.S. in Brazil will come against China, which is led by Chen Nan.
Fox Sports Net midnight
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STEVE SPATAFORE (ASBATY)
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KENT SMITH/NBAE/GETTY IMAGES (TAURASI)
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SEAN MEYERS/ICON SMI (RYAN)
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MATT SAYLES/AP (KAHNE)
ILLUSTRATION