Week Ahead
THURSDAY 9/27
Presidents Cup
The FedEx Cup has been awarded (to Tiger Woods), but golf season isn't over yet. The U.S. takes on the world in this biennial showdown, held this year at Royal Montreal. Woods and Phil Mickelson will lead the U.S., which won the Presidents Cup in 2005 and is 4-1-1 in the series. The international team consists of players from six countries, but the crowd favorite will be Canada's own Mike Weir (left). TNT Thursday 1 p.m.; Friday noon; NBC Saturday 8 a.m.; Sunday noon
Padres at Brewers
It's a season-ending series that could help decide three National League playoff berths. At week's end Milwaukee was 3 1/2 games out of first place in the NL Central, while San Diego trailed by three games in the NL West and led the Phillies by a half game in the wild-card race. As important as these four games will be, the players will be watching the scoreboard as well. Says Brewers third baseman and NL Rookie of the Year front-runner Ryan Braun, "It's impossible not to." Check listings 7 p.m.
SUNDAY 9/30
SportScience
Ever wonder how much force is delivered in a Joey Porter tackle? Or ponder the physics of Michael Jordan's dunks? In this new series, all your nerdy questions will be answered. Host John Brenkus will follow pro athletes into the laboratory as they gain a better understanding of their bodies and their sports. Among the athletes in the premiere episode are former 49ers great Jerry Rice and Bengals wideout Chad Johnson.
FSN 9 p.m.
Broncos at Colts
After winning its first two games by a combined four points—thank you, kicker Jason Elam (right)—Denver lost 23--14 to the Jaguars last week to fall to 2--1. To start another winning streak, the Broncos will have to buck a recent trend: They've lost five of their last seven against Indianapolis, including AFC wild-card playoff games in 2003 and 2004.
CBS 4 p.m.
TUESDAY 10/2
On Shelves: NBA Live 08
The NBA video game returns with something added for the upcoming Olympics: a hypothetical version of Team USA, which will set its roster next summer. Don't look for the Live 08 cover boy, the Wizards' Gilbert Arenas, in virtual red, white and blue, though. A knee injury last season took him out of the running for the team.
SI PICK OF THE WEEK
SUNDAY 9/30
Women's FIFA World Cup Final
Last Saturday the U.S. cruised past England 3--0 (page 64) to reach this Thursday's semifinal, against Brazil in Hangzhou, China. The Cup's final four featured three former champs—the U.S., plus Norway and Germany, who were to meet in the other semi on Wednesday—but the Americans were heavy favorites to collect the trophy when the event wraps in Shanghai. One reason: goalkeeper Hope Solo (above), who has seven shutouts this year and allowed only two goals total in the team's first four Cup matches. Two U.S. wins this week will extend its international unbeaten streak to 53 matches.
ESPN2 7:55 a.m.
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J. ROGASH/GETTY IMAGES (WEIR)
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LIU JIN/AFP/GETTY IMAGES (SOLO)
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EA SPORTS (GAME)
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JACK DEMPSEY/AP (ELAM)