Week Ahead

What to watch and watch for

THURSDAY 10/25
No. 2 Boston College at No. 8 Virginia Tech
Hokies quarterback Sean Glennon (right), who was benched in favor of true freshman Tyrod Taylor early in the season, may have regained his job—at least for now. Taylor is questionable after spraining his ankle in last week's victory over Duke, meaning Glennon will likely be back under center. The last time he faced BC, it didn't go well: The Eagles intercepted him twice and sacked him five times in a 22--3 rout last year.
ESPN 7:30 p.m.

MLS Playoffs, D.C. United at Chicago
United begins its quest for a record fifth MLS Cup championship. The team has welcomed some new faces since its last title, in 2004—none more significant than Luciano Emilio. The Brazilian striker, who was acquired before the season from Honduran club Olimpia, led MLS with 20 goals.
ESPN2 8:30 p.m.

SATURDAY 10/27
Flyers at Bruins
The only thing more surprising than Philadelphia's division-leading 6--1 record is just how strong Tim Thomas (left) has been between the pipes for Boston this year. The 33-year-old, who has averaged about three goals allowed in his brief NHL career, is second in the league with a 1.26 GAA so far this season, and he ranks first in the NHL with a .962 save percentage.
Check listings 7 p.m.

SUNDAY 10/28
Steelers at Bengals
It's a must-see game for fans of outstanding defense: Pittsburgh is allowing a league-best 9.4 points per game. It's also a must-see game for fans of terrible defense: Cincinnati is yielding more than 31 points per game, the worst in the NFL.
CBS 1 p.m.

Skate America
Winning last year's competition jump-started a comeback that hasn't stopped for Japan's Miki Ando (left). The 2004 world junior champ, who was a disappointing 15th at the 2006 Olympics, followed up last year's Skate America win with a victory at the World Championships, in which she edged out countrymate Mai Asada and U.S. champ Kimmie Meissner for the gold. The three meet again in Reading, Pa., in a competition that will feature more than 60 figure skaters from a dozen countries.
NBC 4 p.m.

SI PICK OF THE WEEK

TUESDAY 10/30
Trail Blazers at Spurs
Looking to defend its title (again), San Antonio tips off the NBA season at home against Portland. Led by Tim Duncan and 2007 NBA Finals MVP Tony Parker (again), the NBA's most predictably good team may not be the flashiest or most exciting squad to watch, but come June, it's all but a lock to make a deep playoff run (again). The Trail Blazers' optimistic expectations for the season, meanwhile, more or less went down with No. 1 draft pick Greg Oden, who's likely out all year after having microfracture surgery on his right knee.
TNT 8 p.m.

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BOB ROSATO (DUNCAN AND PARKER)

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ISSEI KATO/REUTERS (ANDO)

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GARY A. VASQUEZ/US PRESSWIRE (THOMAS)

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BOB ROSATO (GLENNON)