Inside: The Week In Sports

The NFL
The Raiders are juggling priorities in their handling of rookie QB JaMarcus Russell • Laurence Maroney emerges just in time for January • Dr. Z's Forecast: The Giants tumble

The NBA
If the Wizards keep winning without Gilbert Arenas, could his days in D.C. be numbered? • Executive: Jason Williams and Sam Cassell are the biggest names on the trading block

High School Football
Players are rethinking their verbal commitments • The top 10 recruits who have yet to decide on a college • Central Catholic (Pittsburgh) wins its second state title in four years

The NHL
One of two Blackhawks rookies should win the Calder Trophy—but which will be better in the long run? • Scott Niedermayer's return to Anaheim • Sidney Crosby works a night shift

College Basketball
Who needs Kevin Durant? Texas is off to its best start in 26 years without last season's lone star • The SEC is a five-bid league at best • Southern Illinois: a mid-major disappointment

NOSE ENCOUNTER Texas' Alexis Wangmene elbowed aside Texas State's Dylan Moseley to grab a rebound last Saturday at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin.

The fourth-ranked Longhorns (10--0) led by only two points at the half but pulled away to win 96--81.

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Photograph by Greg Nelson

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