October 20, 2008 Table Of Contents
SI.com
SI Players: LIFE ON AND OFF THE FIELD
He's the latest little man to make it big. But don't call Dustin Pedroia scrappy
Two books reexamine football legends
He's my brother, the heavyweight champion
By Chris Mannix
What to watch and watch for
By Sarah Kwak
By Mark Beech
By Dan Patrick
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Answering Oklahoma's every challenge, quarterback Colt McCoy led Texas to a memorable shootout victory at the Cotton Bowl—and lifted the Longhorns to the top spot in the rankings
Considered to be a weak link, Oklahoma State's defense was the difference in a shocking upset of No. 3 Missouri
BASEBALL PLAYOFFS
Forget Red Sox--Yankees: With its backdrop of violence, fearless front offices and flair for October theater, Red Sox--Rays has all the hallmarks of baseball's next epic rivalry
By Lee Jenkins
It didn't come without bumps (and a near brawl), but the Phillies' postseason prowess has been shrewdly orchestrated
By Albert Chen
PRO FOOTBALL
Behind a punishing running game, a veteran defense and rookie quarterback Matt Ryan's poise and self-confidence, the Falcons have turned the page on their past and are rising again in the NFC South
By Jim Trotter
JAMAICAN SPRINTERS
After winning Jamaica's first Olympic gold medals in the 100 meters, sprinters Shelly-Ann Fraser and Usain Bolt returned to a party that is still jumping—from the slums of Kingston to the country roads in Trelawny
By S.L. Price
Inside
With a seasoned offense clicking on all cylinders, undefeated Ball State is ranked in the Top 25 for the first time
By Ben Reiter
Stewart Mandel's Three-Point Stance
The Dolphins have fooled many this season, but don't let yourself get hooked
By David Sabino
It's time to appreciate Reggie Bush for what he is—a constant scoring threat—rather than bash him for what he isn't
By Peter King
After costly gaffes in two straight postseasons, is Patrick Marleau the right man to captain the Sharks?
Pierre McGuire's In the Crease
While other drivers cried over bent metal from the race before, Jeff Burton calmly put himself in Cup contention
By Mark Beech