December 29, 2008 Table Of Contents
SI.com
SI Players: LIFE ON AND OFF THE FIELD
Seemingly trivial incidents led to the lasting memories of 2008
Apocalypse Now: There were signs everywhere
Acts of compassion in a grueling race
By Chris Mannix
What smart fans should do this week
SI caught up with the Man at Macy's flagship store in New York City
As told to Sarah Kwak
By Dan Patrick
BCS PREVIEW
Is the Sooner Express Unstoppable?
Florida at least has to slow the point-a-minute Oklahoma offense and give its own high-powered attack a chance to run off with the BCS championship
With speedsters it likes to isolate in the middle of the field, Florida figures to give the Sooners all they can handle too
By Albert Chen
Big Ten pride, Big 12 defense and the mid-majors' image are all on the line as the busiest bowl season kicks into gear
By Mark Beech
THE YEAR IN SPORTS 2008
Josh Hamilton gave Yankee Stadium one final unforgettable display in the Home Run Derby
By Tom Verducci
Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh turned beach volleyball into brilliant Olympic TV
In the Celtics' stirring Finals comeback, a quartet of role players supplied the knife edge of victory
In just his third season, Turner Gill turned a longtime doormat into a bowl-bound conference champion
An altruistic act by eight high school runners in Washington reaffirmed the value of sportsmanship
By Phil Taylor
No, you really can't. From a point guard's fruit-related injury to a third baseman's wimpy delivery, it's been another sublime year for the ridiculous
By Kevin Kerr
By Mark Bechtel
Since being rescued 20 months ago from the dogfighting ring financed by Michael Vick, all but a few of the abused pit bulls have been recovering in sanctuary, foster care and adoptive homes. Now even the most traumatized of them can have a...
By Jim Gorant
Inside
Cast off by the Jets to make way for Brett Favre, Chad Pennington deserves the MVP for turning around Miami
By Jim Trotter
By Peter King
With teams' needs becoming obvious, here are five trades that should be made before the February deadline
By Ian Thomsen
Nashville's Shea Weber really rips 'em from the point. The league's newest elite defenseman is a hitter and a passer too
Pierre McGuire's In the Crease
The demotion of veteran floor leader Greg Paulus in favor of Nolan Smith has given Duke a much-needed spark
By Seth Davis
Point After
Getting Ahead by Staying in Place
By Phil Taylor