January 26, 2009 Table Of Contents
SI.com
SI Players: LIFE ON AND OFF THE FIELD
Deconstructing the comedy stylings of master pitchman Peyton Manning
By Bill Scheft
Making good on a political wager isn't easy
A young filmmaker shadows Shaun White
By Mark Bechtel
By Joe Lemire
What smart fans should do this week
The New York City native stars in Paul Blart: Mall Cop, which opened last Friday
As told to Arash Markazi
By Dan Patrick
NFL CONFERENCE FINALS
Behind the phenomenal Larry Fitzgerald and the ageless Kurt Warner, the Arizona Cardinals (!!!) are NFC champions. Next up for the NFL's new juggernaut: a Super Bowl XLIII date with the Pittsburgh Steelers—the model on which these Cardinals were built
By Damon Hack
Unknown when he took over, Mike Tomlin proved a perfect fit in Pittsburgh—and now the Steelers are one win from a record sixth Super Bowl title
By Peter King
Believe it—Arizona's football fantasy will culminate in a Super Bowl championship
By Jim Trotter
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Oklahoma forward Blake Griffin is a skilled mimic and practical joker off the court, but on it the sophomore double-double machine does a pretty good player-of-the-year impersonation
PRO BASKETBALL
Coming of Age (Or Not) In the NBA
Three years ago they turned the college season into their personal stage as they waged a dizzying game of can-you-top-this? These days former lottery picks J.J. Redick and Adam Morrison are battling just to get on the floor
NHL MIDSEASON REPORT
Two Strong [Boston: 33-8-4 / San Jose: 33-6-5]
Three years after a trade that led to the remaking of both teams, the Bruins and the Sharks are winning like never before. The two best lines in hockey have plenty to do with that
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
As USC has shown, signing the top local and in-state talent is the foundation for a college powerhouse
By Andy Staples
JUMBOTRONS
THE GIANT VIDEO SCREEN, THAT ELECTRIC MIRROR OF OUR SPORTS CULTURE, HAS TRANSFORMED THE WAY WE WATCH GAMES—AND EVEN THE WAY THEY'RE PLAYED
Inside
With a boy-wonder coach and a cast of underrated overachievers, these Bulldog pups are carrying on a tradition
By Bill Trocchi
By Seth Davis
Having already proved himself as a shooting guard, O.J. Mayo is lobbying for a change of positions in Memphis
By Chris Mannix
Point After
By Phil Taylor