August 17, 2009 Table Of Contents
LEADING OFF
Inside: THE WEEK IN SPORTS
The Red Sox have been knocked around by winning teams since late June; now it's time to make a coldhearted call
By Joe Sheehan
With two consecutive wins before 2009's final major, Tiger Woods is making his comeback season special
With four races left to make the Chase, the fiercely competitive Kyle Busch needs to focus on points, not wins
By Mark Beech
As Team USA opens its Olympic training camp, is throwback Mike Modano still the man to lead?
By Sarah Kwak
PIERRE McGUIRE's In the Crease
Injuries and departures have taken their toll on a contender. Can Houston come up with a formula for success?
By Chris Mannix
For new Jets coach Rex Ryan, nothing builds team unity like a good old-fashioned training camp brawl
By Peter King
By Jim Trotter
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW
Three resurgent programs—Oregon, Oklahoma State and Ole Miss—have what it takes to jump to BCS spoiler and national title contender
What If? 5 story lines to watch
By Albert Chen
The team to beat is so hungry to repeat that it refuses to be outworked
By Andy Staples
Sack artist Sergio Kindle and the Horns have some unfinished business
By Phil Taylor
A new crew of blockers has to quickly get in sync for OU to have another shot at a title
By Phil Taylor
Even with an untested quarterback, the Trojans shouldn't miss a beat
With a ramped-up ground game, the offense may finally hold up its end
By Mark Beech
Can the Rebels live up to the hype of 2008's big wins over Florida and Texas Tech?
By Andy Staples
The Cowboys' defense doesn't have to be great—it just has to get better
By Phil Taylor
A green offensive line will be put to the test even before the season starts
By Andy Staples
A little Moore goes a long way for the Broncos in their bid for a BCS berth
By Gene Menez
High turnover in the lineup isn't unusual, nor does it faze the perennial Big Ten power
By Mark Beech
The Ducks' fortunes are in the hands of four new starters on the offensive line
The Jackets get behind their bruising ballcarrier for a run at ACC supremacy
Once an SEC rival, the new coordinator shakes up an impassive defense
By Andy Staples
With top playmakers gone, the QB and the linebackers are the show
By Mark Beech
Replace the QB who was the first pick in the draft? No problem. Joe Cox is ready
Loaded on offense, the Seminoles see an end to their three-year ACC title drought
The Frogs are primed to finish on top in the annual Mountain West slugfest
By Gene Menez
Defensive pride drives the Beavers' run at their first Rose Bowl bid in 44 years
A BCS repeat? First the Utes have to pick a quarterback to run their spread attack
By Gene Menez
It's time to turn the close losses into big wins and step onto the national stage
By Mark Beech
By Mark Beech
By Phil Taylor
By Andy Staples
Compiled By Stewart Mandel
Point After
By Phil Taylor
Departments
Why have Woods and Federer become pals? Why wouldn't they?
By S.L. Price
A garrulous NHL star with style and substance says goodbye
After a 22-year run, the Arena Football League shuts down
By Joe Lemire
What smart fans should do this week
The Entourage star is in The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard, in theaters Friday
As told to Sarah Kwak
By Dan Patrick
SI's lead baseball writer goes inside the game. This is just a taste of what you'll get online.
By Tom Verducci