November 2, 2009 Table Of Contents
LEADING OFF
Inside: THE WEEK IN SPORTS
Michael Crabtree finally got on the field, and he did well enough to bring hope to the 49ers' passing game
By Jim Trotter
By Peter King
Who's up, who's down
By David Sabino
Quick-striking winger Marian Gaborik has transformed the Rangers' offense. Now, if he can just stay healthy
PIERRE MCGUIRE'S In the Crease
The star-studded Galaxy is playing to its potential at playoff time, thanks to Bruce Arena's smooth touch
By Grant Wahl
With an eye toward the NFL, Ryan Perrilloux is trying to restore his reputation at remote Jacksonville State
By Mark Beech
PHILLIES VS. YANKEES
Baseball didn't get the Fall Classic matchup it wanted (Yankees-Dodgers). It got something better: two longball-digging lineups built around their red-hot sluggers, Ryan (Big Sexy) Howard and Alex Rodriguez
By Lee Jenkins
Alex Rodriguez lowered his profile and raised his game during a raucous October; now comes the last step in a transformative season
By Tom Verducci
By Joe Sheehan
PRO FOOTBALL
They'd already shown they could blow opponents out; now the Saints have proved they can win on grit and guts. That's why they're breaking free in the NFC
By Tim Layden
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Embarrassment in Boise and an injury-riddled secondary served only to motivate the no-name Oregon Ducks, who sit atop the Pac-10 as USC comes calling
Point After
Departments
NBA refs are going back on the job. What are they thinking?
Wanted: A conference that will adopt college hockey's Southern outpost
By Sarah Kwak
New inductee Lanny Wadkins had the "stuff" of greatness
By Kevin Cook
A venerated board game honors Negro league stars
What smart fans should do this week
The British actor and Lost star is in ABC's FlashForward
As told to Sarah Kwak
Edited by Elizabeth McGarr
By Dan Patrick
By Peter King