October 10, 2011 Table Of Contents
LEADING OFF
Inside: THE WEEK IN SPORTS
For one day, the relentlessly pass-happy NFL was dominated by backs
By Jim Trotter
By Peter King
With four weeks gone by, role players and rookies are beginning to emerge, although not all of them have fantasy staying power
By David Sabino
Behind Case Keenum, the Cougars have a chance to run the table and—just maybe—crash the BCS. Only their defense stands in the way
In danger of becoming an also-ran, Jimmie Johnson ended his recent skid and put himself in the driver's seat for a sixth straight Cup title
REBORN LIONS
Three years ago they suffered through a winless season. Now, behind an offense that loves the comeback and a defense with a warrior at its core, the unbeaten Lions are restoring the roar
By Damon Hack
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
As Florida now painfully knows, Alabama has the best defense in the nation. It's also one of the best ever
Here are the teams and themes to keep an eye on in Week 6
By Gene Menez
MLB DIVISION SERIES
The stage for the 2011 postseason was set long before Opening Day. Go back to '09, when three teams shuffled seven players in a trade that—unlike the playoffs—sent everyone home happy
By Tom Verducci
BRANDON JENNINGS
Soooo where is everybody hooping today???? #LA
The lockout is forcing NBA players to organize their own games, which suits Brandon Jennings just fine
By Lee Jenkins
NHL PREVIEW
Nine months after losing its most important star to a concussion, the NHL, led by a proactive new dean of discipline who is well acquainted with head injuries, has rededicated itself to the protection of its players
By Sarah Kwak
By Sarah Kwak
By Sarah Kwak
POINT AFTER
Departments
Inspired by a young hero, DeSean Jackson takes on bullying
A historic collapse led to a quick parting of the Red Sox and longtime manager Terry Francona
By Ben Reiter
At 40, Taj McWilliams-Franklin has led the Lynx to their first WNBA finals
... and tweets, texts and calls. For some, the action at the game is not on the field
By Dan Patrick
Edited by Alexandra Fenwick