November 7, 2011 Table Of Contents
LEADING OFF
EDITOR'S LETTER
Inside: THE WEEK IN SPORTS
Fourth down at the 38? No problem. Try a field goal. These days it'll probably be good
By Jim Trotter
Beware the Titans and their dilemma at running back, but three other intriguing playmakers are showing signs of heating up as the season approaches the midway point
By David Sabino
The business of a one-versus-two showdown is rich with possibilities, as the Game of the Year between the Tigers and the Tide reveals
During its meteoric rise, MMA has been called many things, but next week it becomes something new: prime time
By Joe Sheehan
If Yani Tseng keeps winning like this, she will eclipse all the LPGA greats
By Mick Rouse
By Jim Gorant
The Plumlees are the latest—but not the only—basketball players who have shared the floor together for a D-I program
By Seth Davis
Jimmie Johnson's record run of Cup titles may finally be coming to an end, but the future is bright for NASCAR's best driver
SPECIAL REPORT
The mission of our universities is to educate, but college sports is big business, and no one wants young athletes exploited.
From college dining halls to professional clubhouses, a new food consciousness is revolutionizing sports. It's not just about gaining or losing weight. It's about performance targets, wellness and recovery. Eating to win has become a lot more complicated—and athletes are healthier for it
Eliminating this protein has given many athletes a substantial energy boost
NFL MIDSEASON REPORT
Aaron Rodgers is the story of the fall, performing at a record-setting pace for a Packers team that looks even more formidable than it did in its Super Bowl season. But it takes two to complete a pass, and from Lambeau Field back to his high school in Northern California, Rodgers has had an uncanny connection with his receivers
By Tim Layden
PETER KING'S MIDSEASON ALL-PRO TEAM
Offense has ruled through the first half of 2011, but there have been commanding performances on defense as well
By Peter King
BANG! POW! POP! WHAM! TOUCHDOWN! AN EXPLOSION OF OFFENSE ACROSS THE LEAGUE
The passing numbers are way, way up. Is it the lockout? The weather? Or something more deep-rooted and lasting? SI assembled a think tank of experts—coaches, players, analysts—to probe for answers
By Peter King
10 QUESTIONS FOR THE SECOND HALF
A wild—and weird—eight weeks have left plenty of issues still to be settled
By Jim Trotter
Some new teams look to sneak into the playoffs, but come February the faces will be awfully familiar
By Damon Hack
WORLD SERIES
Beginning on the final night of the regular season, a sport unleashed upon its fans a surreal, unbroken, monthlong run of drama made all the sweeter because we never saw it—or the champion that would be crowned—coming
By Tom Verducci
Thanks to David Freese, the Cardinals have a new October hero—and a world championship that has local flavor
By Albert Chen
Enough celebrating, now it's decision time. Albert Pujols will get his millions, but his market is not limitless
By Joe Sheehan
BOXING
THE EVOLUTION OF MANNY PACQUIAO
As he prepares to face another fierce—and familiar—foe, the world's best fighter is still getting better. But marvel at him while you can, for the Manny who would be king has his eye on realms far beyond the ring
By Chris Mannix
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
LSU's grass-eating, trick-play-calling, word-mangling coach will have everyone in Bryant-Denny Stadium guessing as he leads his top-ranked Tigers against No. 2 Alabama in Saturday's megamatchup
Three keys—and three points—will determine the survivor of the showdown between LSU and Alabama
Here are the teams and the themes to follow this weekend
PRO HOCKEY
HARD TIMES IN THE ENDANGERED ZONE
The deaths of three enforcers within four months renewed the debate over fighting, but being a one-trick goon no longer punches your ticket to the NHL
FOOTBALL HISTORY
FOR FIVE DECADES WILLIAMS COLLEGE KEPT THE NUMBER 50 JERSEY PACKED AWAY IN A BOX, UNOFFICIALLY RETIRING IT EVEN THOUGH THE SCHOOL DID NOT RETIRE NUMBERS. NO ONE REMEMBERED WHO HAD LAST WORN IT OR WHY IT WAS NOT GIVEN OUT. UNTIL LAST YEAR
By Tim Layden
POINT AFTER
By Phil Taylor
Departments
The NBA lockout has given a lift to college basketball programs
A new deal brings F1 to New Jersey and gives the world's top racing circuit a prime U.S. presence
By Bryan Armen Graham
Some Toronto fans aren't happy with the American look of Canada's Team
Edited by Alexandra Fenwick
By Dan Patrick
