January 9, 2012 Table Of Contents
LEADING OFF
Inside: THE WEEK IN SPORTS
Youth, depth and continuity offer the greatest advantage in the condensed schedule
By Ian Thomsen
By Mark Bechtel
BYU fans haven't forgotten a certain high-scoring point guard, but his replacement, UCLA transfer Matt Carlino, is making it easier
By Dan Greene
By Seth Davis
The New Year and the Winter Classic have passed, marking the season's midpoint. Here are SI's picks for the top NHL trophies thus far
PIERRE McGUIRE'S IN THE CREASE
NFL PLAYOFF PREVIEW
By Peter King
By Ben Reiter
By Ben Reiter
By Damon Hack
By Jim Trotter
By Jim Trotter
By Damon Hack
By Damon Hack
By Jim Trotter
By Peter King
By Damon Hack
By Jim Trotter
By Damon Hack
BCS CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW
SI asked three SEC assistant coaches to break down the first LSU-Alabama game and analyze how the rematch will play out. Their conclusions? Another low-scoring affair, with a surprise ending
FROM LSU COACH LES MILES'S RECORD IN GAMES DECIDED BY SEVEN POINTS OR FEWER TO HOW MANY THREE-AND-OUTS ALABAMA'S DEFENSE HAS FORCED THIS SEASON, HERE's EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE BCS CHAMPIONSHIP TEAMS
COMPILED BY Gene Menez
TOM BRADY
Before he became the premier postseason performer of his generation, the Patriots icon was a middling college quarterback who invited skepticism, even scorn, from fans and his coaches. That was all—and that was everything
POINT AFTER
By Phil Taylor
Departments
The turmoil and hope embroiling an entire region are reflected at the Arab Games
A new training tool has athletes sporting specs to reach their peak performance
By Tim Newcomb
The NBA unveils a Christmas classic
By Matt Gagne
Edited by Alexandra Fenwick
After losing a leg, a high school quarterback continues to inspire
By Dan Patrick