Sports Illustrated DIGITAL
PETER KING'S MONDAY MORNING QUARTERBACK
The Truth About Drew Brees: Sure, he broke Johnny Unitas's 52-year-old record by throwing a touchdown pass in his 48th straight game, but unfortunately that headline had to be shared with the odd atmosphere in the Superdome. Brees feels inextricably tied to Saints coach Sean Payton and general manager Mickey Loomis because in 2006, when the Dolphins were skeptical about signing Brees after he had major surgery on his right shoulder, Payton and Loomis stuck their necks out and signed him to a six-year, $60 million contract. That's why Brees e-mailed Roger Goodell eight days ago, asking for papal dispensation so that Payton and Loomis and the also-suspended Joe Vitt could attend this game.... Read more of King's MMQB atSI.com
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SI DIGITAL BONUS
Without A Doubt
From the SI Vault: Jan. 10, 2005
After a thundering Orange Bowl victory, a young USC team had back-to-back national titles, 22 straight wins and the makings of a dynasty
BY AUSTIN MURPHY
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Jim Trotter
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The only good thing about the hit RG3 took? It might help him realize the importance of throwing away the football. #saveyourbody
Andy Staples
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Dear ACC, we'd like to thank you for your participation in the 2012 chase for the national title. Better luck next year.
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SI COMMENTARY
Stewart Mandel On ...
South Carolina
The Gamecocks are now Alabama's lone SEC threat. South Carolina put on a clinic against No. 5 Georgia, so you can throw out the Chicken Curse. As I wrote following the Gamecocks' 35--7 rout, Steve Spurrier's boys have all the pieces to be national title contenders. "If we play like this," Spurrier said, "we may have a chance for a real big year. Maybe."
Read more of Mandel's College Football Overtime atSI.com
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY TREVOR LAZARUS; ROBERT BECK (BREES)
PHOTO
MEL LEVINE (MANDEL)
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DAMIAN STROHMEYER (USC)
THREE PHOTOS