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

SI TWITTER

Jim Trotter

@SI_JimTrotter

The only good thing about the hit RG3 took? It might help him realize the importance of throwing away the football. #saveyourbody

Andy Staples

@Andy_Staples

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