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Leading Off

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PHOTOGRAPH BY ZACH BOLINGER ICON SMI

Luck: Better. Next Time ... ? Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning had the sexier stats in his first trip to Indianapolis since he was replaced a year ago by Andrew Luck, but the view from above suggests that the new guy got the best of their inaugural matchup. Manning's second-quarter fumble and subsequent safety led to a run of 23 straight points by Indy, and his fourth-quarter interception helped the Colts build a two-possession cushion in their 39--33 victory. Manning's not entirely to blame for Denver's first loss: He was sacked four times, more than in any game since 2007.

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PHOTOGRAPH BY PATRICK GREEN CSM/LANDOV

Johnny Crash No. 7 Texas A&M was leading 31-24 early in the fourth quarter last Saturday when Auburn defensive end LaDarius Owens (10) and defensive back Ryan White (19) leveled QB Johnny Manziel, sidelining him temporarily with a right shoulder injury. Without their Heisman-winning leader the Aggies went three-and-out, while the Tigers went TD--TD. By the time Manziel returned with 9:09 remaining, A&M was on its way to a 45--41 loss, one of five last week by AP Top 10 teams. Auburn raised its record to 6--1 and its ranking from No. 24 to 11.

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PHOTOGRAPH BY KYLE RIVAS CSM/LANDOV

Jim Class For reporters the enduring image of Jim Leyland will be not in the dugout but in his office, in repose: holding court after a game, his stockinged feet propped up on his desk, a flaming Marlboro Red in his hand, explaining his vision of baseball and, as often, life, generously adding the qualifier, "Now, that's just what I think." Leyland, 68, stepped down on Monday after 22 seasons as the manager of the Pirates, the Marlins, the Rockies and, since 2006, the Tigers, for whom he will continue working in an as-yet-undetermined role. His tangible successes should not be overlooked: the three Manager of the Year awards, the six division titles, the two AL pennants, the championship with the Marlins in 1997. But Leyland's departure has its symbolic importance, too: It represents the end of the era in which managers were salty, old school, often mustachioed and almost entirely intuitive. His successors—the Cardinals' Mike Matheny, the Red Sox' John Farrell, the Yankees' Joe Girardi—are buttoned-up students of statistics with forearms that suggest they spend as much time in the weight room (and are as devoted to healthy living) as their players. It's difficult to imagine Leyland ever drinking anything green. "When it's time, it's time," Leyland said on Monday, "and it's time."