INBOX

FOR NOV. 23, 2015

Chris Ballard's story about the Caltech basketball program (Revenge of the Nerds) was one of the best I have read about the struggles of a school that emphasizes academics over athletics. It was also, by far, the funniest and most entertaining.

Chris Heinrichs, San Antonio

Watching that game between the Bills and the Jets, in their red and green single-color uniforms (SCORECARD), was like watching a moving Christmas tree.

David Pesapane, Westbrook, Conn.

As a high school freshman, I watched the 1964 Chinks(Pekin Choose) defeat Cobden High in a basketball game played at the University of Illinois, where the mascot at the time was Chief Illiniwek. Now I look back and wonder, "What were we thinking?" Thanks for making us remember.

Joe Petrilli, Dove Canyon, Calif.

"Threatens to vault rushing records"? "It's not hard to imagine all the records falling to one man"? Todd Gurley is a solid running back for the Rams (Gurley, Man). But before you anoint him the greatest of all time, let's see him complete a full NFL season first.

Keith Brennan

Arlington Heights, Ill.

COVER

A racing fan for many years, I have followed Jeff Gordon most ardently, and I'll surely miss number 24 next season. After a magnificent career, he deserved a better photograph for SI's cover.

Sharyn Budnetz

Forest Hills, N.Y.

PAGE 26

SCORECARD

Instead of Serena Williams, my pick for Sportsman of the Year would be Novak Djokovic. Not only did he have a better record in majors (27--1) than Serena (26--1), but he also won 11 titles to her five.

Philip Rehwinkel

Scotch Plains, N.J.

PAGE 78

POINT AFTER

Reading Steve Rushin's column on adults behaving like children, I was reminded of Notre Dame hockey games. When a puck goes into the stands, students chant, "Give it to a kid! Give it to a kid!" until the "adult" responds appropriately.

Larry Stewart

Notre Dame, Ind.

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JARED C. TILTON/GETTY IMAGES (COVER)

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DAMIAN STROHMEYER FOR SPORTS ILLUSTRATED (RUSHIN)

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ROBERT BECK FOR SPORTS ILLUSTRATED (GURLEY)

ILLUSTRATION

ILLUSTRATION BY DARROW (PEKIN SHIRT)

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ELSA/GETTY IMAGES (BILLS-JETS)

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