January 09, 2006 | Volume 104, Issue 1

More than you know, your experience with this magazine is shaped by someone you seldom meet in these pages: Time Inc.'s editor-in-chief. His assignment: guiding 154 magazines read by 173 million...

Man Among Men

WHEN 79-YEAR-OLD Joe Paterno and 76-year-old Bobby Bowden faced each other in the Orange Bowl, not even the retirement capital of America--South Florida--could seduce the two most retirement-shy...

No, it may not have quite the same ring to it, but a playoff system by any name would add thrills and drama to the bloated bowl season

While his former teammates celebrated, Maurice Clarett faced felony charges

Accused Of sexual harassment by two athletes, U.S. Olympic skeleton coach Tim Nardiello. Last month Felicia Canfield (above) alleged that Nardiello (inset) touched her inappropriately, attempted...

Packers fan, born in 1902, attends first game; doesn't care that they're in a rebuilding phase

5 Interceptions this season by the Raiders, the fewest ever by an NFL team in a nonstrike year.

After seven NFL coaches get sacked, Chiefs assistant Al Saunders becomes a wanted man

Even as he grieves for his son, coach Tony Dungy is teaching the Colts about life and football

The actor plays Don Haskins, who coached Texas Western to the 1966 NCAA title, in Glory Road, which opens on Jan. 13

ABC's first season of Dancing with the Stars memorably featured a boxer (Evander Holyfield) who floated like an iron butterfly. But the poor showing by the ex-champ hasn't stopped the show from...

Consider the puck. Canada's goaltender Justin Pogge did just that in a 3-2 win over the U.S. at the World Junior Championships in Vancouver on Dec. 31. Pogge has a way of considering the puck...

Russia's Olympic hockey coach has recommended drinking at least three shots of vodka to relieve postgame stress.

GREG OSTERTAG,

What to watch and watch for

Taylor Mays SEATTLE > Football

WITH MORE than a third of the season gone, many NBA coaches are shuffling their lineups. Here are a few players who should benefit from their new roles as starters.

BUCCANEERS QUARTERBACK

WHO'S HOT

What is your alltime favorite football movie?

Ask your favorite QB: The pain in games stays plainly on the brain

In perhaps the most stunning bowl performance ever, Texas quarterback Vince Young put the Longhorns on his back and carried them to the title, beating USC in the final seconds to end the Trojans'...

For more on the Rose Bowl and the rest of the college postseason, go to SI.com/collegefootball.

Playmakers Troy Smith and Ted Ginn Jr. led Ohio State over Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl, sending an early message that the Buckeyes could be primed for a return to the desert next January

The Bowden-Paterno Bowl turned into a survival contest

Here are the highs (and lows) from a college postseason that was dominated by offenses and filled with fantastic finishes, along with a sneak peek at who will rise and who will fall in 2006

1. TEXAS If Vince Young stays true to his word and returns for his senior year, the Longhorns should be back in the title game.

A speedy and spirited defense led by All-Pro linebacker Brian Urlacher has upstart Chicago believing in itself--and its Super Bowl chances

Complete NFL playoff coverage, at SI.com/nfl.

Dr. Z's All-Pro team features a veteran who finally gets his due and many new faces who've just begun to make their marks

Denver's revitalized defense gives Mike Shanahan his best playoff shot since number 7 hung 'em up

Ohio State is off to its best start in 15 years and boasts the nation's hottest coach in charismatic Thad Matta. And this is all sweet prelude to next season, when a dazzling recruiting class arrives

Swift, strong and hard-hitting, Washington Capitals left wing Alexander Ovechkin--the NHL's other top rookie--has the tools to carry a team the way none of his countrymen ever has

The Bowl Shebang

One high school football team, five suicides in three years. Can we learn anything?

For more on this story and information on suicide prevention, go to SI.com/teens.

The NBA The short list of teams that can prevent a Finals rematch between San Antonio and Detroit • Does Stephon Marbury deserve all the blame for the Knicks' horrendous start?

While a title clash between San Antonio and Detroit seems inevitable, at least a few teams are keeping their eyes on the prize

Skilled beyond their years, fearless freshmen are boosting many top teams-none more than Memphis

At Caltech, the most eggheaded college in America, they love numbers the way moles love dirt, so here goes:

[The following text appears on the cover.] NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP PLUS: COMPLETE BOWL WRAP-UP NFL PLAYOFFS BEWARE THE BEARS Linebacker Brian Urlacher on the Hunt Dr.Z's ALL-PRO TEAM SUPERMAN...