
What smart fans should do this week
a WATCHThe Greatest Game Ever PlayedPerhaps you've heard: This is the 50th anniversary of the Colts' epic win over the Giants in the 1958 NFL title game. This Saturday, ESPN honors the occasion with a sharp two-hour documentary featuring previously unseen footage of the Game and colorized versions of familiar clips. To top it off, '58 players as well as recent Colts and Giants comment.
a SEEThe WrestlerIf the Rays can make the World Series, anything is possible, even Mickey Rourke's performance as a washed-up pro wrestler generating Oscar buzz. The film, which won top honors at the Venice International Film Festival, opens in a limited release on Dec. 17 and also stars Marisa Tomei and Evan Rachel Wood. Steroid use, poverty, family strife?what more could you want in a holiday-season film?
a WATCHThe Division II championshipIt's a barren weekend on the big-time schedule, but there will be college Football drama in Florence, Ala., this Saturday. Will Northwest Missouri State become the Buffalo Bills of D-II? The Bearcats, who have never won a national title, will make their fourth straight appearance in the final, against Minnesota-Duluth. Their joy or sorrow can be seen live on ESPN2 at 1 p.m.
a CHECK OUTThe shot of the yearSearch "Scott Morton" on YouTube, and set aside a few minutes?you'll rewind often on one of the best college hoops finishes ever. On Dec. 2 SUNY-Geneseo trailed SUNY-Oswego 82--80, but Geneseo's Morton hit a three with 10 seconds left. Oswego retook the lead on a layup, but Morton rushed down the court and won the game with a no-look, over-the-head heave at the buzzer. It's impressive.
a ROOTFor the LionsSince the NFL went to a 16-game schedule in 1978, four teams have started 0--13. The 2007 Dolphins, 1986 Colts and '80 Saints all managed to win one of their final three games?which means the 2008 Lions could be the first 0--16 team. Detroit isn't likely to beat the Colts on Sunday. Indy has won six in a row; Peyton Manning has 12 TD passes and just three INTs during the streak.
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