ACC-Big Ten Challenge 2010

Filed under: Boston College, Clemson, Duke, Georgia Tech, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, NC State, Northwestern, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Florida State

The 2010 ACC-Big Ten Challenge kicked off Monday night with Virginia's win against Minnesota, but that was only the tip of the iceberg. The Challenge continues Tuesday, Nov. 30 and Wednesday, Dec. 1 with 10 more contests.

Can the Big Ten repeat their 2009 victory? It was the conference's first in 11 tries against the ACC.

Either way, FanHouse will have full coverage of the 2010 ACC-Big Ten Challenge, so keep it right here.

Source: http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2010/11/30/acc-big-ten-challenge-2010/

Derek Jeter Kyle Busch Dario Franchitti Ron Hornaday Tony Schumacher

Tom Brady's War on Baldness Should Commence Immediately

Filed under: 49ers, Patriots, NFL Quarterbacks

More than 50 Facebook groups are allied against Tom Brady's hair. Even Justin Bieber mocked the haircut Brady 'do.

Virtually every man who isn't attempting to join an emo rock band has watched Tom Brady flick back his hair like Phoebe Cates climbing out of the pool in "Fast Times at Ridgemont High," and doubled over with laughter. Did anyone else find it impossible to keep a straight face when a fired-up Brady went after his linemen on the sideline, hair whipping around his face like a fan was turned on him during the shooting of a romantic comedy?

How did they keep straight faces? Instead of flipping out when he was asked why he was laughing on the sideline Monday night, Derek Anderson should have just said, "We were laughing at Tom Brady's hair."

Everyone would have understood. Even people with soul patches think Tom Brady's hair looks ridiculous. So, it comes as no surprise that the true culprit of Brady's long hair has finally filtered out, he's balding.

Balding!
The Other Side

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The thing about the current mop-top is it's naturalness. If God gave you hair, let it flow. If his grand plan includes male-pattern baldness, let that flow too...
-- David Whitley on why Tom Brady should not turn to hair transplants
And, of course, Brady's supermodel girlfriend is unhappy with this. Men across America can rejoice. Gisele Bundchen married a three-time Super Bowl quarterback who has been called the sexiest man alive and she's not content with his physical appearance. What's worse, Brady is so insecure about his balding pate that he's listening to her. So she's sent him to hair-specialist doctors to examine his baldness. In the meantime, Brady has gone Justin Bieber on us to try and deal with the shame of his diminishing hair. Somewhere, Tony Kornheiser is considering hair extensions. And weeping. The bald brotherhood could have had an addition.

Source: http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2010/11/30/tom-bradys-war-on-baldness-should-commence-immediately/

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Pat Burns' Widow's Car Broken Into After Funeral

Filed under: Devils, NHL Police Blotter, NHL Coaching

MONTREAL (AP) -- Someone broke into the car of Pat Burns' widow (pictured with Pat Burns) within hours of his funeral, Montreal police said Tuesday.

Police said the thieves would have known whose belongings they were stealing when they ransacked Line Burns' car, taking about 30 autographed hockey sweaters from Burns' personal collection.

"They went through his stuff," said Constable Anie Lemieux of the Montreal police, noting Burns' wallet was in the car.

"The person who left with the shirts and everything knows that this is Pat Burns' stuff."

Burns, who coached the New Jersey Devils to the 2003 Stanley Cup title, died Nov. 19 after a long battle with cancer at age 58.

Burns' cousin Robin, who delivered a eulogy at Monday's funeral, called the crime "deplorable."

The entire roster of the Devils was on hand for the service honoring the police officer-turned-hockey coach, who also had successful runs in Montreal, Toronto and Boston. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and Quebec Premier Jean Charest were joined by stars such as Raymond Bourque, Patrick Roy, Tie Domi and Luc Robitaille.

Source: http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2010/11/30/pat-burns-widows-car-broken-into-after-funeral/

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The Best and Worst of Raw 11/29: King of the Ring

Filed under: Pro Wrestling

The Best and Worst of Raw 11/29/10 offers up the best (meaning the highest quality to be found in a given activity or category of things) and worst (most faulty, unsatisfactory, or objectionable) of the November 29 "King of the Ring" edition of WWE Raw. Brandon Stroud is a syndicated advice columnist whose weekly column, The Best and Worst of Raw 11/29, is featured in over 250 newspapers nationwide.

King of the Ring 2010 took place on Raw this year, and no matter how much I wish it so, William Regal and Layla will not be a tandem on my television because of it. Excuse me while I make the following face until I find the specific Raw clips from a few years ago.

Source: http://www.fanhouse.com/2010/11/30/the-best-and-worst-of-raw-1129-king-of-the-ring/

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Gil McDougald, Former Yankee, Dead at 82

Gil McDougald, the infielder who played on eight pennant-winning and five World Championship teams with the Yankees, died of prostate cancer Sunday at 82.

"Gil was a great guy, well-liked by the team and a helluva ballplayer," Whitey Ford said. "He was a good fielder and was always a fierce competitor."

McDougald spent his entire career with the Yankees from 1951-60, going to five All-Star games. He became the first Yankee to win Rookie of the Year, batting .306 with 14 home runs in 1951. He achieved another first that year -- the first rookie to hit a grand slam in the World Series. He was also for his versatility, playing every position in the infield except for first base.

McDougald is survived by his wife, seven children, and 14 grandchildren.

Source: http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2010/11/30/gil-mcdougald-former-yankee-dead-at-82/

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Steve Nash 'Not Worried About Trade Talk,' Just Wants to Win

Filed under: Suns, NBA Rumors, Interviews, FanHouse Exclusive, NBA Coaches

There are less cookies these days for Steve Nash to not eat.

It's a tradition on the Phoenix Suns that, whenever they win a road game, players all eat cookies. Well, everyone on the team except Nash.

"He won't even eat a cookie. He's that committed,'' teammate Jared Dudley said about the point guard, whose disciplined diet includes not eating sugar.

Still, Nash, being the ultimate team player, would love to see his teammates gobbling down lots of post-game treats this season. But it's not looking good.

After an embarrassing 138-133 loss Monday at Denver, where no cookies and only frowns were served up in the Suns' locker room, they dropped to 8-9. Consider that this is a team that averaged 55 wins a season in the six years after Nash signed as a free agent in the summer of 2004.

"It's disappointing, obviously, the losses,'' Nash said in an interview with FanHouse about how this season has begun. "We made so much change from a team that was close to the Finals last year. But, considering all the changes, it's not an awful situation. It's just not what we're used to.''

Source: http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/11/30/steve-nash-not-worried-about-trade-talk-just-wants-to-win/

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Rangers Interested in Andy Pettitte?

Filed under: Rangers, Yankees, The Follow List

It may be a backup plan in case Cliff Lee signs with another team, or maybe the Texas Rangers want to add another veteran left-handed pitcher to their rotation. Whatever their reasoning, the New York Daily News, citing a source, reported on Monday that the Rangers are trying to recruit Andy Pettitte.

According to the report, Rangers president Nolan Ryan spoke with Pettitte about the possibility of returning to his home state to pitch for the Rangers.

This makes a lot of sense for Pettitte, who has made multiple statements about how difficult it is to play so far away from his family in Houston.

But what about Pettitte's declaration that he would only return to pitch for the Yankees? Or the fact that he hasn't completely decided to return to baseball for the 2011 season at all?

This is the time of year that Pettitte usually flirts with retirement, but he never actually heads home to sit on the porch in a rocking chair. Pettitte is a competitor; even at age 38, he's able to contribute to a starting rotation.

Source: http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2010/11/29/rangers-interested-in-andy-pettitte/

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'Matty Ice' Fueling Red-Hot Falcons' Super Bowl Dreams

Filed under: Atlanta Falcons, NFC South, NFL Quarterbacks, NFL Analysis

ATLANTA -- Which is the best team in an NFL dominated by mediocrity disguised as parity? Nobody knows, but you should know that if the Atlanta Falcons don't reach Cowboys Stadium in February for the Super Bowl, they'll come within one of their tail feathers.

The truth is, this collection of Falcons would be impressive even in a stronger league.

Enlightened management. Splendid coaching. A bruising running game that is spurred by an efficient offensive line. Clutch wide receivers and a Hall of Fame tight end. An opportunistic defense, along with a field-goal kicker who never misses when it counts.

And Matt Ryan.

Definitely, Matt Ryan.

It's about Ryan, all right, since it's always about the quarterback in the NFL, and this guy with the calm of an assassin is helping the Falcons evolve into the 21st-century version of the Dirty Birds. The original ones flew 12 years ago, and they won the NFC championship game with Chris Chandler, who was a solid quarterback, but who was no Matt Ryan.

"I think that right now, him, Trent Green and Rich Gannon are right there at the top of any quarterback I've ever played with," said Tony Gonzalez, that future Hall of Fame tight end, of Ryan. "He has to keep doing what he's been doing by improving week in and week out. He just needs experience. The more he gets, the more comfortable he'll be on the field, and the better we'll do as an offense.

"But I really think that before it's all said and done, Matt could be one of the better ones.

"He will be the best."

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Thomas George: Falcons Seemingly Unstoppable at Home

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Source: http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2010/11/29/matty-ice-fueling-red-hot-falcons-super-bowl-dreams/

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Leslie Nielsen Took on Sports Before Death (Quotes, Video)

Leslie Nielsen passed away Sunday at 84 years old. Nielsen was one of the best comic actors of his time, often times looking to sports for his humor.

Who could forget the exchange he had as Frank Drebin in "The Naked Gun: From the Files of the Police Squad!" with his love interest in the movie, Jane (played by Priscilla Presley)?

Frank: "It's the same old story. Boy finds girl, boy loses girl, girl finds boy, boy forgets girl, boy remembers girl, girls dies in a tragic blimp accident over the Orange Bowl on New Year's Day."
Jane: "Goodyear?"
Frank: "No, the worst."

Source: http://backporch.fanhouse.com/2010/11/29/leslie-nielsen-quotes-video-sports/

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Erik Spoelstra Reportedly Frustrating Heat

Filed under: Heat

The Heat held a players-only meeting after losing to the Mavericks on Saturday night, and the main topic of that meeting could have been head coach Erik Spoelstra. According to a ESPN.com report, Heat players are growing increasingly frustrated with their coach as the team continues to acquire losses and hover around .500.

According to the report, the players "believe he is not letting them be themselves, that they are questioning his offensive strategies, and that they think he is panicking because he fears losing his job."

The report also states that Spoelstra has not been hesitant to rip into his Big Three, including a recent outburst toward LeBron James at a shootaround in which he questioned James' ability to be serious. According to the report, the incident had an impact on the team at large.

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More: Heat Boiling Over? | NBA FanHouse Podcast

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Source: http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/11/29/erik-spoelstra-reportedly-frustrating-heat-players/

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Source: Jon Gruden to Miami Reports 'Ridiculous'

Filed under: University of Miami, Coaching, Rumors

TAMPA, Fla. -- A close friend of Jon Gruden said Sunday night that Gruden has not accepted the job at the University of Miami and "doesn't believe it would be the right fit."

The source said he expects Gruden to remain at ESPN or eventually take an NFL head coaching job.

Gruden, an ESPN Monday Night Football color commentator who lives in Tampa with his family, is in Arizona preparing for Monday night's Cardinals-49ers game.

Lake Lewis, of the Sports Journey Broadcast Network and a former ESPN radio talk show host, reported Sunday from a "credible source that the next coach at University of Miami is John (sic) Gruden. About 3 Million a year!"

Source: http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2010/11/28/fanhouse-source-jon-gruden-to-miami-reports-are-ridiculous/

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Aqib Talib, Official Have Profanity-Filled Exchange After Game

Filed under: Buccaneers

Aqib Talib, the Tamapa Bay Buccaneers' combustible cornerback, became enraged at an official outside the locker rooms following the Bucs' 17-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens and had to be restrained by teammates.

According to reporters for the Tampa Tribune and St. Petersburg Times who witnessed the exchange, Talib started the altercation when he cursed an official over a second quarter pass interference call against Tampa Bay cornerback Myron Lewis. The call, which moved the ball 24 yards, helped set up a Baltimore touchdown, which gave the Ravens a 17-3 lead.

Reporters said Talib stalked after officials once off the field and said, "You made a p**** call."

One of the officials, according to a report in the Tampa Tribune, said, "You played like a p****."

Source: http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2010/11/29/aqib-talib-official-have-profanity-filled-exchange-after-game/

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Heat Boiling Over After Latest Loss?

Filed under: Heat, NBA Rumors, NBA Videos

The Miami Heat are taking far longer than expected to jell into the championship-level contenders they were expected to be at the beginning of the season. And patience, it would seem, is beginning to wear thin.

After Saturday night's 106-95 loss to the Dallas Mavericks, the Heat held an extended players-only meeting to try to begin to solve their on-the-court issues. But this was only an extension of the frustration that was evident during the game, when LeBron James bumped into his head coach, Erik Spoelstra, as he headed to the bench for a third-quarter timeout.

As the video below would seem to indicate, the collision didn't appear to be accidental.

Source: http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/11/28/heat-boiling-over-after-latest-loss/

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Barack Obama Returns to Basketball Court After Accident

Our national nightmare is over -- Barack Obama is off the injured reserve and back on the basketball court.

The president received 12 stitches after catching an elbow in the lip while playing basketball with friends at nearby Fort McNair on Friday. In his return to the court Sunday, he was joined by a less dangerous duo: Malia and Sasha, his daughters.

Obama is a celebrated sports fan, and it's no secret basketball tops his list. The president has filled out the NCAA tournament on ESPN and offered free agency advice to LeBron James.

It's been a basketball-heavy week for the first family. In addition to the action on the court, the Obama clan was in the crowd for the Oregon State-Howard game on Saturday. Beavers head coach Craig Robinson is the brother of Michelle Obama.

Source: http://www.fanhouse.com/2010/11/28/barack-obama-returns-to-basketball-court-after-accident/

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Heat Boiling Over After Latest Loss?

Filed under: Heat, NBA Rumors, NBA Videos

The Miami Heat are taking far longer than expected to jell into the championship-level contenders they were expected to be at the beginning of the season. And patience, it would seem, is beginning to wear thin.

After Saturday night's 106-95 loss to the Dallas Mavericks, the Heat held an extended players-only meeting to try to begin to solve their on-the-court issues. But this was only an extension of the frustration that was evident during the game, when LeBron James bumped into his head coach, Erik Spoelstra, as he headed to the bench for a third-quarter timeout.

As the video below would seem to indicate, the collision didn't appear to be accidental.

Source: http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/11/28/heat-boiling-over-after-latest-loss/

BMX Sam Bradford Eric Berry Tim Tebow Kyle Orton

Ravens, Bucs Butt Heads, Then Set Sights on Critical Week 13 Matchups

Filed under: Buccaneers, Ravens, NFL Analysis

BALTIMORE -- Sunday's slugfest at M&T Bank Stadium featured a heavyweight, the Baltimore Ravens, against an up-and-coming bunch, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who aspire to NFL elitism.

The Ravens won 17-10, but left the game knowing they'd been in a physical and chippy affair that served as a suitable warm-up for a much bigger bash next week.

"Just another Sunday in the National Football League," Baltimore wideout Derrick Mason said.

Not exactly.

Stop reading if you've heard anything like this before:

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More: Quick Hits | Box Score | Recap

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Source: http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2010/11/28/ravens-bucs-butt-heads-then-set-sights-on-critical-week-13-mat/

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Ravens, Bucs Butt Heads, Then Set Sights on Critical Week 13 Matchups

Filed under: Buccaneers, Ravens, NFL Analysis

BALTIMORE -- Sunday's slugfest at M&T Bank Stadium featured a heavyweight, the Baltimore Ravens, against an up-and-coming bunch, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who aspire to NFL elitism.

The Ravens won 17-10, but left the game knowing they'd been in a physical and chippy affair that served as a suitable warm-up for a much bigger bash next week.

"Just another Sunday in the National Football League," Baltimore wideout Derrick Mason said.

Not exactly.

Stop reading if you've heard anything like this before:

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More: Quick Hits | Box Score | Recap

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Source: http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2010/11/28/ravens-bucs-butt-heads-then-set-sights-on-critical-week-13-mat/

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Jeremy Green Collapses, Hospitalized Following Stanford Victory

Filed under: Stanford, Pac-10

Jeremy Green, Stanford's star guard, collapsed on the court following the Cardinal's 81-74 overtime win over DePaul Sunday in Anaheim, Calif in the 76 Classic Tournament.

According to Stanford athletic department officials, Green received medical attention from paramedics on the scene after experiencing dizziness and stomach pain. After receiving treatment at the arena, Green was transported to a local hospital where he was given intravenous fluids. He did not lose consciousness and was in stable condition as of Sunday evening, said team spokesperson Brian Risso.

Stanford athletic director Bob Bowlsby, who spoke with Cardinal coach Johnny Dawkins by phone, said Green had been suffering from the stomach flu during the week and was having trouble keeping food down.

Source: http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2010/11/28/jeremy-green-collapses-on-court-following-stanford-victory/

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Josh McDaniels, Denver Broncos Fined in NFL's Latest Version of Spygate

Filed under: Broncos, Patriots, AFC West

The Denver Broncos and their coach, Josh McDaniels, have been fined $50,000 each in the NFL's latest version of "Spygate,"the NFL announced on Saturday.

McDaniels was fined because he did not promptly report a violation of the NFL's Integrity of the Game policy (where do they get these names?) when his video coordinator illegally taped six minutes of the San Francisco 49ers' walkthrough prior to the game between the two teams in London four weeks ago.

His video coordinator was Steve Scarnecchia, a man who worked for the New England Patriots in the same role from 2001-2004. Scarnecchia was hired by McDaniels and Denver in 2009. He took the video of the 49ers without knowledge of anyone on the Broncos (the team and league said). For his role, he was fired.

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More Coverage: McDaniels Apologizes for Rogue Videotaping Incident
Greg Couch: Broncos' Spygate Reeks of Cover-Up

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Source: http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2010/11/27/josh-mcdaniels-denver-broncos-fined-in-nfls-latest-version-of/

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Josh McDaniels Apologizes for Rogue Videotaping of 49ers' Practice

Filed under: 49ers, Broncos, NFL Coaching

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- A somber coach Josh McDaniels apologized Saturday for his failure to promptly report to team executives and the NFL a secret videotaping of a portion of a 49ers' walk-through practice. A Broncos employee recorded the tape the day before Denver played San Francisco in London last month.

McDaniels said Broncos video director Steve Scarnecchia, who has been fired by the team, acted on his own when he filmed six minutes of the 49ers' practice. The coach added that when Scarnecchia informed him about the videotape later that same day, he was told immediately by McDaniels that's not the way he operates. McDaniels said he refused to view the videotape and directed that the file be deleted from a computer laptop. The 49ers beat the Broncos 24-16 at Wembley Stadium the next day.

Team officials said they became aware of the episode on Nov. 8, and began an internal probe in addition to notifying the league, which subsequently initiated its own investigation.

Neither the team nor the league would say who first made them aware of the taping, saying that information was confidential.

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More Coverage: McDaniels, Broncos Fined in NFL's Latest Version of Spygate

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Source: http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2010/11/27/josh-mcdaniels-apologizes-for-rogue-videotaping-of-49ers-practi/

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Erik Spoelstra: Heat Need 'Passion' to Improve Offense

Filed under: Heat

MIAMI -- Scoring plenty of easy buckets should be a given for a team that boasts Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh but the Heat nevertheless are struggling to run an efficient offensive gameplan. On the sidelines, coach Erik Spoelstra continues to encourage his players to pick up the pace and energy while sustaining it throughout the game, yet their plodding halfcourt offense more often than not ends with low-percentage jump shot attempts far from the rim.

The Heat may have ended up eventually beating the lowly Philadelphia 76ers 99-90 Friday night playing this way, but bigger challenges await. For a team that has played together for just one month, many are already questioning why the team hasn't been consistent on both ends of the court with their effort. After all, getting plenty of easy baskets can also occur in transition when the defense creates turnovers and doesn't yield offensive rebounds.

"The one thing with our identity that we talked about is let's win this game defensively," said Spoelstra after their three-game losing streak was snapped Friday night. "Let's make some possession-saving plays, get out on the open court, have some fun and passion of playing that style of basketball. That's what we want to do but we want to make an impact (on defense) especially when it counts."

Source: http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/11/27/erik-spoelstra-heat-need-passion-to-improve-offense/

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Nevada's Shocker Brings End to Boise State's National Title Debate

Filed under: Boise State, Nevada, Ohio State, TCU, WAC

RENO, Nev. -- Boise State junior running back Doug Martin thought for a second, hesitated for another second and then finally answered my question.

"I don't even want to think about that right now," Martin said holding back tears.

Martin said he didn't want to think about what the No. 4-ranked Broncos' 34-31 overtime loss at No. 19 Nevada did to their national title hopes after the unthinkable occurred: Boise State lost a Western Athletic Conference game for the first time since Nov. 23, 2007.

But Martin knows -- as does the entire college football world -- the controversy over whether the Broncos deserve to play in the BCS title game is now moot.

And the first round of congratulatory drinks is on Ohio State president Gordon Gee. TCU coach Gary Patterson, whose Horned Frogs will now be the nation's top ranked non-automatic qualifying BCS team and guaranteed a BCS bowl, picked up the second round of cocktails.

Gee, of course, spouted off this week, comparing the schedules of Boise State and TCU to "the Little Sisters of the Poor" and that they didn't deserve to play for the BCS championship.

Nevada coach Chris Ault was asked about Gee's comments.

"My only comment is, 'They wouldn't beat Boise State,'" Ault said.

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More: Nevada Rallies From 17 Down, Stuns Boise State in OT
Chatraw: Colin Kaepernick Emerges From the Shadows
More Week 13: Full Scoreboard | Live Tweet | Latest Stories
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Source: http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2010/11/27/nevadas-shocker-brings-end-to-boise-states-national-title-deba/

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Erik Spoelstra: Heat Need 'Passion' to Improve Offense

Filed under: Heat

MIAMI -- Scoring plenty of easy buckets should be a given for a team that boasts Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh but the Heat nevertheless are struggling to run an efficient offensive gameplan. On the sidelines, coach Erik Spoelstra continues to encourage his players to pick up the pace and energy while sustaining it throughout the game, yet their plodding halfcourt offense more often than not ends with low-percentage jump shot attempts far from the rim.

The Heat may have ended up eventually beating the lowly Philadelphia 76ers 99-90 Friday night playing this way, but bigger challenges await. For a team that has played together for just one month, many are already questioning why the team hasn't been consistent on both ends of the court with their effort. After all, getting plenty of easy baskets can also occur in transition when the defense creates turnovers and doesn't yield offensive rebounds.

"The one thing with our identity that we talked about is let's win this game defensively," said Spoelstra after their three-game losing streak was snapped Friday night. "Let's make some possession-saving plays, get out on the open court, have some fun and passion of playing that style of basketball. That's what we want to do but we want to make an impact (on defense) especially when it counts."

Source: http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/11/27/erik-spoelstra-heat-need-passion-to-improve-offense/

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Nevada Rallies From 17 Points Down to Stun Boise State in Overtime

Filed under: Boise State, Nevada

RENO, Nev. -- Nevada place kicker Anthony Martinez booted a 34-yard field goal in overtime to give the Wolf Pack a stunning 34-31 upset over Boise State on Friday night.

Nevada (10-1) snapped the Broncos' 24-game winning streak and dashed any BCS dreams Boise State held this season after remaining in the BCS title game discussion all season long.

After Boise State (10-1) had taken a 31-24 lead with 5:05 remaining on a 79-yard touchdown reception by Doug Martin, Nevada quarterback Colin Kaepernick responded with a 14-play, 79-yard drive. His 7-yard scoring strike to Rishard Matthews with 13 seconds remaining appeared to lock up overtime.

However, Boise State quarterback Kellen Moore hit a 53-yard pass play to Titus Young that gave the Broncos a chance to kick a 26-yard game-winning field goal with two second remaining.

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More Week 13: Full Scoreboard | Live Tweet | Latest Stories
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Source: http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2010/11/27/nevada-rallies-from-17-points-down-to-stun-boise-state-in-overti/

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Ohio State Strafes Beaten, Befuddled Michigan to Extend Dominance

Filed under: Michigan, Ohio State, Big 10

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Jim Tressel showed mercy to his counterpart Saturday. Ohio State easily could have set a scoring record against Michigan, but its coach backed off.

Either that or he wanted to keep the guy on the other side of the field employed for a few more years.

Because Rich Rodriguez is good for Ohio State. Not as good as Tressel, who has defeated Michigan seven times in a row, but pretty good nonetheless.

Michigan football is a mess. Long forgotten is the memory of that fast start that had the Wolverines talking big and quarterback Denard Robinson in the Heisman hunt. Once October arrived, Michigan turned into the Little Sisters of the Poor, with no apologies whatsoever to Gordon Gee.

The Wolverines lost five of their last seven -- 37-7 to Ohio State -- and became a what-do-we-do-now mess. They play a style neither appreciated nor a part of Michigan football. They have a coach who seems like a nice guy who does not fit. They have a new athletic director who did not hire the coach, a guy who came from Domino's who might start knocking dominoes over. They are light years behind Ohio State, which has a piece of the Big Ten title for the sixth year in a row while Michigan staggers to the end of the season losing five its last seven -- which at least is better than a year ago, when it lost six of its last seven.

The disparity between the teams that once ruled the Big Ten seems cavernous. And it prompted Wolverines coach Rich Rodriguez to get a little testy and defiant when asked about his future as Michigan's coach -- though those who are around him a lot said he was not unusually testy.

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More Week 13: Full Scoreboard | Live Tweet | Latest Stories
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Source: http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2010/11/27/ohio-state-strafes-beaten-befuddled-michigan-to-extend-dominanc/

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Auburn Stays Perfect With 28-27 Victory Over Alabama

Filed under: Alabama, Auburn

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The second-ranked Auburn Tigers had trailed in seven of their 11 victories this season and overcame double-digit deficits to beat Clemson, South Carolina and Georgia.

Of course, none of those opponents were named Alabama.

And, of course, it didn't matter.

Auburn rallied from a 24-0 deficit and stunned No. 9 Alabama 28-27 in the 75th Iron Bowl here at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Friday afternoon to remain in national title contention.

Tigers quarterback Cam Newton, the front runner for the Heisman Trophy, again proved that he won't let any off-the-field distractions negatively affect him.

The embattled Newton rallied the undefeated Tigers (12-0 overall, 8-0 SEC) from a seemingly insurmountable double-digit deficit to stun the sellout crowd and snap the Tide's 20-game home win streak.

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More Week 13: Full Scoreboard | Live Tweet | Latest Stories
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Source: http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2010/11/26/auburn-stays-perfect-with-28-27-victory-over-alabama/

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Pascal Grosjean, Swiss Motorcyclist, Killed After Winning Race in Dubai

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) -- A Swiss motorcyclist was killed after colliding with another rider only moments after winning a race, track officials said Saturday in a statement.

Pascal Grosjean, 39, had crossed the line Friday and slowed to celebrate winning a Sportsbike Championship race when third-place finisher Tony Jordan ran into him at about 124 mph, throwing both riders to the tarmac at the Dubai Autodrome.

Grosjean was airlifted to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Jordan remains in a serious condition.

"The Dubai Autodrome team and the motorsport community of the UAE are deeply saddened by the enormous loss and pass on our sincere condolences to Pascal Grosjean's family and friends," Hamish Brown, the general executive of Dubai Autodrome, said in a statement. "Pascal was a multiple UAE champion who was well respected in motorsport and motorcycle community."

The Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE has launched a full inquiry into the accident.

Carissa Crowley, the public relations and marketing manager for Grosjean's racing team, Gros Gros, told Dubai's The National newspaper that the Swiss rider's death came just as his career was on the upswing.

"It is such a great loss. He was at the top of his game," she said. "He was planning to go to Germany this year so that he could bring success to the team internationally."

Grosjean, the reigning UAE Sportbike 600cc champion, is the latest fatality at the track located on the outskirts of Dubai. In April, Belgian driver Christophe Hissette, 29, died when his car caught fire during a qualifying session.

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. Active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.

Source: http://www.fanhouse.com/2010/11/27/pascal-grosjean-swiss-motorcylcist-killed-after-winning-race-in/

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Oregon Overwhelms Arizona in Second Half to Remain Undefeated

Filed under: Arizona, Oregon, Oregon State, Pac 10

EUGENE, Ore. -- Oregon is one win away from the national championship game.

All that's left now for the Ducks to claim their ticket to Glendale is next Saturday's game in Corvallis against Oregon State after they dispatched of another worthy Pac-10 challenger Friday, beating Arizona 48-29 at Autzen Stadium.

It was a familiar storyline for Oregon (11-0, 8-0), an overwhelming performance in the second half paving the way to a decisive final score. Oregon scored three touchdowns in the third quarter, added another early in the fourth and cruised to the finish. The Ducks outscored Arizona 34-10 to close out the game.

With the victory, Oregon clinched at least a tie for the Pac-10 championship.

Arizona (7-4, 4-4) was up 19-14 at halftime after Oregon turned the ball over twice deep in Wildcat territory.

But Oregon put the game away doing a little of everything -- busting out the big play, going on a sustained drive and riding the athleticism of quarterback Darron Thomas and running back LaMichael James.

The offensive breakout came two weeks after Cal held Oregon to a season-low 15 points.

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Source: http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2010/11/26/oregon-overwhelms-arizona-in-second-half-to-remain-undefeated/

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Drew Brees Given 'Galloping Gobbler' Award for Thanksgiving Heroics

Filed under: Cowboys, Saints, NFL Awards

Drew Brees earned FOX's "Galloping Gobbler" award, annually presented to the MVP of the NFL's second Thanksgiving Day game, after the Saints' QB led a late scoring drive to carry New Orleans past Dallas, 30-27. Brees matched New England's Tom Brady, who earlier in the day was presented with CBS' Phil Simms Iron-Man Award for his effort in the Patriots' victory over Detroit.

Brees connected with Lance Moore on 12-yard touchdown pass with 1:55 left in the fourth quarter to pull New Orleans ahead of Dallas -- the Cowboys' David Buehler missed a 59-yard field-goal attempt in the waning seconds, which would have sent the game to overtime.

Brees finished the Thanksgiving affair -- New Orleans' first-ever appearance on the holiday -- with 352 yards passing, one touchdown and one interception. The interception nearly doomed the defending champs. With the Saints ahead 23-20 in the fourth quarter, a Brees pass deep down the middle ricocheted off the hands of tight end Jimmy Graham and directly to Dallas safety Gerald Sensabaugh. The Cowboys scored shortly after to take a 27-23 lead.

Source: http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2010/11/25/drew-brees-given-galloping-gobbler-award-for-thanksgiving-hero/

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Nevada's Colin Kaepernick Out of the Shadows With Boise State Upset

Filed under: Boise State, Nevada, WAC

RENO, Nev. -- Nevada senior quarterback Colin Kaepernick hugged one of the Wolf Pack's assistant coaches in a lingering embrace after shocking third-ranked Boise State in an instant classic Friday night.

"Five long years," said Kaepernick, flashing his trademark mischievous grin.

They both knew what it meant.

Even before stepping foot on the Nevada campus five years ago, Kaepernick was flying under the radar with mind-boggling stealth. With the 6-foot-4 height and necessary intelligence that scouts drool over, his wiry frame -- and success on the baseball diamond -- left him in virtual recruiting Siberia.

Dan Hawkins, Boise State's head coach at the time, invited Kaepernick to walk on. So did Boston College, Clemson and Duke.

Then there was Ken Margerum, the San Jose assistant coach who resigned himself to the fact that Kaepernick was too good to play for the Spartans.

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More: Nevada Rallies From 17 Down, Stuns Boise State in OT
More Week 13: Full Scoreboard | Live Tweet | Latest Stories
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Source: http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2010/11/27/nevadas-colin-kaepernick-out-of-the-shadows-with-boise-state-up/

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Chris Henry Feature Moves 'NFL Today' Host James Brown to Tears

Filed under: Bengals, AFC North, NFL Video, Sports Business and Media

It's not very often that television portrays a display of honest emotion. And it's even rarer when said feelings are released on a football telecast, the last bastion of raw testosterone on the small screen.

Yet, during Thursday's CBS pregame show, "NFL Today" anchor James Brown unabashedly let loose a torrent of tears.

The show had just aired a moving, Emmy-award worthy feature on former Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chris Henry, who died last December when he fell from a moving vehicle in an accident near his hometown of Charlotte. The piece was narrated by Henry's mother, Carolyn Glaspy, who made the decision to donate Henry's organs to needy recipients. The story centered on a meeting of the four people who received Henry's organs and a subsequent meeting with Glaspy.

Source: http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2010/11/25/chris-henry-feature-moves-nfl-today-host-james-brown-to-tears/

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Tom Brady Wins CBS' All-Iron Award for Performance in Patriots' Win

Filed under: Lions, Patriots, NFL Awards, NFL Analysis

Tom Brady was awarded CBS' Phil Simms All-Iron Award, the network's annual trophy given to the MVP of the NFL's early Thanksgiving game. Brady put up a perfect QB rating of 158.3 in rallying the Patriots from a 17-10 halftime deficit to a 45-24 victory over the Lions in Detroit.

Brady finished the day 21 of 27 for 341 yards and four touchdowns.

Detroit pressured Brady heavily early, with Ndamukong Suh recording a sack to kill New England's opening drive around midfield. But Brady led a touchdown drive just prior to halftime, then connected on four TD passes in the second half -- two each to Deion Branch and Wes Welker -- as the Patriots scored the game's final 28 points.

Coming into Thursday, the Lions were the lone NFL team (aside from New England) that Brady had not thrown a touchdown pass against.

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More: Previous Thanksgiving Day MVP Winners

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Source: http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2010/11/25/tom-brady-wins-cbs-all-iron-award-for-performance-in-patriots/

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Bengals vs. Jets: Brad Smith Runs Wild

Filed under: Bengals, Jets, AFC East, AFC South, NFL Analysis

Knowing what had happened earlier on Thanksgiving Day with the New England Patriots beating Detroit to move to 9-2 on the season, the New York Jets needed to keep pace Thursday night against Cincinnati.

Brad Smith did pretty much all of the high-stepping in the second half, as the Jets erased a 7-3 halftime deficit and pulled away to a 26-10 victory in front of a packed New Meadowlands Stadium crowd. The win bumped New York back into a first-place tie with the Patriots in the AFC East -- the two teams meet in Foxborough, Mass.,next week.

Some thoughts on the Jets' Thanksgiving win:

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More: Box Score | Recap

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Source: http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2010/11/25/bengals-vs-jets-brad-smith-runs-wild/

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Tom Brady Wins CBS' All-Iron Award for Performance in Patriots' Win

Filed under: Lions, Patriots, NFL Awards, NFL Analysis

Tom Brady was awarded CBS' Phil Simms All-Iron Award, the network's annual trophy given to the MVP of the NFL's early Thanksgiving game. Brady put up a perfect QB rating of 158.3 in rallying the Patriots from a 17-10 halftime deficit to a 45-24 victory over the Lions in Detroit.

Brady finished the day 21 of 27 for 341 yards and four touchdowns.

Detroit pressured Brady heavily early, with Ndamukong Suh recording a sack to kill New England's opening drive around midfield. But Brady led a touchdown drive just prior to halftime, then connected on four TD passes in the second half -- two each to Deion Branch and Wes Welker -- as the Patriots scored the game's final 28 points.

Coming into Thursday, the Lions were the lone NFL team (aside from New England) that Brady had not thrown a touchdown pass against.

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More: Previous Thanksgiving Day MVP Winners

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Source: http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2010/11/25/tom-brady-wins-cbs-all-iron-award-for-performance-in-patriots/

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Patriots, Jets Set Stage for Monster Week 13 Showdown

Filed under: Jets, Patriots, NFL Analysis

Neither the Patriots nor the Jets looked particularly flawless on Thanksgiving Day. New England trailed Detroit 17-10 at halftime and needed a 21-point fourth quarter to secure a victory. The Jets, meanwhile, fell behind Cincinnati 7-3, before Brad Smith carried them to a 26-10 win.

But no matter how they got there, both teams now sit at 9-2, with the Jets set to visit New England in Week 13 for a huge game that should decide the AFC East -- and could, further down the road, determine which city the AFC's Super Bowl road goes through.

It took Rex Ryan all of 15 minutes after his Jets beat the Bengals to turn his attention to that game in Foxborough, Mass., next week.

"They're clearly the best team in football," Rex Ryan said of the Patriots, "that's what all the experts say. Except me."

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Patriots 45, Lions 24: Quick Hits | Box Score | Recap
Jets 26, Bengals 10: Quick Hits | Box Score | Recap

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Source: http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2010/11/26/patriots-jets-set-stage-for-monster-week-13-showdown/

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Southern Miss Gives Thanks

Filed under: Southern Miss

There are few college football teams in the country that have more to be thankful for this Thanksgiving than Southern Miss.

Two weeks ago, three of its football players were involved in a shooting outside of a nightclub and all three survived. On Wednesday, coach Larry Fedora announced that Deddrick Jones (right), who had been shot in the chest, was back at home in Bastrop, La., resting comfortably, and Tim Green, who had a bullet sever his vocal cords, was eating and began speaking normally. He was also discharged from the hospital.

"Today when I was in there, you wouldn't know there was anything wrong with (Green)," Fedora said in an interview with FanHouse on Wednesday. "Doctors hadn't said one way or the other (whether Green would regain his voice) because they had no way of knowing what the damage was going do. He had the trach tube in and they felt like it would be a matter of time, but they didn't know how it was going to affect it."

And Martez Smith, who had a bullet sever his spinal cord, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down, has been released from the hospital and was headed to a rehab facility in Jackson, Miss.

Source: http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2010/11/25/southern-miss-gives-thanks/

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Jameer Nelson Proves Backers, Doubters Right as Magic Top Heat

Filed under: Heat, Magic

ORLANDO - Jameer Nelson showed Wednesday night why the Orlando Magic still believe he is the point guard who can help lead them to a championship.

He also showed why others still think he isn't consistent enough to get that job done.

Same game, two sides. Highlights on some possessions. Bad decisions on others.

Nelson carried the Magic down the stretch Wednesday night in a much-needed 104-95 victory over the Miami Heat, but he also had another high-turnover game, then got ejected in the final minute during another lapse of good judgment.

"Other than the turnovers, he played great,'' assessed Magic coach Stan Van Gundy. "But that wasn't the brightest move he ever made, to get thrown out of a game with time left. Great game, but not a smart move.''

Source: http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/11/25/jameer-nelson-proves-backers-doubters-right-as-magic-top-heat/

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NFL Two-a-Days: Turkey Awards

Filed under: NFL Awards, NFL Video, NFL Analysis

The first annual FanHouse Turkey Awards given on Two-A-Days go right up the NFL ladder, as LeCharles Bentley hands out his personal honors.

Click below to watch:

Source: http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2010/11/25/nfl-two-a-days-turkey-awards/

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Despite NCAA's Genuflection, Bruce Pearl Doesn't Walk on Water

Filed under: college-sports

Bruce Pearl is nice guy. I reached that conclusion a couple years ago when he introduced himself to me on press row at an NCAA Tournament site. His Tennessee guys were fresh off of a win, and he and his coaching staff were scouting the next game that would produce their next opponent.

The Vols' seats were next to mine. As Pearl settled in, he looked my way, Pearl stuck out his hand and we shook. We exchanged pleasantries and a couple of laughs and chitchatted a little about his team and the road in front of them. Before the game was over, he stood up, said goodbye and departed with his assistants.

Pearl walked away on the planks of the riser that made up press row, not on water, as a post on his wife Brandy's Facebook page suggested was his normal ambulatory form early Wednesday: "Now I know of two Jewish men who have been crucified. Lord be with my hubby's spirit. We will get through this."

Jesus Christ. I'm indicating whom the post on Brandy Pearl's page was talking about and not using His name in vain, although wondering if I was doing so in this case would be an understandable suspicion.

By the time Pearl's team tipped off Wednesday evening against VCU, his wife's Facebook page was scrubbed of the comparison of him to the Christians' Lord. It was an appropriate action; as Christians would tell you, comparing anyone to Jesus, who has walked on Earth before Him or in Anno Domini, is inappropriate.

Source: http://kevin-blackistone.fanhouse.com/2010/11/25/despite-ncaas-genuflection-bruce-pearl-doesnt-walk-on-water/

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Tom Brady Wins CBS' All-Iron Award for Performance in Patriots' Win

Filed under: Lions, Patriots, NFL Awards, NFL Analysis

Tom Brady was awarded CBS' Phil Simms All-Iron Award, the network's annual trophy given to the MVP of the NFL's early Thanksgiving game. Brady put up a perfect QB rating of 158.3 in rallying the Patriots from a 17-10 halftime deficit to a 45-24 victory over the Lions in Detroit.

Brady finished the day 21 of 27 for 341 yards and four touchdowns.

Detroit pressured Brady heavily early, with Ndamukong Suh recording a sack to kill New England's opening drive around midfield. But Brady led a touchdown drive just prior to halftime, then connected on four TD passes in the second half -- two each to Deion Branch and Wes Welker -- as the Patriots scored the game's final 28 points.

Coming into Thursday, the Lions were the lone NFL team (aside from New England) that Brady had not thrown a touchdown pass against.

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More: Previous Thanksgiving Day MVP Winners

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Source: http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2010/11/25/tom-brady-wins-cbs-all-iron-award-for-performance-in-patriots/

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