Stock Watch: FAST-GLANCE WEEK IN REVIEW

Jan. 5, 2004 | Dick's Stock Watch provides a fast-glance review of the past week in the world of sports, charting whose stock is up and whose is down...

	Nick Saban's LSU Tigers will face plenty of other talented teams in the SEC.

STOCK UP: LSU, USC defenses play tough
LSU and USC's defense -- LSU's defense was sensational in its Sugar Bowl win over Oklahoma. I can't say enough about the job Nick Saban did coaching the Tigers to a share of the national championship. Meanwhile, USC's defense was also impressive as the Trojans recorded nine sacks in their 28-14 Rose Bowl victory over Michigan.

Duke women's basketball -- The Blue Devils rallied from a 20-point deficit to shock Connecticut and snap UConn's 69-game home winning streak. Sophomore guard Jessica Foley hit the game winning shot on a 3-pointer at the buzzer.

Lute Olson -- Arizona coach Lute Olson, a basketball Hall of Famer, earned career victory No. 700 when the Wildcats beat Arizona State.

Peyton Manning -- Colts' QB Peyton Manning was brilliant in Indy's rout of Denver as he threw for 377 yards and five touchdowns. This victory was especially impressive after considering that the Colts lost 41-0 last year to the New York Jets in the playoffs. Manning is the total package of class personified on and off the field.

Carolina Panthers defense -- The Carolina Panthers defense was impressive in a win over the Cowboys. The Panthers only allowed 10 points and 204 total yards to the eighth-ranked offense in the NFC.

STOCK DOWN: Steve Spurrier quits
Steve Spurrier -- After finishing the season 5-11, Spurrier quit as coach of the Washington Redskins. I guess he realizes he's better off coaching in college.

Ell Roberson -- Kansas State quarterback Ell Roberson caused a distraction by missing curfew prior to the Fiesta Bowl game and then struggled against Ohio State. The distraction and his poor play clearly affected his team.

Michigan State's men's basketball -- Michigan State's basketball team is 5-6 after playing a rough nonleague schedule. This team struggled against top-notch competition and coach Tom Izzo's team has to get it together for Big Ten play. Despite their early season issues, I still believe the Spartans will make a good run.

Golden State Warriors -- The Warriors have stumbled lately, losing five games in a row after starting the season 14-13.