second season

Forget the blackout. This was an early knockout. Backed by a dominant defense and John Parker Wilson's accurate passing, No. 8 Alabama raced to a stunning 31-point lead by halftime against self-destructing Georgia and held on to beat the third-ranked Bulldogs 41-30 Saturday night, establishing Nick Saban's team as a national championship contender in his second season.

Before the game, J.D. Drew watched a replay on the scoreboard of his grand slam in Game 6 of last year's AL championship series.

Then he hit another one that meant much less. Still, his second homer in two exhibition games was a good sign Sunday night that he's ready for a strong start to his second season with the Boston Red Sox.

Goaltender Rick DiPietro will miss the rest of the New York Islanders season because of hip surgery. The operation was scheduled for Wednesday in Vail, Colo.

DiPietro is finishing the second season of a landmark 15-year contract. This marks the second straight year that the team's 26-year-old goalie needs hip surgery.