Packers have one more opponent: Law of averages

Long road  To go undefeated through the Super Bowl, the Packers will have to win 27 in a row dating to last season. This only increases the law of averages against it happening.

TV timeout  "Monday Night Football" has the Rams and Seahawks a week after showing the Chargers and Jaguars. At this rate, ESPN should change the name of its showcase event to "The Biggest Loser."

Court order  Jerry Sandusky is under house arrest and wearing an electronic device, but I wish the judge had said, "For the love of God, stop wearing Penn State clothing."

Age gauge  Albert Pujols is being referred to as an old (almost) 32. But if, as some believe, he's really older, maybe he should be characterized as a young 34.

Gaffe  No sooner does the NBA emerge from a damaging lockout than it bumbles into this public relations nightmare by blocking Chris Paul's trade to the Lakers. Public and media anger - and perhaps pressure from the players union - will help resolve the issue in favor of the Lakers getting Paul. In the meantime, the association looks dysfunctional again.

In passing  All season, Old Dominion quarterback Taylor Heinicke was referred to as a "true" freshman. Next year, will he be a "true" sophomore and then a "true" junior? Not to belabor the point or anything.

Hoops du jour  After a few years of holding its own against the big schools, CAA basketball hasn't been punching above its weight this season. When the NCAA tournament rolls around, the CAA could be a one-bid league again.

Ridiculous  By accepting four new members located west of the Mississippi, the Big East is officially a joke. It's a conference with no geographic footprint or respect for regional rivalries, which have always been important ingredients to a league's success. Greed and desperation are not good foundations for a conference.

Left out  I still can't explain why the Big East didn't want East Carolina. They even share the word "East." Makes no sense to me.

Just asking  When Charlie Weis is hired to coach the Kansas football team, is it an example of failing up?

The pits  Mike Ford, Denny Hamlin's crew chief, was let go after a disappointing season. The team, run by Joe Gibbs Racing, drives a Toyota, so a guy named Ford probably had the odds stacked against him.

Overlooked  Though he's losing out in the media to what's happening in Denver, the Panthers' Cam Newton remains the best young quarterback in the NFL. By a wide margin.

Missed  I hope somebody casts a vote for Peyton Manning as the NFL's Most Valuable Player. Just to make a point. All the other votes can go to Aaron Rodgers.

Wondering  Is that any way for David Stern to take care of the support staff and arena employees hurt by the NBA lockout - by sending them back to work on Christmas Day?

Bob Molinaro, (757) 446-2373, bob.molinaro@pilotonline.com