Top Sports Stories (Jan 22, 2012)

Two-minute drill: We break down the AFC, NFC title games

Baltimore Ravens at the New England Patriots, 1 p.m., Ch. 2 When the Ravens have the ball: We’ve all heard about the new schemes in Baltimore – the passing game and the explosive offense. But in the AFC title game, with so much on the line, expect the …

Salt Lake Tribune • January 22, 2012, 2:02 AM (PST)

San Francisco Gate

Spokesman: Paterno in serious condition

By GENARO C. ARMAS AP Sports Writer STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) – Joe Paterno’s doctors said Saturday that the former Penn State coach’s condition had become "serious," following complications from lung cancer in recent days. The winningest major…

msnbc.com • January 22, 2012, 4:11 AM (PST)

Los Angeles Times

Heat switching up style without Wade

With Dwyane Wade sidelined, the Heat have changed up their look. And it’s not just the jerseys. MIAMI — What we have here is a misunderstanding. It’s not that the Miami Heat are "better" without Dwyane Wade, it’s that the Heat are …

ESPN • January 22, 2012, 12:22 AM (PST)

CBS Sports

Nadal, Federer roll into quarterfinals at Aussie Open

Melbourne, Australia – Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer were set winners Sunday in fourth-round action at the Australian Open. Nadal cruised into the quarterfinals with a 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 win over fellow Spaniard Feliciano Lopez. The second-seeded Nadal, …

FOX News • January 22, 2012, 5:01 AM (PST)

CNN

Dolphins’ Stephen Ross says Joe Philbin is Don Shula-like

MIAMI – Joe Philbin sat at home last Sunday night, reeling from Green Bay’s playoff loss to the Giants earlier in the day, and still coping emotionally with a far, far greater loss – the death of his 21-year-old son, Michael, who drowned Jan. 8. One of…

Boston Herald • January 22, 2012, 4:33 AM (PST)

Painter riled by behavior of Spartans player, fan

EAST LANSING, Mich. — The bond of mutual respect between the Purdue and Michigan State men’s basketball programs took an unfortunate hit Saturday afternoon in the Breslin Center. Boilermakers coach Matt Painter, whom Spartans coach Tom Izzo tried to …

Indianapolis Star • January 21, 2012, 10:56 PM (PST)

Boston Herald

Owner says Colts will name a coach this week

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay plans to name the team’s new head coach by the end of this coming week, he said Saturday on Twitter. "The #1 pick debate will rage on, what a great year to have it . . . the HC search is wide ranging n thorough, …

Los Angeles Times • January 21, 2012, 6:24 PM (PST)

CBS Sports

New York Giants at San Francisco 49ers NFC Championship Game Injury Report Assessment: Fan’s Preview

Ballard has battled knee issues since Week 12 against the Washington Redskins. While he has played in the team’s last two playoff games, he has been a nonfactor with only three catches for 33 yards. Ballard had "a little procedure" on his …

YAHOO! • January 21, 2012, 9:30 PM (PST)

ESPN

No. 1 ‘Cuse un-Fab-ulous in loss to ND

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Mike Brey’s viewing selection for his players the night before meeting top-ranked Syracuse was an easy choice. The Notre Dame coach showed a video of former Fighting Irish teams upsetting No. 1 teams over the years. Brey and the …

New York Post • January 22, 2012, 2:10 AM (PST)

CBS Sports