The Lineup: Thursday, August 15

Author:
Mike Bebernes
Publish date:
Aug 15, 2013

Nuccio DiNuzzo/Chicago Tribune/MCT via Getty Images

A new-look Lineup. Send any suggestions to SI.TheLineup@gmail.com. (Bold indicates a national broadcast. All times Eastern.)

Pregame Reads

A thoughtful exploration on why racism is treated differently than other offenses, by Colin McGowan for Sports on Earth.
Josh Levin of Slate posits what would happen if the NCAA took its business model to other market, such as Hollywood.
Deadspin chronicles new ESPN employee Jason Whitlock throwing shade at The Worldwide Leader over the years.

Starter

NFL San Diego Chargers vs. Chicago Bears, 8:00p.m. (ESPN)

Receptionist: Hello, Chicago Bears.

Caller: Yes, Hi. Is your refrigerator running?

Receptionist: Umm, Yes.

Caller: Thank God. Word on the internet is that he died.

Reserves

MLB

Angels vs Yankees, 1:05p.m.

Alfonso Soriano has 13 RBIs in his past two games. At this rate, he'll be breaking the single-season record by early September.

Pirates vs. Cardinals, 1:45p.m.

Astros vs. Athletics, 3:35p.m.

Giants vs. Nationals, 4:05p.m.

Red Sox vs. Blue Jays, 7:07p.m.

Royals vs. Tigers, 7:08p.m.

Mariners vs. Rays, 7:10p.m.

White Sox vs. Twins, 8:10p.m.

Reds vs. Brewers, 8:10p.m

Mets vs. Padres, 10:10p.m.

NFL

Carolina Panthers vs. Philadelphia Eagles, 7:30p.m.

One of the few genuinely compelling story lines of the preseason is the battle between Michael Vick and Nick Foles for the chance to helm Chip Kelly's high octane offense. Now, this is the preseason, so we're using the word "compelling" very loosely.

Detriot Lions vs. Cleveland Browns, 7:30p.m.

Atlanta Falcons vs. Baltimore Ravens, 7:30p.m.

Golf

U.S. Amateur Championship: Second Round, 12:00p.m. (Golf Channel)

PGA Tour: Wyndham Cup First Round, 2:00p.m. (Golf Channel)

Olympic Sports

World Track and Field Championships, 11:30a.m. (Universal Sports)

Now's a good opportunity to start getting to know some of the folks who will receive the soft-focus bio treatment during the next summer Olympics. Meet the Eatons. He's American. She's Canadian. They've been married a month and each has a shiny display piece for the mantel—his is gold, hers silver. Today also offers the chance to see 17-year-old Mary Cain, whom the sport is already losing its mind over.

U.S. Gymnastics Championships, 7:00p.m. (NBC Sports)

WNBA

Chicago Sky vs. Seattle Storm, 10:00p.m.

Tennis

Western and Southern Open: Men's and Women's Round of 16, 11:00p.m. (ESPN2 & ESPN3)

Soccer

Brazil League: Botafogo vs. International, 7:55p.m. (ESPN3)

Little League World Series

San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico vs. Aguadulce, Panama, 1:00p.m. (ESPN)

Eight international and American teams battle it out in pursuit of pride, glory, and the chance to be part of one hell of an adorable dog pile.

Sammamish, Washington vs. Corpus Christi, Texas, 3:00p.m. (ESPN)

Perth, Australia vs. Tijuana, Baja California, 5:00p.m. (ESPN2)

Nashville, Tennessee vs. Westport, Connecticut, 7:00p.m. (ESPN2)

Deep bench

Owner's Manual, 10:00p.m. (AMC)

Two men take on a high-tech challenge, but only one of them follows the instructions. Not a bad idea for a show, assuming Mr. No-instructions has insurance that covers idiocy.