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• This year's college letter-of-intent day put Sacramento in the national spotlight again with the high interest in Grant's Shaq Thompson and Pleasant Grove's Arik Armstead. Fans and boosters take this stuff seriously, as last Friday's sports poll in The Bee showed. When we asked our question – "Where would you like to see Shaq Thompson and Arik Armstead go to college?" – the online world went nuts. Supporters for Cal and Washington staged a virtual battle, with tech-savvy types hijacking the poll. Our polls are considered successful if there are 500 votes; at press time Friday night, there were more than 18,000 votes. By Wednesday, the votes had surpassed 350,000. Yes, 350,000- plus. Washington won The Bee's poll, barely edging Cal – and the Huskies won Thompson, too.
• Sunday's Super Bowl ought to be a fine matchup of top quarterbacks – the Patriots' Tom Brady vs. the Giants' Eli Manning – in a rematch of their game four years ago. But so far this week, the Colts' Peyton Manning is the quarterback making news. On Tuesday, Peyton Manning was in the spotlight again, denying suggestions that he was considering retirement. The NFL would prefer the media focus on Sunday's game, but let's not forget: Indy is Peyton's place.
• What will be your lasting impression from Monday's introduction of Raiders coach Dennis Allen? Allen's obvious love for wife Alisson, son Garrison and daughter Layla? Maybe. Allen's desire to return the Raiders to glory? Perhaps. Allen's close-cropped, military-style haircut? Not so much – at least compared to his new bosses. Every time we see general manager Reggie McKenzie and Raiders owner Mark Davis, we do a double-take. Yup, we're talking about their hair. Can't help but wonder if both think it's still the 1970s.
What to do
NBA, Portland at Kings, 7 p.m., Power Balance Pavilion: The Trail Blazers are just 3-8 on the road.
Today's poll
Who has the better hairstyle?
• Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie, left
• Raiders owner Mark Davis, right
Vote above or leave your comments in the comment field; Or, go to www.sacbee.com/sports
Wednesday's results
Will the Raiders return to glory under a new general manager and coach?
• Yes: 67%
• No: 33%
Total votes: 324
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