SOUP'S ON: Every time I see San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson in those Chunky Soup commercials, it reminds me of the way he used to be -- darting, elusive and mmmm, mmmm good. But in real life, because of a lingering turf toe injury, LT is nowhere near the MVP-caliber back that used to strike fear in opposing teams.

HELP WANTED: "Dear President-elect Barack Obama . . . Since you plan to help major college Football devise a playoff format to determine a true national champion, would you consider spending a few quality minutes helping the NFL come up with a plausible solution so its games don't end in a tie during the regular season. Thank you, and good luck with more pressing world matters. Respectfully, BAW."

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Beginning with next year's Rookie Symposium, perhaps NFL officials should explain their league's overtime rules to all newcomers. It might save them future embarrassment.