Raiders' Streater off to hot start in 2013

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Wide receiver Rod Streater showed in the opening game of 2013 that he may have a special connection with Terrelle Pryor. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Streater-Off-to-a-Great-Start-223470331.html

Four decades after he last ran for Oregon, Steve Prefontaine's legend is stronger than ever in Eugene and across his home state. "Pre" lives on in the hearts and minds of those who watched him gut out victories, as well as those born long after he died at age 24

At Oregon, where the football program has grown to be one of the strongest in the nation, one athlete stands above the rest: Steve Prefontaine. The cross country and middle-distance star, who last raced for the Ducks in 1973 -- before dying in a car accident two years later -- has legendary status in Oregon, where almost everyone knows his name. My story for ESPN.com's Endurance Sports section on Pre's still-growing legacy: http://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/9657775/endurance-sports-steve-prefontaine-legend-growing-40-years

Boldin's presence could be huge in 49ers game at Seattle

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Wide receiver Anquan Boldin's attitude -- as well as his ability -- could be a difference-maker in Sunday's showdown in noisy Seattle for the 49ers. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Boldin-Could-be-X-Factor-in-Seattle-223144481.html

Raiders' McFadden off to a slow start in 2013

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Running back Darren McFadden, hoping to regain the form that made him one of the NFL's best a couple of seasons ago, had a tough opening game vs. the Colts. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/McFadden-Out-of-Step-With-Game-1-Run-Game-223137431.html

U.S. women's hockey team spends a day at the beach in San Diego to get ready for Sochi Olympics

The sun, sand and surf of San Diego are a long way from the hockey rink at Sochi, Russia in the 2014 Winter Olympics. But this past week, the U.S. women's hockey team spent a day doing team-building exercises on the sand, hoping to sharpen their performance on the ice. My story for USA Hockey: http://www.usahockey.com/news_article/show/283982?referrer_id=752796

Reid doesn't play like a rookie in 49ers' debut

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rookie starting safety Eric Reid lives up to his billing, with some big hits and big plays in season-opening win over Packers. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Reid-Looks-Just-Fine-222971741.html

Raiders' D doesn't looks so defenseless vs. Colts

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: In 2012, the Raiders' defense was a weakness. In a season-opening loss to Indianapolis, Oakland shows its D may have some teeth this season. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Defense-Shows-Signs-of-Life-222966121.html

Pryor looks like the real thing in Raiders' opening loss

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Quarterback Terrelle Pryor shows how dangerous he can be in a season-opening loss to the Colts. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Lose-an-Opener-but-Gain-a-Quarterback-222887751.html

Kaepernick-Boldin duet is sweet in 49ers' opening victory

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Yes, the Packers stopped Colin Kaepernick from running wild on them. But no, they didn't stop him from beating them, as Kaep and Anquan Boldin combined for 13 completions and more than 200 yards. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Kaepernick-Boldin-are-Dynamic-Duo-in-Victory-222900081.html

New book about Junipero Serra reveals a much more complex personality of the founder of California's mission system

Junipero Serra was almost 56 by the time he came to California, an old man by the standards of the 18th century, and already had done and accomplished much. He was a combative and driven man who often made enemies of his superiors. My book review in U-T San Diego of the new book, "Junipero Serra: California's Founding Father." http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/sep/08/serra-man-on-mission/

In rematch, Packers hope to corral 49ers' Kaepernick

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The last time the teams met, the 49ers trounced the Packers with Colin Kaepernick's running and throwing. Now Green Bay says it is better prepared to stop him. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Packers-Hoping-to-Corrall-Kaepernick-in-Opener-222679411.html

Can McFadden break free in opener vs. Colts?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: If the Raiders are to beat the Colts in the 2013 season opener, they better be able to run the ball with Darren McFadden. No matter who the QB is this season, McFadden is the key to the Raiders offense. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/McFadden-a-Key-in-Raiders-Opener-vs-Colts-222674621.html

Five reasons 49ers could be great ... or fall short in 2013

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers are a favorite to go to the Super Bowl this season, but just winning the NFC West will be tough enough. Five reasons why the Niners could go all the way ... or fall short of their goal. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Poised-for-Run-at-Super-Bowl-222530561.html

Raiders need these things to avoid a dismal 2013 season

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders are a popular choice to be one of the worst teams in the NFL in 2013. Could that change? Perhaps. But these five things would have to happen: http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/Most-Predict-Bleak-Times-for-Raiders-in-2013-222523491.html

After years of disappointment, SDSU football resurgence includes three straight bowl games, an outright conference title and an ability to recruit from every part of the country

Head coaches Brady Hoke and Rocky Long have taken San Diego State football to new heights after years of disappointment. The Aztecs have gone to three straight bowl games for the first time in their history, won big games on the road and recruited as well as any non-BCS program in the country. Though they've started out 0-1 this season, SDSU football appears to be on the right track to long-term success. My cover story for the fall edition of San Diego State's 360 Magazine, which will publish soon. (Also included in this digital edition: my story on NCAA champion triple jumper Shanieka Thomas): http://issuu.com/sdsu360mag/docs/360fall2013 

Heather "Anish" Anderson, Josh Garrett complete Pacific Crest Trail in record times, averaging more than 40 miles per day while trekking as many as 16 to 18 hours every day to reach Canada from border with Mexico

Heather "Anish" Anderson and Josh Garrett are true endurance athletes, having speed-hiked the 2,655-mile Pacific Crest Trail in record times. Each did the trek solo, but finished within two days of one another. Their story, for ESPN.com's Endurance Sports section: http://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/9629683/endurance-sports-josh-garrett-heather-anderson-master-pacific-crest-trail

Niners sign receiver Harper off Seahawks' practice squad

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Niners snatch wide receiver Chris Harper from rival Seahawks just days before season opener. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Pluck-Versatile-Receiver-Away-from-Seahawks-222175721.html

Raiders' tight end job is still up for grabs

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: With David Ausberry sidelined by a shoulder injury, the question of who starts vs. the Colts in Game 1 -- and beyond -- is still uncertain. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Tight-End-Competition-Still-Wide-Open-222169691.html

Jennings' departure leaves 49ers' snapping duties to rookie

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: After 13 years as an almost-perfect long snapper, Brian Jennings was cut and replaced by rookie Kevin McDermott. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/With-Jennings-Gone-McDermott-is-On-The-Spot-222068751.html

Raiders' 2013 roster looks weak on pass rushers

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: In 2012, the Raiders were one of the worst pass-rushing teams in the NFL. Now, with their 2013 roster set and days from the opener vs. Indianapolis, the pass rush potential looks ... weak. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Without-Carter-Raiders-Pass-Rush-Doesnt-Look-Good-222065511.html