Upon Further Review: Matt Barkley Is Perfect, Your NHL Team Slogan Is Not

We're back with another week of longreads from around SB Nation. From the hubs to the blogs, there were plenty of great reads. And since it's the weekend, you now have time to sit back and enjoy them all.

The Starting Five

Matt Barkley is a throwback -- a retro quarterback that fits the mold of a USC signal caller, or that kid in your local game of backyard football. Spencer Hall breaks down Barkley, in all his perfect, retro glory.

The NBA Draft lottery may be fixed, or it may not be. But no matter what, Andrew Sharp writes, it's a damn good show with some damn good drama.

Your NHL team's slogan sucks (or sucked at some point). Jon Bois continues his Sloganalysis series by examining the best and worst hockey slogans.

Drew Fickett's career has been a rollercoaster. From showing up to a fight drunk to numerous other missteps, Fickett has been through it all. Ben Fowlkes masterfully tells Fickett's story, which is certainly a must-read.

NASCAR is missing tradition and can't hold a candle to the Indy 500. Jeff Gluck experienced his first 500 last weekend and was blown away how the traditions and attention to detail make the event so special.

The Sixth Man

The Devils had done everything except take care of one minor detail. With a series win over the Rangers, they buried 1994 for good, and Tyler Bleszinski shared his account of what it all meant.

NBA

The Hornets won the draft lottery and now it's time to call upon the history of No. 1 picks.

Tom Lorenzo was at the lottery and asked the ping-pong ball machine if it was rigged (among other excellent things)

Brew Hoop looks at how to fix the pick and roll in Milwaukee with lesson that apply to many other teams as well.

Time to fire up the "Amnesty Kobe" debate (and this is a good one)

A rational, thorough look at the decision to bring Vinny Del Negro back.

MMA

Bloody Elbow's Jack Slack breaks down the striking secrets of Fedor Emelianko, the man many consider the best mixed martial artist of all time.

Go back and listen to the MMA Hour -- or at least listen to Jason "Mayhem" Miller's interesting interview.

NHL

Nicklas Lidstrom retired, but did so as, undeniably, one of the best.

Martin Brodeur is still a force in the net, no matter your age.

Speaking of: A look at the goaltenders in the Stanley Cup Final.

NFL

An excellent, detailed breakdown of Michael Brockers, including thorough use of video.

Peyton Manning is the answer to everything for the Broncos ... and that's a problem.

What did Super Bowl winners do the year prior and what can we learn from it?

The Colts down year could have a large impact on ticket sales and a whole lot more.

College Football

Bruins Nation rightfully reminds everyone to please stop whining about P. Diddy's son's scholarship.

John L. Smith and Les Miles face each other on Nov. 23 in what's sure to be a crazy-off. Mark those calendars!

Dorial Green-Beckham to Texas State! Jimmy Clausen to Western Kentucky! What if college football had a draft?

Baseball

An analysis of $30+ million contracts the Diamondbacks have given out.

A profile of the Indians career of Orel Hershiser.

Who is baseball's best hitter?

Soccer

After a 4-1 loss to Brazil, the US Men's National Team has plenty of work to do ... but there's progress.

Aston Villa managerial candidates as cars? Oh yes, absolutely.

Premier League transfer guide Part 1 and Part 2.

Videos