41.   And so it went for the defending champions and their superhero id.

42.   And there, too, it would be hard for the defending champions to have their game in top form to start the following season.

43.   And no one is paying closer attention to the defending Super Bowl champions than the Hall of Fame coach Don Shula.

44.   And thus far, the defending champions have been cruising because, indeed, Eddie Belfour has been the answer for nearly every Stars question.

45.   And then there is Houston, the defending Central champion.

46.   And that includes the ponytailed two-time defending champion.

47.   And this will be another time, although not beating the defending national champion is hardly something to cry about.

48.   And the defending Western Conference champions have yet to play their best basketball.

49.   And, despite being the defending national champion, Kentucky seems just as hungry or hungrier than it was a year ago.

50.   And when Woods tees it up Thursday, as the defending champion he will draw thousands of additional fans.