Weekend Hot Reads....

The L.A. TIMES writes under the header, "U.S. Absence From World Cup Draw Shines A Light On Missed Opportunities." As the 32 FIFA World Cup qualifiers were "introduced and applauded" during Friday's tournament draw in Moscow, it was "hard not to notice the elephant that wasn't in the room." There will be no "emerging American stars in this summer's tournament" or "unknowns overcoming long odds to fulfill a lifelong dream."

The Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE goes with, "Olympics Without NHL Players Still Excites U.S. Coach Tony Granato." The U.S. team at the Pyeongchang Games will "feature a blend of players from European pro leagues, college players and minor leaguers." That is a "long drop-off in talent, pedigree and star power from NHL players." But "don't tell Granato that the absence of NHL players will make the Olympics boring compared to the drama and excitement of previous Games."

Elsewhere:

• Jackie Sherrill recalls his arrival at Texas A&M amid Jimbo Fisher’s hire.
• Destroying Montreal's Olympic stadium would cost more than operating it.
• What can Herm Edwards bring to Arizona State as its new football coach?