Nighttime nuggets: Sunday

Chargers
The Atlanta Journal Constition's game story on the Falcons' victory over the Chargers on Sunday led with the fact the Falcons now can win even when they don't play their best. Well, against the Chargers, duh. ...

You know it's bad when Union-Tribune beat writer Kevin Acee takes off the rose-colored glasses and writes off the season. ...

Here's the Associated Press gamer. ...

Yes, the understudy outshone the star: Falcons RB Michael Turner got the best of his "matchup" with LaDainian Tomlinson. ...

The L.A. Times catches up with former Chargers RB Chuck Muncie and his current good works after a long love affair with drugs.

Padres
MLB.com beat writer Corey Brock has a Padres Mailbag piece posted. You'd think an online outlet would just use e-mail these days rather than mailbags. ...

The Chicago Tribune reports the Cubs are being cost-conscious as they consider trading for RHP Jake Peavy, even with a payroll in the top five in the majors.

USD
As well as the Toreros finished the men's basketball season last spring, it's easy to forget they lost to Cal State Bakersfield during the season. Well, the Bakersfield Californian remembers. The rematch is Monday.

Basketball
La Costa Canyon High School product Chase Budinger scored 22 points despite first-half foul trouble in Arizona's 74-57 victory over Northern Arizona on Sunday. San Diego High School alumnus Jamelle Horne had a big dunk in the Wildcats' decisive second-half run. ...

James Rahon has made the transition from Torrey Pines High School to college quite well. The Santa Clara freshman had 12 points off the bench in a 71-68 victory at Montana and is average 9.8 points through six games. ...

San Diegan Luke Walton's playing time has diminished with the high-flying Lakers this season, but he got five first-half minutes Sunday against Toronto. He made some nice passes. Good thing, because he finished with two points in nine total minutes. ...

El Capitan High School alumna Heather Molzen scored 12 points for Washington State. The Cougars lost 82-71 at San Francisco in a tournament final.

San Diego State
Wyoming has selected Missouri offensive coordinator Dave Christensen to be its new football coach. Why is this under a San Diego State header? Wyoming and San Diego State fired their coaches on the same day. The Aztecs are still looking. Hmm.

Soccer
A couple weekend notables from the Americans overseas report on Soccer By Ives: Mt. Carmel High School alumnus Steve Cherundolo started for Hannover 96 in the Bundesliga but played only the first half of a 3-2 victory over Karlsruhe. And in Denmark, former San Diego State goalkeeper Tally Hall dressed but did not play for Ejsberg.