For those of you who have to suffer through mediocre Big Ten Network games there is usually one respite from the boorish play from bland offenses and average defenses.

Charissa Thompson sideline reports.

But those bright moments during a Saturday afternoon have been missing for several weeks after Thompson suffered a broken foot and ankle in a freak step-aerobics accident.

The sideline princess returned to work yesterday’s Michigan-Purdue game but had a special set-up – a plastic chair behind the UM bench, according to MGoBlue.com.

Thompson had surgery five weeks ago and is on doctor’s orders to wear a protective boot, but she left it in the hotel for the game. With only three games left in the season she’s toughing it out.

“I’m sticking to yoga and the treadmill from now on. I’m stepping down from step. Get it?”

And Thompson is tweeting about how excited she was to be in the Motor City/Ann Arbor area for her return.

just landed in lovely Detroit .. I’ve never been so happy to fly;)

[MGoBlue]

Popularity: 5% [?]

As I watched the Lions / Packers game this afternoon, I was treated to the sideline stylings of Charissa Thompson. For those who haven’t seen her, this is probably a must read post. For those who have seen her, this is still probably still at least a probably-should-read post.

There have been many challengers to Erin Andrew’s crown as hottest sideline reporter. In this writers’ humble opinion, all attempts at that crown by other reporters not named Craig Sager, have failed…until know. Charissa can challenge Erin and this post will break down why. Let’s look at the Tale of the Tape in this match-up. We have conveniently broken this match-up into five categories that should decide not only who is the hottest, but also who is the best all around sideline reporter.

Hotness:

Erin Andrews:

Charissa Thompson:

Here’s Charissa showing off the professional attire:

And if these two pictures, the only ones on the internet of Clarissa, aren’t enough for you, let the words of timeless song change your mind:

Edge: This is a tough choice, because after today, I may legitimately love Charissa Thompson. That being said, you cannot deny the attractiveness of Erin and she gets the nod here.

Resume:

Erin Andrews:

Fans of Erin know that she isn’t simply another pretty face. She worked for FSN, the Sunshine Network covering the Tampa Bay Lightning, and Turner Sports covering the Braves before she found a home at ESPN.

Clarissa Thompson:

Clarissa is no slouch either. She is a frequent contributer to the Best Damn Sports Show. She hosts a weekly show for the Colorado Rockies. On Saturdays, she is the sidelines reporter for the Big Ten Network game of the week. On Sunday she’s a sideline reporter for Fox. Quite an impressive resume for Chrissa.

Edge: Erin definitely holds the edge in longevity, but Charissa can boast that she reports on America’s favorite sport, professional football. Since she covers college football, pro football, baseball and John Salley, Charissa takes this category.

Big Interviews:

Erin:

Here’s Erin asking the tough question to a can of Pringles. One of the highlight of her career I am sure:

Also, it don’t get much bigger than getting groped by Bruce Pearl. It’s a dream of mine and Charissa’s

Charissa:

Look how quickly she rattles off this 1977 World Series comment.

Edge: As always, Pringles are the difference. One more in Erin’s column.

Professionalism:

Erin:

She will ask the tough questions, give fantastic analysis from the sideline and when called upon, dance like Ginger Rogers:

Charissa:

Rain nor snow nor dark of night can stop Charissa Thompson from getting drilled with a bunch of snow at the 40 second mark.

Edge:

Due to temperature, inclement weather and all that snow that she got hit with, Charissa takes this catergory.

Scoring Update: The score is tied 2-2 in this death match. Winner takes all in this final category and just like in the real world, the winner is be decided by pure athletic ability:

Athletic Ability:

Erin:

Seeing this type of athletic ability and sporting prowess on video is breathtaking:

Oh, and did I mention that she can dance?

Charissa Thompson:

The only video that speaks to Charissa’s athleticism is that skiing video above, and that video doesn’t speak to highly of that athleticism.

Edge:

The Queen is not dead just yet. Erin takes this category and the overall victory.

Well, Erin has maintained the crown for now, but Charissa is young and relatively new to the game. As more and more people see her on the sidelines on Sundays, we may have another internet sensation on our hands.

The Angry T

Popularity: 16% [?]