The Dallas Cowboys certainly would like to close Texas Stadium in Irving the way they opened it in 1971. Not just by winning the final game.

By winning the Super Bowl, too.

The Cowboys began playing under the hole in the roof in October 1971 and won their first championship at the end of that season. Four more Super Bowl titles and 37 seasons later, Dallas will play its 313th and final game there tonight, taking on the only team that has never visited, the Baltimore Ravens.

"I know the fans will be excited, I know the players are excited," quarterback Tony Romo said. "We'd like to send it out on the right note."

The Cowboys (9-5) also need a win to get closer to the playoffs. There are even three scenarios in which Dallas could lock up a wild card this weekend, but all require a victory against the Ravens, who are among three 9-5 teams fighting for the AFC's lone remaining wild card.

While players and coaches will be focused on what's at stake, the farewell act at this pro sports landmark will be the theme of the evening for everyone else. In fact, the game is merely the opening act for the farewell show.

Soon after players head to the locker rooms, a postgame ceremony will commence featuring some of the guys who turned the Cowboys into "America's Team" and evoked the notion the roof was left open so God could watch his team play. Next season, Dallas is moving into another sports Taj Mahal, a $1.1 billion, 100,000-seat stadium in Arlington.

The Cowboys are 213-99 at home, counting the playoffs, since moving from the Cotton Bowl into this then state-of-the-art building in the suburb of Irving in October 1971. Most of the $35 million cost was paid for through seat option bonds, a first of its kind concept that's evolved into seat licenses. The building also featured 176 luxury suites, more -- and fancier -- than any stadium up to that point.

If the Ravens win, they will join the Oakland-Los Angeles Raiders as the only teams never to have lost at Texas Stadium. The Raiders went 3-0.

Running back Brandon Jacobs practiced yesterday for the third day in a row and was listed as questionable for New York's NFC showdown against the Carolina Panthers. Jacobs missed the game against Dallas a week ago after aggravating an injury to his left knee against Philadelphia the previous Sunday. He leads the Giants with 1,002 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns.

Redskins

Running back Clinton Portis missed practice with a muscle spasm in his back and is listed as questionable for a game against Philadelphia tomorrow. Coach Jim Zorn said he expects Portis to play.

Quarterback Vince Young is suing former major league infielder Enos Cabell and two other men for applying for a trademark to use his initials and "Invinceable" nickname to sell products without his permission. The federal suit filed Dec. 12 in a U.S. District Court in Houston alleges the three men applied for the rights in 2006, the day after Young led the University of Texas to a national championship in the Rose Bowl and won the most valuable player award.

The suit claims the trio has spent large sums marketing and branding the VY image and Invinceable nickname, damaging endorsement deals for Young, including one with Reebok. Young is asking the court to give him the rights to use the initials and nickname. The suit notes that Young, a 2005 Heisman Trophy finalist, became widely known by his Invinceable nickname while playing for Texas.

Ronald Lee "Pete" Case, a guard who played for the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants from 1962-70, died in Georgia after a long illness. He was 67.