Two national title contenders. At least three stars in the running for National Player of the Year. The Big 12 is second to none this season, and Kansas is the best of the best, Gary Parrish says.

At 5-2, the Cowboys want people to take them seriously. Here's an easy solution: beat the Eagles first, Clark Judge says. To do so, they will have to protect red-hot Tony Romo.

Joe Paterno and Penn State age like fine wine -- they just get better, Dennis Dodd says. Proof: the Nittany Lions are chasing a third BCS bowl in five years, but they must first clear their Buckeye hurdle.

Some folks have LSU-Alabama tunnel vision. Tony Barnhart doesn't. He marvels at Case Keenum, contemplates Cincy in prime time, ponders Navy sinking Notre Dame and wonders if Oregon is due for a letdown.

The injury bug is still haunting the Indianapolis Colts. Cornerback Marlin Jackson and strong safety Bob Sanders were lost for the season Friday as the team placed them on injured reserve.

Florida coach Urban Meyer has been fined $30,000 by the Southeastern Conference for criticizing officials.

Crowds roared, church bells rang and streams of paper rained down on Broadway as the New York Yankees celebrated their 27th championship Friday in a way only this city can, with a parade up the Canyon of Heroes.

The Philadelphia Phillies have picked up Cliff Lee's $9 million option for 2010.

Chicago Bulls forward Tyrus Thomas broke his left forearm during a weight training session at practice Friday and will have surgery Saturday. He could miss 4-6 weeks.

Oklahoma State wide receiver Dez Bryant told ESPN.com that he plans to enter the 2010 NFL Draft, disclosing his intentions late Thursday after the NCAA rejected a final appeal by the school to reinstate the junior All-American.

The Chicago White Sox have declined the mutual option on veteran right fielder and former World Series MVP Jermaine Dye, clearing the way for him to become a free agent.

The Minnesota Twins have acquired shortstop J.J. Hardy from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for outfielder Carlos Gomez.

New Mexico soccer player Elizabeth Lambert was suspended Friday for her infractions the day before during a 1-0 loss to BYU. Lambert is seen in video from the game throwing elbows, colliding with several players and then yanking the ponytail

Life Is Sweet has won the $2 million Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic on Friday at Santa Anita, going from last to first with a stretch run on the far outside. The 4-year-old filly is the stablemate of defending champion Zenyatta,

Alex Rodriguez is fighting back. After being hit by a pitch for the third time in two games, A-Rod starts swinging back, breaking a ninth-inning tie in the Yanks' 7-4 win over the Phils. The Phillies have woken up Rodriguez,

You gotta take risks. Like the Vikings, who rolled the dice and drafted Adrian Peterson and Percy Harvin. The result? Both are paying dividends in Minnesota's 7-1 start this year, Clark Judge says.

Chip Kelly has been there: A bad Oregon defeat, the loss of a key player,then a revival, and this time the Ducks claim the 'big win.' Now, the coachfaces the idea of bringing back LeGarrette Blount, Dennis Dodd says.

For the second time in less than a month, Brett Favre sliced up his former team and stuck it to the franchise that cast him aside as the Minnesota Vikings beat the Green Bay Packers 38-26 at Lambeau Field on