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.

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.

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.

Jason Richardson bounced back from his worst game of the season to score 34 points with 10 rebounds, and the Phoenix Suns rebounded from their only defeat to beat the Boston Celtics 110-103 on Friday night.

Dwyane Wade scored 22 points, Jermaine O'Neal added 18 and the Miami Heat dealt the Denver Nuggets their first loss of the season, 96-88 on Friday night.

Manny Ramirez is coming back to the Dodgers next season.

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

LeBron James scored 33 points in his only visit to Madison Square Garden this season, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 100-91 victory over the New York Knicks on Friday night.

New York brings out the big guns (celebs, Yankees) for LeBron James' only visit this season -- a 100-91 Cavs win over the Knicks. It's a preview of life for the King if he bolts Cleveland, Ken Berger says.

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

The back nine Saturday at the HSBC Champions changed names atop the leaderboard, as Phil Mickelson made three birdies over the last five holes for a 5-under 67 that took him from a two-shot deficit to a two-shot lead over Tiger Woods and Nick Watney in the final World Golf Championship of the year.

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.

Kellen Moore threw for 354 yards and three touchdowns, and No. 5 Boise State survived a brief scare on the road with a 45-35 victory over upstart Louisiana Tech on Friday night.

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.

Chris Stewart scored in the eighth round of the shootout, helping the NHL-leading Colorado Avalanche remain unbeaten at home with a 4-3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday.

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 of a BYU player who went crashing to the ground.

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, who skipped the race to run in Saturday's $5 million Classic against the boys.