briefs

Playing in hostile Beaver Stadium, the Ohio State Buckeyes cemented their status as the… Playing in hostile Beaver Stadium, the Ohio State Buckeyes cemented their status as the top college football team in the nation with a 37-17 victory over Penn State on Saturday night.

Happy Valley’s 110,134 fans harassed Ohio State all night, but a surprising offensive surge lead the team to victory. Todd Boeckman threw for 253 yards and three touchdowns, while Chris Wells ran for 133 yards.

The win upped Ohio State’s record to 9-0, setting the pace for the other four teams remaining with undefeated records.

For the last week, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Chicago Bulls have been involved in daily discussions regarding a trade that could send superstar Kobe Bryant to the Bulls, according to an ESPN.com report.

The Lakers have requested a package of Ben Gordon, Luol Deng, Tyrus Thomas and Joakim Noah in the deal. The Bulls do not want to give up that much for Bryant however, and in turn the Lakers star does not want to head to Chicago if all four of those players are gone.

According to ESPN.com, the Yankees are preparing a contract extension offer for third baseman Alex Rodriguez that could exceed his already record-setting salary.

Rodriguez can opt out of his existing contract this offseason, but if he does not he still will be paid about $27-million per year for the next three years. The rumored offer from the Yankees could be as much as $30 million a year or possibly higher.

ESPN.com’s Chris Mortensen reported Sunday that several Buffalo Bills players are fearful that Bills owner Ralph Wilson Jr. is interfering with the team. According to an anonymous player, numerous players believe Wilson Jr.’s financial troubles dictate which quarterback the Bills start.

J.P. Losman, the regular starter, was injured earlier this season, but is healthy to return but rookie Trent Edwards keeps starting. Some in the locker room believe the playing-time incentives and impending free agency for Losman have the owner trying to save money by forcing coaches to keep Losman off the field.

– Compiled by Zack Chakan