> 'Cliffe Notes

NFL: Because the football team up north is trying to get it together, people in this state are tempted to follow the rest of the league. And why shouldn’t they? There are great performances every week by teams such as the Cincinnati Bengals.

Everyone has been waiting to see if former Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Carson Palmer was going to step up or fail like past award winners. Well, it seems he needed a learning curve in his first couple of years but is now playing like an elite passer.

NFL: So who is the best team in the NFL? Well, if you look at the records, the Indianapolis Colts (7-0) have the best mark. Quarterback Peyton Manning has had a quiet year numbers-wise, but the Colts’ improved defense is what’s getting the attention of the league.

Of course, they have to beat the New England Patriots on Nov. 6, something they have not done when the lights shine the brightest.

World Series wrap-up: For the first time in 87 years, the south side of Chicago is celebrating a White Sox championship. The Beatles were wrong about love because all you need is pitching.

Chicago did not finish with a .300 hitter, but its pitching staff carried the load against the Houston Astros. Mark Buehrle, Freddy Garcia and Jon Garland started the games, and big Bobby Jenks came up huge in the four-game sweep.

NCAA Football: It’s official — the Reggie Bush NFL sweepstakes is now underway. Does this guy ever have a bad game? A bad game for him is 60 yards rushing with two touchdowns, 80 yards receiving and 100 yards each on punt and kickoff returns.

The Heisman race will come down to Bush, USC teammate Matt Leinart and Texas QB Vince Young. Too bad when USC and Texas face off in the Rose Bowl, the trophy will already have been awarded.