thedenverpost--2020-11-28--CU Buffs vs. San Diego State scouting report: Who has the edge, predictions and 3 things to watch

1 .
Last-second showdown .
In a scenario that could only happen in 2020 , the second meeting in the history of these two programs was put together two days before kickoff after their scheduled conference opponents ( USC and Fresno State ) were sidelined by COVID-19 .
The Buffs won the first meeting 34-14 on Sept. 7 , 2002 , thanks to a big game from running back Chris Brown ( 29 carries , 185 yards ) .
2 .
Rusty Buffs ?
CU received an impromptu bye when last week ’ s scheduled game against Arizona State was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it takes the Buffs to shake off the rust against the Aztecs , who lost 26-21 to unbeaten Nevada last Saturday in Reno , could very well determine who comes out of Saturday ’ s game with the “ W. ” 3 .
MW mainstay .
Thanks to the Rocky Mountain Showdown , the Buffs have faced a Mountain West opponent every year since the conference ’ s inception in 1999 .
They ’ ve fared pretty well in those meetings , too , going 17-10 overall .
That record is padded with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ however .
Against the rest of the MW , CU is an unimpressive 3-3. Who has the edge ?
The Aztecs ’ biggest strength on offense is unquestionably their ground game .
SDSU is averaging 280.3 rushing yards per game ( fourth-best in FBS ) , with senior Greg Bell the , ahem , bellcow at 565 yards and six touchdowns on 94 totes .
While the Buffs have only surrendered 245 rush yards in a pair of wins , they are giving up 5.33 yards per carry .
That will not get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re a long way away from the days of Dan McGwire , Don Coryell and vaunted passing games of SDSU past .
The Aztecs ’ mostly ground-bound offense is capable of making big plays through the air , but usually only after establishing the run .
Case in point : SDSU has only one more TD pass ( 4 ) than interceptions thrown ( 3 ) .
A still young-and-inexperienced CU secondary should hold its own .
After submitting back-to-back 100-yard games against UCLA and Stanford in his first two collegiate starts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back Jarek Broussard : the Texas native is the real deal .
Now the sophomore faces a stiff test against an Aztecs defense that is allowing just 90.5 rushing yards per game .
Nary a running back has topped the century mark against SDSU this fall .
Can Broussard be the first ?
Buffs quarterback Sam Noyer and receiver Dimitri Stanley have showcased a special connection through two games , with the Cherry Creek product hauling in six passes in both games for 192 yards .
Noyer has been efficient overall , completing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yards and three touchdowns .
The Aztecs ’ secondary is no pushover , however , with its 152.3 passing yards allowed per game third-best in FBS .
Aztecs kicker Matt Araiza has been solid , if unspectacular , this season , hitting 6-of-8 field goals with none longer than 36 yards .
Evan Price has been similarly effective since replacing James Stefanou .
SDSU punter Tanner Kuljian ( 48.44 yards per punt ) is a great field position weapon .
During a season in which we ’ re literally making everything up as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , it feels like the only sure things in the world anymore are Sam Noyer karate-kicking some defender , the Buffs hanging 30 on someone , and the CU defense hanging on for dear life .
The Buffs have to invite a Mountain West team to Boulder to finally face a decent defense .
Expect a challenge for Sam Noyer and Co. , but the Buffs have just enough to outscore a one-dimensional Aztecs attack .
A fourth-quarter field goal gives the Buffs a 3-0 start behind another impressive game from quarterback @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t-break defense does just enough for the win .

Three things to watch
1. Last-second showdown. In a scenario that could only happen in 2020, the second meeting in the history of these two programs was put together two days before kickoff after their scheduled conference opponents (USC and Fresno State) were sidelined by COVID-19. The Buffs won the first meeting 34-14 on Sept. 7, 2002, thanks to a big game from running back Chris Brown (29 carries, 185 yards).
2. Rusty Buffs? CU received an impromptu bye when last week’s scheduled game against Arizona State was lost to the virus. How long it takes the Buffs to shake off the rust against the Aztecs, who lost 26-21 to unbeaten Nevada last Saturday in Reno, could very well determine who comes out of Saturday’s game with the “W.”
3. MW mainstay. Thanks to the Rocky Mountain Showdown, the Buffs have faced a Mountain West opponent every year since the conference’s inception in 1999. They’ve fared pretty well in those meetings, too, going 17-10 overall. That record is padded with wins against CSU (14-7), however. Against the rest of the MW, CU is an unimpressive 3-3.
Who has the edge?
When SDSU runs
The Aztecs’ biggest strength on offense is unquestionably their ground game. SDSU is averaging 280.3 rushing yards per game (fourth-best in FBS), with senior Greg Bell the, ahem, bellcow at 565 yards and six touchdowns on 94 totes. While the Buffs have only surrendered 245 rush yards in a pair of wins, they are giving up 5.33 yards per carry. That will not get it done against SDSU.
Edge: SDSU
When SDSU passes
We’re a long way away from the days of Dan McGwire, Don Coryell and vaunted passing games of SDSU past. The Aztecs’ mostly ground-bound offense is capable of making big plays through the air, but usually only after establishing the run. Case in point: SDSU has only one more TD pass (4) than interceptions thrown (3). A still young-and-inexperienced CU secondary should hold its own.
Edge: Buffs
When the Buffs run
After submitting back-to-back 100-yard games against UCLA and Stanford in his first two collegiate starts, this much is certain about CU running back Jarek Broussard: the Texas native is the real deal. Now the sophomore faces a stiff test against an Aztecs defense that is allowing just 90.5 rushing yards per game. Nary a running back has topped the century mark against SDSU this fall. Can Broussard be the first?
Edge: Buffs
When the Buffs pass
Buffs quarterback Sam Noyer and receiver Dimitri Stanley have showcased a special connection through two games, with the Cherry Creek product hauling in six passes in both games for 192 yards. Noyer has been efficient overall, completing 63.6% of his passes for 512 yards and three touchdowns. The Aztecs’ secondary is no pushover, however, with its 152.3 passing yards allowed per game third-best in FBS.
Edge: SDSU
Special teams
Aztecs kicker Matt Araiza has been solid, if unspectacular, this season, hitting 6-of-8 field goals with none longer than 36 yards. Evan Price has been similarly effective since replacing James Stefanou. SDSU punter Tanner Kuljian (48.44 yards per punt) is a great field position weapon.
Edge: Even
Post predictions
Sean Keeler, columnist: CU 34, SDSU 30
During a season in which we’re literally making everything up as we go along (including the schedule), it feels like the only sure things in the world anymore are Sam Noyer karate-kicking some defender, the Buffs hanging 30 on someone, and the CU defense hanging on for dear life.
Matt Schubert, deputy sports editor: CU 24, SDSU 20
The Buffs have to invite a Mountain West team to Boulder to finally face a decent defense. Expect a challenge for Sam Noyer and Co., but the Buffs have just enough to outscore a one-dimensional Aztecs attack.
Kyle Fredrickson, beat writer: CU 38, SDSU 35
A fourth-quarter field goal gives the Buffs a 3-0 start behind another impressive game from quarterback Sam Noyer. CU’s bend-but-don’t-break defense does just enough for the win.


thedenverpost--2020-11-28--Meet Legend running back Bryce Vaz: The breakout star of the Class 5A football playoffs

Legend running back Bryce Vaz sprinted into the end zone so many times in the first round of the Class 5A playoffs that it proved difficult to keep count .
“ I ’ ll be honest with you , ” his coach Monte Thelen said , recalling his thought process as No .
3 Legend rolled to a 56-35 victory over No .
6 Fairview last week .
“ I didn ’ t know for sure how many touchdowns he had scored.
” Vaz ’ s touchdown tally ?
A stunning six rushing scores — matching his total carries for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The junior making his first Legend start at running back , converted from wide receiver , propelled his team into Saturday ’ s semifinal matchup with No .
2 Valor Christian — establishing Vaz as the early breakout star of the Colorado prep football postseason .
“ I wasn ’ t keeping track , but after every time I would score , my teammates would come up to me on the sidelines and tell me , ” Vaz said .
“ I wasn ’ t really worried about it .
I just knew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us .
We had to go out there and win .
… I was just waiting for my opportunity.
” Vaz began playing football at about age 5 in flag competition , he said , with supreme agility “ making kids miss and scoring touchdowns.
” Vaz later enrolled at Valor Christian for his freshman year to play football .
However , when his parents changed jobs , Vaz left Valor for Legend .
CHSAA transfer rules prohibited him from playing varsity last season .
Then Vaz suffered a high-ankle sprain that held @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I was very upset by it , ” Vaz said .
“ I understood the transfer rules .
But it was just a wacky situation playing JV when I knew I was varsity talent.
” Vaz finally got his opportunity this season but was unable to supplant senior Connor Eise as the starting running back .
Vaz faced another setback with a hamstring injury .
When healthy , Legend coaches featured him at wide receiver , but Vaz always felt more comfortable at running back .
Then Eise was injured in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarterfinals against Fairview .
Legend turned to Vaz in the backfield and he exceeded all expectations .
Late in the first quarter , Vaz broke loose for a 56-yard touchdown — validating his desire to carry the football .
Fairview couldn ’ t keep Vaz out of the end zone , as he put up 310 yards on 31 carries .
“ He ’ s explosive , ” Thelen said .
“ He ’ s got good speed and strength , and showed really good balance against Fairview .
He ran away from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a fine young man from a very good family .
We ’ re really happy for his success.
” Legend ( 7-0 ) aims to keep its momentum rolling against Vaz ’ s former team at Valor Christian ( 6-0 ) on Saturday .
Vaz knows Legend is the underdog .
That only strengthens his desire for a chance to play in the 5A state title game next week in Pueblo .
“ I have high standards for myself in this game , ” Vaz said .
“ I have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did last week because Valor is a tougher team ( than Fairview ) .
But I know all their players and all their guys .
I ’ m really excited to go out there and show them what they ’ re missing out on .
”

Legend running back Bryce Vaz sprinted into the end zone so many times in the first round of the Class 5A playoffs that it proved difficult to keep count.
“I’ll be honest with you,” his coach Monte Thelen said, recalling his thought process as No. 3 Legend rolled to a 56-35 victory over No. 6 Fairview last week. “I didn’t know for sure how many touchdowns he had scored.”
Vaz’s touchdown tally? A stunning six rushing scores — matching his total carries for the season prior to last week.
The junior making his first Legend start at running back, converted from wide receiver, propelled his team into Saturday’s semifinal matchup with No. 2 Valor Christian — establishing Vaz as the early breakout star of the Colorado prep football postseason.
“I wasn’t keeping track, but after every time I would score, my teammates would come up to me on the sidelines and tell me,” Vaz said. “I wasn’t really worried about it. I just knew this was a big playoff game for us. We had to go out there and win. … I was just waiting for my opportunity.”
Vaz began playing football at about age 5 in flag competition, he said, with supreme agility “making kids miss and scoring touchdowns.” Vaz later enrolled at Valor Christian for his freshman year to play football.
However, when his parents changed jobs, Vaz left Valor for Legend. CHSAA transfer rules prohibited him from playing varsity last season. Then Vaz suffered a high-ankle sprain that held him out from several JV games.
“I was very upset by it,” Vaz said. “I understood the transfer rules. But it was just a wacky situation playing JV when I knew I was varsity talent.”
Vaz finally got his opportunity this season but was unable to supplant senior Connor Eise as the starting running back. Vaz faced another setback with a hamstring injury. When healthy, Legend coaches featured him at wide receiver, but Vaz always felt more comfortable at running back.
Then Eise was injured in the week of practice leading up to the quarterfinals against Fairview. Legend turned to Vaz in the backfield and he exceeded all expectations. Late in the first quarter, Vaz broke loose for a 56-yard touchdown — validating his desire to carry the football.
Fairview couldn’t keep Vaz out of the end zone, as he put up 310 yards on 31 carries.
“He’s explosive,” Thelen said. “He’s got good speed and strength, and showed really good balance against Fairview. He ran away from a lot of people. … He’s a fine young man from a very good family. We’re really happy for his success.”
Legend (7-0) aims to keep its momentum rolling against Vaz’s former team at Valor Christian (6-0) on Saturday. Vaz knows Legend is the underdog. That only strengthens his desire for a chance to play in the 5A state title game next week in Pueblo.
“I have high standards for myself in this game,” Vaz said. “I have to ball out even more than I even did last week because Valor is a tougher team (than Fairview). But I know all their players and all their guys. I’m really excited to go out there and show them what they’re missing out on.”


thedenverpost--2020-11-27--Virus keeps Black Friday crowds thin, shoppers shift online

NEW YORK — The raging coronavirus pandemic kept crowds thin at malls and stores across the country on Black Friday , but a surge in online shopping offered a beacon of hope for struggling retailers after months of slumping sales and businesses toppling into bankruptcy .
In normal times , Black Friday is the busiest shopping day of the year , drawing millions of people eager to get started on their holiday spending .
But these are not normal times : A spike in coronavirus cases is threatening the economy ’ s fitful recovery from the sudden plunge in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diminished as shoppers shifted online .
Game consoles , cookware , robotic vacuum cleaners , slippers and pajamas were popular among shoppers preparing to spend a lot of time indoors this winter .
Many were still eager to get into the holiday spirit and delight their loved ones after a tough year .
Eric Kelly , a boxing gym owner , camped outside a store on Black Friday for the first time in his life , trying to score a PlayStation 5 for his 13-year-old twin sons as a reward for persevering through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They ’ ve been away from their friends , ” said Kelly , who failed to get the console at a GameStop in New York City ’ s Union Square but said he would keep trying online .
“ They ’ ve done everything they had to do in school and outside of school , so I have to award them for being exceptional kids.
” Before Black Friday , GameStop teased that it would have a limited supply of the new $ 500 PlayStation 5 game console for sale only at its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that sold it only online .
Kelly said “ people were on top of each other ” in the line .
At a Garden State Plaza mall in Paramus , New Jersey , police monitored a crowd outside a GameStop , but few people kept their distance .
GameStop said was taking several safety precautions , including contactless pickup .
Many retailers beefed up their safety protocols to reassure wary customers about coming in on Black Friday .
But stores also catered to those shopping digitally by moving their doorbuster deals online and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We have been intentional to try to not create the frenzy , the doorbusters , the long lines and the crowds you typically see on a Black Friday , ” said Stephen Lebovitz , CEO of CBL , which operates about 100 malls and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in November .
Several hundred shoppers lined up ahead of opening at Mall of America in Bloomington , Minnesota , which normally attracts several thousand on Black Friday .
The mall spread out the Black Friday deals over eight days , and many retail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pickup , said Jill Renslow , Mall of America ’ s senior vice president of business development .
“ It feels good , and it ’ s the right thing to do to keep everybody safe , ” Renslow said “ Everyone is shopping a little differently but that ’ s OK. ” Only a trickle of shoppers showed up at Macy ’ s Herald Square in New York an hour after it opened , offering 50 % off handbags and 60 % off women ’ s and men ’ s coats .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ A Christmas tree towered over the largely empty streets around The Domain , the most popular outdoor mall in Austin , Texas .
Store employees counted masked shoppers trickling in to stay within the state ’ s 75 % capacity limit .
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has labeled shopping in crowded stores during the holidays a “ higher risk ” activity and says people should limit any in-person shopping .
The National Retail Federation , the nation ’ s largest retail trade group , predicted that shoppers will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade group expects sales for the November and December period to increase between 3.6 % and 5.2 % over 2019 , compared with a 4 % increase the year before .
Holiday sales have averaged gains of 3.5 % over the past five years .
“ We think there ’ s going to be a psychological factor that they owe it to themselves and their families to have a better-than-normal holiday , ” said NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz .
Thanksgiving Day hit a new record online as spending reached $ 5.1 billion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year ago , according to Adobe Analytics , which measures sales at 80 of the top 100 U.S. online retailers .
Among the most popular items were Lego sets , Barbie toys , and kid scooters , HP laptops , and Apple Watches , according to Adobe .
The popularity of Netflix ’ s “ Queen ’ s Gambit ” has boosted sales for chess-related items .
Walmart , which spread out its Black Friday deals over several weekends , said its most popular deals included this year ’ s new gaming consoles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Edufy Robotic Vacuum .
Black Friday is projected to generate $ 10 billion in online sales , a 39 % bump from the year ago period , according to Adobe .
And Cyber Monday , the Monday after Thanksgiving , will remain the biggest online shopping day of the year with $ 12.7 billion in sales , a 35 % jump .
Big box stores like Walmart and Target , which were allowed to stay open during the spring lockdowns , have enjoyed further gains from ramping up their online services , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that were forced to close have struggled to recover .
More than 40 chains , including J.C. Penney and J.Crew , filed for bankruptcy .
“ Is there going to be a surge in apparel gifting , footwear gifting to help out any of the specialty retailers and do they have the digital presence to actually capture the attention of the consumers ?
” said Sonia Lapinsky , managing director in AlixPartners ’ retail practice .
“ That remains to be seen , and I think it will be more on the grim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be had this year .
Non-essential retailers were forced to halt production at the onset of the pandemic , leading to lower inventory .
As a result , holiday promotions are tracking below last year ’ s levels for clothing , consumer electronics , power and hand tools and home goods , according to Numerator , a market research firm .
Erika Mendez usually heads to the mall every Black Friday to shop at clothing brands Zara , H & M or Forever 21 .
But this year , the New Jersey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , scoring a Nike track suit for 25 % off , as well as Nike sneakers that were 20 % off .
“ It ’ s just easier ordering online than going out , ” says Mendez .
And Black Friday was the last thing on the minds of some hurt the most by the pandemic .
At a popular shopping area in St. Petersburg , Florida , several storefronts were empty , and the only line was at a plasma donation center .
Leonard Chester , 58 , said he hoped to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ donation , saying that he needed to eat .
When reminded that it was Black Friday , he let out a laugh and pointed to the line around him .
“ This says that people are hurting .
The economy ’ s bad , ” said Chester , who was laid off from his job as a bouncer at a strip club two months ago .
AP Staff Writers Tamara Lush in St. Petersburg , Florida , Acacia Coronado in Austin , Texas , and Desiree Mathurin in New York contributed to this @ @

By ALEXANDRA OLSON, ANNE D’INNOCENZIO and JOSEPH PISANI
NEW YORK — The raging coronavirus pandemic kept crowds thin at malls and stores across the country on Black Friday, but a surge in online shopping offered a beacon of hope for struggling retailers after months of slumping sales and businesses toppling into bankruptcy.
In normal times, Black Friday is the busiest shopping day of the year, drawing millions of people eager to get started on their holiday spending.
But these are not normal times: A spike in coronavirus cases is threatening the economy’s fitful recovery from the sudden plunge in the spring. Crowds at stores were dramatically diminished as shoppers shifted online.
Game consoles, cookware, robotic vacuum cleaners, slippers and pajamas were popular among shoppers preparing to spend a lot of time indoors this winter. Many were still eager to get into the holiday spirit and delight their loved ones after a tough year.
Eric Kelly, a boxing gym owner, camped outside a store on Black Friday for the first time in his life, trying to score a PlayStation 5 for his 13-year-old twin sons as a reward for persevering through remote learning during the pandemic.
“They’ve been away from their friends,” said Kelly, who failed to get the console at a GameStop in New York City’s Union Square but said he would keep trying online. “They’ve done everything they had to do in school and outside of school, so I have to award them for being exceptional kids.”
Before Black Friday, GameStop teased that it would have a limited supply of the new $500 PlayStation 5 game console for sale only at its stores, in contrast to other retailers that sold it only online.
Kelly said “people were on top of each other” in the line. At a Garden State Plaza mall in Paramus, New Jersey, police monitored a crowd outside a GameStop, but few people kept their distance.
GameStop said was taking several safety precautions, including contactless pickup.
Many retailers beefed up their safety protocols to reassure wary customers about coming in on Black Friday. But stores also catered to those shopping digitally by moving their doorbuster deals online and ramping up curbside pickup options.
“We have been intentional to try to not create the frenzy, the doorbusters, the long lines and the crowds you typically see on a Black Friday, ” said Stephen Lebovitz, CEO of CBL, which operates about 100 malls and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in November.
Several hundred shoppers lined up ahead of opening at Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, which normally attracts several thousand on Black Friday. The mall spread out the Black Friday deals over eight days, and many retail tenants pivoted more to online and curbside pickup, said Jill Renslow, Mall of America’s senior vice president of business development.
“It feels good, and it’s the right thing to do to keep everybody safe,” Renslow said “Everyone is shopping a little differently but that’s OK.”
Only a trickle of shoppers showed up at Macy’s Herald Square in New York an hour after it opened, offering 50% off handbags and 60% off women’s and men’s coats. Workers sanitized door knobs and windows.
A Christmas tree towered over the largely empty streets around The Domain, the most popular outdoor mall in Austin, Texas. Store employees counted masked shoppers trickling in to stay within the state’s 75% capacity limit.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has labeled shopping in crowded stores during the holidays a “higher risk” activity and says people should limit any in-person shopping.
The National Retail Federation, the nation’s largest retail trade group, predicted that shoppers will be looking for reasons to celebrate. The trade group expects sales for the November and December period to increase between 3.6% and 5.2% over 2019, compared with a 4% increase the year before. Holiday sales have averaged gains of 3.5% over the past five years.
“We think there’s going to be a psychological factor that they owe it to themselves and their families to have a better-than-normal holiday,” said NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz.
Thanksgiving Day hit a new record online as spending reached $5.1 billion, up 21.5% compared to a year ago, according to Adobe Analytics, which measures sales at 80 of the top 100 U.S. online retailers. Among the most popular items were Lego sets, Barbie toys, and kid scooters, HP laptops, and Apple Watches, according to Adobe. The popularity of Netflix’s “Queen’s Gambit” has boosted sales for chess-related items.
Walmart, which spread out its Black Friday deals over several weekends, said its most popular deals included this year’s new gaming consoles, wireless headphones, home appliances like the Edufy Robotic Vacuum.
Black Friday is projected to generate $10 billion in online sales, a 39% bump from the year ago period, according to Adobe. And Cyber Monday, the Monday after Thanksgiving, will remain the biggest online shopping day of the year with $12.7 billion in sales, a 35% jump.
Big box stores like Walmart and Target, which were allowed to stay open during the spring lockdowns, have enjoyed further gains from ramping up their online services, analysts say.
But stores deemed non-essential that were forced to close have struggled to recover. More than 40 chains, including J.C. Penney and J.Crew, filed for bankruptcy.
“Is there going to be a surge in apparel gifting, footwear gifting to help out any of the specialty retailers and do they have the digital presence to actually capture the attention of the consumers?” said Sonia Lapinsky, managing director in AlixPartners’ retail practice. “That remains to be seen, and I think it will be more on the grim side.”
There are also fewer deals to be had this year. Non-essential retailers were forced to halt production at the onset of the pandemic, leading to lower inventory. As a result, holiday promotions are tracking below last year’s levels for clothing, consumer electronics, power and hand tools and home goods, according to Numerator, a market research firm.
Erika Mendez usually heads to the mall every Black Friday to shop at clothing brands Zara, H&M or Forever 21. But this year, the New Jersey journalist student ended up shopping on Amazon, scoring a Nike track suit for 25% off, as well as Nike sneakers that were 20% off.
“It’s just easier ordering online than going out,” says Mendez.
And Black Friday was the last thing on the minds of some hurt the most by the pandemic. At a popular shopping area in St. Petersburg, Florida, several storefronts were empty, and the only line was at a plasma donation center.
Leonard Chester, 58, said he hoped to get at least $55 for the donation, saying that he needed to eat. When reminded that it was Black Friday, he let out a laugh and pointed to the line around him.
“This says that people are hurting. The economy’s bad,” said Chester, who was laid off from his job as a bouncer at a strip club two months ago.
AP Staff Writers Tamara Lush in St. Petersburg, Florida, Acacia Coronado in Austin, Texas, and Desiree Mathurin in New York contributed to this report.


thedenverpost--2020-11-27--Ravaged by COVID-19, Ravens-Steelers game postponed to Tuesday

With reigning NFL MVP Lamar Jackson under quarantine as part of an outbreak of COVID-19 that has ravaged the Baltimore Ravens , the team has turned its focus from breaking out of a slump to simply getting healthy and back to practice .
The Ravens have more than a dozen players on the reserve/COVID-19 list , and their training facility is closed to prevent the spread of the virus .
Jackson tested positive this week and will not play against the unbeaten Pittsburgh Steelers next Tuesday night , a game that was originally scheduled for Thanksgiving night and postponed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again .
The makeup for the makeup will be held at 8 p.m .
ET and telecast nationally by NBC .
With that game moving to Tuesday , Baltimore ’ s game against Dallas , scheduled for Thursday , Dec. 3 , will instead be played at 5 o ’ clock on Monday , Dec. 7 and telecast by FOX/NFL Net/Amazon .
“ We appreciate the efforts of the NFL and Pittsburgh Steelers throughout this process , while we all work to create an environment that keeps the health and safety of everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said .
“ Our organization has a plan in place , and we will be prepared to play the Steelers .
We thank everyone for their adaptability and look forward to the challenge of facing a very good football team at Heinz Field on Tuesday night.
” Baltimore ( 6-4 ) will be decidedly short-handed against Pittsburgh ( 10-0 ) .
Jackson , fullback Patrick Ricard , defensive tackle Justin Madubuike , and long snapper Morgan Cox were added to the COVID-19 list on Monday .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mark Ingram and J.K. Dobbins ; defensive linemen Calais Campbell , Brandon Williams and Jihad Ward ; linebacker Pernell McPhee ; and centers Patrick Mekari and Matt Skura .
A year ago , the Ravens finished with the best regular-season record in the NFL behind the play of Jackson , who threw 36 touchdown passes and set a single-season record for yards rushing by a quarterback .
Now Jackson is part of a massive breakdown by a team that couldn ’ t avoid COVID-19 in the midst of a season the NFL staged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Baltimore ’ s problems started after an overtime loss to Tennessee on Sunday , the third defeat in four games for a team that has gone from a 5-1 start to scrambling to make the playoffs for a third straight year .
Ingram and Dobbins were placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list the following day , starting a chain reaction that has decimated the roster .
Robert Griffin III is slated to start at quarterback for the Ravens on Tuesday against the Steelers .
He will be taking snaps from a third-string center and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Edwards and Justice Hill .
“ We just want to contain this outbreak !
Speaking from experience … you don ’ t want to catch COVID !
, ” Campbell wrote on Twitter .
“ This virus is brutal !
I pray no one else has to go thru this .
This is bigger than football.
” The Ravens have disciplined one of their staffers for failure to follow protocol , reportedly a strength and conditioning coach .
This isn ’ t the first time this season COVID-19 has toyed with Pittsburgh ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to play Tennessee in Nashville on Sunday , Oct. 4 .
The league then pushed the game to either Monday or Tuesday .
When the positive tests continued to roll in for the Titans , the NFL eventually moved the game to Sunday , Oct. 25 , forcing the Steelers , in essence , to give up their scheduled bye initially set for Sunday , Nov. 1 — and finish the regular season by playing 13 consecutive weeks .
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin stressed he was hardly concerned with the switch , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” when asked about the team ’ s routine being thrown off .
Pittsburgh has cruised along anyway , though the league ’ s last unbeaten team has been forced to deal with its own COVID-19 issues in recent weeks .
Tight end Vance McDonald tested positive following a win over Dallas earlier this month .
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and inside linebacker Vince Williams were among a handful of players forced to self-quarantine for five days due to contact tracing .
Roethlisberger and Williams still ended up playing in what became a 36-10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of just how pervasive COVID-19 has become , shortly after the league announced it was moving the contest to Tuesday , the Steelers placed defensive end Stephon Tuitt , offensive lineman Jerald Hawkins and defensive tackle Isaiah Buggs on the COVID-19 reserve/injured list .
Tuitt is in the middle of a career year .
His seven sacks rank third on the team behind outside linebackers T.J. Watt and Bud Dupree .

With reigning NFL MVP Lamar Jackson under quarantine as part of an outbreak of COVID-19 that has ravaged the Baltimore Ravens, the team has turned its focus from breaking out of a slump to simply getting healthy and back to practice.
The Ravens have more than a dozen players on the reserve/COVID-19 list, and their training facility is closed to prevent the spread of the virus . Jackson tested positive this week and will not play against the unbeaten Pittsburgh Steelers next Tuesday night, a game that was originally scheduled for Thanksgiving night and postponed to Sunday before the NFL moved the game again.
The makeup for the makeup will be held at 8 p.m. ET and telecast nationally by NBC.
With that game moving to Tuesday, Baltimore’s game against Dallas, scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 3, will instead be played at 5 o’clock on Monday, Dec. 7 and telecast by FOX/NFL Net/Amazon.
“We appreciate the efforts of the NFL and Pittsburgh Steelers throughout this process, while we all work to create an environment that keeps the health and safety of everyone involved at the forefront of each decision,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. “Our organization has a plan in place, and we will be prepared to play the Steelers. We thank everyone for their adaptability and look forward to the challenge of facing a very good football team at Heinz Field on Tuesday night.”
Baltimore (6-4) will be decidedly short-handed against Pittsburgh (10-0).
Jackson, fullback Patrick Ricard, defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, and long snapper Morgan Cox were added to the COVID-19 list on Monday. They join quarterback Trace McSorley; running backs Mark Ingram and J.K. Dobbins; defensive linemen Calais Campbell, Brandon Williams and Jihad Ward; linebacker Pernell McPhee; and centers Patrick Mekari and Matt Skura.
A year ago, the Ravens finished with the best regular-season record in the NFL behind the play of Jackson, who threw 36 touchdown passes and set a single-season record for yards rushing by a quarterback. Now Jackson is part of a massive breakdown by a team that couldn’t avoid COVID-19 in the midst of a season the NFL staged in the middle of a pandemic.
Baltimore’s problems started after an overtime loss to Tennessee on Sunday, the third defeat in four games for a team that has gone from a 5-1 start to scrambling to make the playoffs for a third straight year.
Ingram and Dobbins were placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list the following day, starting a chain reaction that has decimated the roster.
Robert Griffin III is slated to start at quarterback for the Ravens on Tuesday against the Steelers. He will be taking snaps from a third-string center and handing off to backup running backs Gus Edwards and Justice Hill.
“We just want to contain this outbreak! Speaking from experience … you don’t want to catch COVID!,” Campbell wrote on Twitter. “This virus is brutal! I pray no one else has to go thru this. This is bigger than football.”
The Ravens have disciplined one of their staffers for failure to follow protocol, reportedly a strength and conditioning coach.
This isn’t the first time this season COVID-19 has toyed with Pittsburgh’s schedule.
The Steelers were scheduled to play Tennessee in Nashville on Sunday, Oct. 4. The league then pushed the game to either Monday or Tuesday. When the positive tests continued to roll in for the Titans, the NFL eventually moved the game to Sunday, Oct. 25, forcing the Steelers, in essence, to give up their scheduled bye initially set for Sunday, Nov. 1 — and finish the regular season by playing 13 consecutive weeks.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin stressed he was hardly concerned with the switch, saying emphatically “we do not care” when asked about the team’s routine being thrown off.
Pittsburgh has cruised along anyway, though the league’s last unbeaten team has been forced to deal with its own COVID-19 issues in recent weeks. Tight end Vance McDonald tested positive following a win over Dallas earlier this month. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and inside linebacker Vince Williams were among a handful of players forced to self-quarantine for five days due to contact tracing. Roethlisberger and Williams still ended up playing in what became a 36-10 rout of Cincinnati.
In a sign of just how pervasive COVID-19 has become, shortly after the league announced it was moving the contest to Tuesday, the Steelers placed defensive end Stephon Tuitt, offensive lineman Jerald Hawkins and defensive tackle Isaiah Buggs on the COVID-19 reserve/injured list.
Tuitt is in the middle of a career year. His seven sacks rank third on the team behind outside linebackers T.J. Watt and Bud Dupree.


thedenverpost--2020-11-27--Women’s soccer player will dress, poised to play for Vanderbilt football on Saturday

NASHVILLE , Tenn. — Women ’ s soccer player Sarah Fuller will don a football uniform Saturday for Vanderbilt and is poised to become the first woman to play in a Power 5 game when the Commodores visit Missouri .
“ Let ’ s make history , ” senior Sarah Fuller wrote Friday on Twitter with a photo of herself .
No woman has appeared in an Southeastern Conference football game or for any Power 5 gridiron team .
Liz Heaston became the first woman to score with two extra points for Willamette in NAIA on Oct. 18 , 1997 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to score at the Football Bowl Subdivision level with two extra points for New Mexico on Aug. 30 , 2003 .
April Goss was the second with an extra point for Kent State in 2015 .
Tonya Butler was the first woman to kick a field goal in an NCAA game for Division II West Alabama on Sept. 13 , 2003 .
A senior from Wylie , Texas , Fuller made three saves last weekend as Vanderbilt upset top-seeded Arkansas 3-1 in women ’ s soccer to capture the program ’ s first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fuller played every minute of the tournament and said it ’ s an honor Vanderbilt called on her to help out .
She ’ ll be wearing “ Play Like A Girl ” on the back of her helmet .
“ I think it ’ s amazing and incredible .
But I ’ m also trying to separate that because I know this is a job I need to do and I want to help the team out and I want to do the best that I can , ” Fuller said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ helps me focus in on what I need to do .
I don ’ t want to let them down in anyway .
COVID-19 protocols and restrictions have left coach Derek Mason with a limited number of specialists available against Missouri .
That ’ s why he reached out to soccer coach Darren Ambrose for some help .
And if she is called upon to assist , Fuller will make history .

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Women’s soccer player Sarah Fuller will don a football uniform Saturday for Vanderbilt and is poised to become the first woman to play in a Power 5 game when the Commodores visit Missouri.
“Let’s make history,” senior Sarah Fuller wrote Friday on Twitter with a photo of herself.
No woman has appeared in an Southeastern Conference football game or for any Power 5 gridiron team. Liz Heaston became the first woman to score with two extra points for Willamette in NAIA on Oct. 18, 1997.
Katie Hnida was the first woman to score at the Football Bowl Subdivision level with two extra points for New Mexico on Aug. 30, 2003. April Goss was the second with an extra point for Kent State in 2015. Tonya Butler was the first woman to kick a field goal in an NCAA game for Division II West Alabama on Sept. 13, 2003.
A senior from Wylie, Texas, Fuller made three saves last weekend as Vanderbilt upset top-seeded Arkansas 3-1 in women’s soccer to capture the program’s first Southeastern Conference Tournament title since 1994. Fuller played every minute of the tournament and said it’s an honor Vanderbilt called on her to help out.
She’ll be wearing “Play Like A Girl” on the back of her helmet.
“I think it’s amazing and incredible. But I’m also trying to separate that because I know this is a job I need to do and I want to help the team out and I want to do the best that I can,” Fuller said. “Placing that historical aspect aside just helps me focus in on what I need to do. I don’t want to let them down in anyway.
COVID-19 protocols and restrictions have left coach Derek Mason with a limited number of specialists available against Missouri. That’s why he reached out to soccer coach Darren Ambrose for some help.
And if she is called upon to assist, Fuller will make history.


thedenverpost--2020-11-27--Bears name Mitchell Trubisky starting QB vs. Packers

LAKE FOREST , IL .
— It ’ s been a long way back from a difficult place for Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky .
After being benched in Week 3 , Trubisky will start against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night , Bears coach Matt Nagy said Friday .
Trubisky took all the first-team snaps at practice this week but Nagy had stopped just short of designating him the starter , just in case Nick Foles was able to return from a hip and glute injury .
But Foles was unable to practice again Friday and Nagy turned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worked hard this time that he ’ s been the backup to be prepared for if and when this time comes , whether it ’ s through performance or whether it ’ s through availability or injury with Nick , ” Nagy said .
The Bears are trying to end a four-game losing streak , and they ’ re more focused on that than their long-term future at quarterback .
“ As far as next week or following weeks , it ’ s hard for me to predict that right now , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the game and Nagy said it ’ s still possible Foles could be the backup .
Tyler Bray is the other option .
Trubisky suffered a right shoulder injury Nov. 1 against New Orleans while he ran on a zone-read , his only play since being benched against Atlanta in Week 3 .
Foles ’ injury occurred on a sack in the fourth quarter of a 19-13 loss to Minnesota on Nov. 16 .
Nagy turned to Foles seeking a spark for his team ’ s offense , and Foles rallied Chicago from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to beat Atlanta after Trubisky was benched .
But the Bears are 2-5 with Foles as the starter , averaging 16.7 points per game .
Foles has completed 202 of 311 passes for 1,852 yards with 10 touchdown passes and eight interceptions .
He has a quarterback rating of 81.0 .
Trubisky is 51 of 86 for 560 yards with six touchdowns , three interceptions and a passer rating of 87.4 .
In his first media interview since the benching , Trubisky called the situation a total surprise , and said he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He ’ d been starting since Week 5 of his rookie year in 2017 .
“ I think more than anything I was caught off guard , ” Trubisky said .
“ I think in the beginning of the season I was just starting to build some momentum and then it kind of felt like a blind-side .
“ Then I decided to embrace the new role .
And the first couple of days it ( stunk ) being in that role but I was trying to just keep perspective and think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to wins in their first two games , including a rally from a 17-point deficit in Week 1 against Detroit .
“ I want to play in this league a long time and if I want to do that , there ’ s things I just want to continue to get better at , ” Trubisky said .
“ At that point I just changed my mindset to embrace practice .
I was doing my job on the scout team , trying to give the defense a good look , taking a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did feel during those weeks I got better as a player just testing different throws , leading the offense and seeing a lot of good looks from my defense.
” Trubisky was the second pick of the 2017 draft and the Bears in May declined the fifth-year option on his contract , meaning he is slated to become a free agent after the season .
The Packers have beaten the Bears in four of Trubisky ’ s five starts .
“ They ’ ve thrown a lot of different stuff over the years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ re expecting , ” Trubisky said .
“ They ’ re gon na try to confuse us on the back end , get after us up front with their rush and just try to confuse the quarterback and us on offense , play predominantly zone and make us find those windows and throw on time and just be very disciplined in our route running.
” NOTES : Safety Eddie Jackson will be available for the Bears after being placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list on Tuesday .
He was reinstated to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end Akiem Hicks and left tackle Charles Leno Jr. are questionable after neither could practice Friday .
Hicks has a right hamstring injury and hasn ’ t practiced all week .
Leno suffered a toe injury on Wednesday in practice and missed practice Thursday and Friday .
… Packers wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling didn ’ t practice Friday and is listed as questionable .
Packers running back/kick returner Tyler Ervin ( wrist/ribs ) , cornerbacks Josh Jackson ( concussion ) and Kevin King ( Achilles ) , center Corey Linsley ( back ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) also are questionable .

By Gene Chamberlain
LAKE FOREST, IL. — It’s been a long way back from a difficult place for Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky.
After being benched in Week 3, Trubisky will start against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night, Bears coach Matt Nagy said Friday.
Trubisky took all the first-team snaps at practice this week but Nagy had stopped just short of designating him the starter, just in case Nick Foles was able to return from a hip and glute injury. But Foles was unable to practice again Friday and Nagy turned to Trubisky.
“He’s worked hard this time that he’s been the backup to be prepared for if and when this time comes, whether it’s through performance or whether it’s through availability or injury with Nick,” Nagy said.
The Bears are trying to end a four-game losing streak, and they’re more focused on that than their long-term future at quarterback.
“As far as next week or following weeks, it’s hard for me to predict that right now,” Nagy said.
Foles is doubtful for the game and Nagy said it’s still possible Foles could be the backup. Tyler Bray is the other option.
Trubisky suffered a right shoulder injury Nov. 1 against New Orleans while he ran on a zone-read, his only play since being benched against Atlanta in Week 3. Foles’ injury occurred on a sack in the fourth quarter of a 19-13 loss to Minnesota on Nov. 16.
Nagy turned to Foles seeking a spark for his team’s offense, and Foles rallied Chicago from 16 points down in the fourth quarter to beat Atlanta after Trubisky was benched. But the Bears are 2-5 with Foles as the starter, averaging 16.7 points per game.
Foles has completed 202 of 311 passes for 1,852 yards with 10 touchdown passes and eight interceptions. He has a quarterback rating of 81.0.
Trubisky is 51 of 86 for 560 yards with six touchdowns, three interceptions and a passer rating of 87.4.
In his first media interview since the benching, Trubisky called the situation a total surprise, and said he was humbled by the experience as a backup. He’d been starting since Week 5 of his rookie year in 2017.
“I think more than anything I was caught off guard,” Trubisky said. “I think in the beginning of the season I was just starting to build some momentum and then it kind of felt like a blind-side.
“Then I decided to embrace the new role. And the first couple of days it (stunk) being in that role but I was trying to just keep perspective and think long-term.”
Trubisky had led the Bears to wins in their first two games, including a rally from a 17-point deficit in Week 1 against Detroit.
“I want to play in this league a long time and if I want to do that, there’s things I just want to continue to get better at,” Trubisky said. “At that point I just changed my mindset to embrace practice. I was doing my job on the scout team, trying to give the defense a good look, taking a lot of pride into that.
“I did feel during those weeks I got better as a player just testing different throws, leading the offense and seeing a lot of good looks from my defense.”
Trubisky was the second pick of the 2017 draft and the Bears in May declined the fifth-year option on his contract, meaning he is slated to become a free agent after the season.
The Packers have beaten the Bears in four of Trubisky’s five starts.
“They’ve thrown a lot of different stuff over the years, and that’s kinda what we’re expecting,” Trubisky said. “They’re gonna try to confuse us on the back end, get after us up front with their rush and just try to confuse the quarterback and us on offense, play predominantly zone and make us find those windows and throw on time and just be very disciplined in our route running.”
NOTES: Safety Eddie Jackson will be available for the Bears after being placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list on Tuesday. He was reinstated to the roster on Friday. … Bears defensive end Akiem Hicks and left tackle Charles Leno Jr. are questionable after neither could practice Friday. Hicks has a right hamstring injury and hasn’t practiced all week. Leno suffered a toe injury on Wednesday in practice and missed practice Thursday and Friday. … Packers wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling didn’t practice Friday and is listed as questionable. Packers running back/kick returner Tyler Ervin (wrist/ribs), cornerbacks Josh Jackson (concussion) and Kevin King (Achilles), center Corey Linsley (back) and receiver Equanimeous St. Brown (knee) also are questionable.


thedenverpost--2020-11-27--New rule could allow gas, firing squads for U.S. executions

WASHINGTON — The Justice Department is quietly amending its execution protocols , no longer requiring federal death sentences to be carried out by lethal injection and clearing the way to use other methods like firing squads and poison gas .
The amended rule , published Friday in the Federal Register , allows the U.S. government to conduct executions by lethal injection or use “ any other manner prescribed by the law of the state in which the sentence was imposed.
” A number of states allow other methods of execution , including electrocution , inhaling nitrogen gas or death by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Justice Department will seek to use any methods other than lethal injection for executions in the future .
The rule – which goes into effect on Dec. 24 – comes as the Justice Department has scheduled five executions during the lame-duck period , including three just days before President-elect Joe Biden takes office .
A Justice Department official said the change was made to account for the fact the Federal Death Penalty Act requires sentences be carried out in the “ in the manner prescribed by the law of the state in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and some of those states use methods other than lethal injection .
The official told the AP the federal government “ will never execute an inmate by firing squad or electrocution unless the relevant state has itself authorized that method of execution.
” The official said two executions scheduled in December would be done by lethal injection but didn ’ t provide information about three others scheduled in January .
The official spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity in order to discuss the internal department protocols .
The change is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats and anti-death penalty advocates , as the Trump administration tries to push through a number of rule changes before Trump leaves office .
A spokesperson for Biden told the AP earlier this month that the president-elect “ opposes the death penalty now and in the future ” and would work to end its use .
But he did not say whether executions would be paused immediately once Biden takes office .
Attorney General William Barr restarted federal executions this year after a 17-year hiatus .
This year , the Justice Department has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the previous half-century , despite waning public support from both Democrats and Republicans for its use .
All states that use the death penalty allow lethal injection – and that is the primary method in all states where other methods are allowed , according to data compiled by the nonprofit Death Penalty Information Center .
As lethal injection drugs become difficult to obtain , some states have begun looking at alternative methods for carrying out death sentences .
Alabama joined Oklahoma and Mississippi in 2018 approving the use of nitrogen gas to execute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ condemned inmates with the gas in some cases .
In some states , inmates can choose the method of their execution .
In Florida , for example , an inmate can specifically ask to be put to death by electrocution and in Washington state , inmates can ask to be put to death by hanging .
In Utah , prisoners sentenced before May 2004 can choose to be killed by a firing squad .
The state law there also authorizes the use of a firing squad if lethal injection drugs aren ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ botched state execution in Oklahoma , President Barack Obama directed the Justice Department to conduct a broad review of capital punishment and issues surrounding lethal injection drugs .
Barr said in July 2019 that the review had been completed , allowing executions to resume and approved a new procedure for lethal injections that replaced the three-drug combination previously used in federal executions with one drug , pentobarbital .
The one-drug protocol is similar to the procedure used in several states , including Georgia , Missouri and Texas .
Before the Trump administration resumed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had put only three inmates to death since 1988 .
Though there hadn ’ t been a federal execution since 2003 , until July , the Justice Department has continued to approve death penalty prosecutions , and federal courts had continued sentencing defendants to death .
Trump has spoken often about capital punishment and his belief that executions serve as an effective deterrent and an appropriate punishment for some crimes , including mass shootings and the killings of police officers .

WASHINGTON — The Justice Department is quietly amending its execution protocols, no longer requiring federal death sentences to be carried out by lethal injection and clearing the way to use other methods like firing squads and poison gas.
The amended rule, published Friday in the Federal Register, allows the U.S. government to conduct executions by lethal injection or use “any other manner prescribed by the law of the state in which the sentence was imposed.” A number of states allow other methods of execution, including electrocution, inhaling nitrogen gas or death by firing squad.
It remains unclear whether the Justice Department will seek to use any methods other than lethal injection for executions in the future. The rule – which goes into effect on Dec. 24 – comes as the Justice Department has scheduled five executions during the lame-duck period, including three just days before President-elect Joe Biden takes office.
A Justice Department official said the change was made to account for the fact the Federal Death Penalty Act requires sentences be carried out in the “in the manner prescribed by the law of the state in which the sentence is imposed,” and some of those states use methods other than lethal injection.
The official told the AP the federal government “will never execute an inmate by firing squad or electrocution unless the relevant state has itself authorized that method of execution.”
The official said two executions scheduled in December would be done by lethal injection but didn’t provide information about three others scheduled in January. The official spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity in order to discuss the internal department protocols.
The change is likely to set off intense criticism from Democrats and anti-death penalty advocates, as the Trump administration tries to push through a number of rule changes before Trump leaves office. A spokesperson for Biden told the AP earlier this month that the president-elect “opposes the death penalty now and in the future” and would work to end its use. But he did not say whether executions would be paused immediately once Biden takes office.
Attorney General William Barr restarted federal executions this year after a 17-year hiatus. This year, the Justice Department has put to death more people than during the previous half-century, despite waning public support from both Democrats and Republicans for its use.
All states that use the death penalty allow lethal injection – and that is the primary method in all states where other methods are allowed, according to data compiled by the nonprofit Death Penalty Information Center. As lethal injection drugs become difficult to obtain, some states have begun looking at alternative methods for carrying out death sentences. Alabama joined Oklahoma and Mississippi in 2018 approving the use of nitrogen gas to execute prisoners, allowing the state to asphyxiate condemned inmates with the gas in some cases.
In some states, inmates can choose the method of their execution. In Florida, for example, an inmate can specifically ask to be put to death by electrocution and in Washington state, inmates can ask to be put to death by hanging. In Utah, prisoners sentenced before May 2004 can choose to be killed by a firing squad. The state law there also authorizes the use of a firing squad if lethal injection drugs aren’t available.
In 2014, following a botched state execution in Oklahoma, President Barack Obama directed the Justice Department to conduct a broad review of capital punishment and issues surrounding lethal injection drugs.
Barr said in July 2019 that the review had been completed, allowing executions to resume and approved a new procedure for lethal injections that replaced the three-drug combination previously used in federal executions with one drug, pentobarbital. The one-drug protocol is similar to the procedure used in several states, including Georgia, Missouri and Texas.
Before the Trump administration resumed executions this year, the federal government had put only three inmates to death since 1988. Though there hadn’t been a federal execution since 2003, until July, the Justice Department has continued to approve death penalty prosecutions, and federal courts had continued sentencing defendants to death.
Trump has spoken often about capital punishment and his belief that executions serve as an effective deterrent and an appropriate punishment for some crimes, including mass shootings and the killings of police officers.


thedenverpost--2020-11-29--Keeler: CU Buffs coach Karl Dorrell is the Pac-12’s football Coach of the Year, because nobody’s don

Keeler: CU Buffs coach Karl Dorrell is the Pac-12’s football Coach of the Year, because nobody’s done more with less

BOULDER — We don ’ t know if Karl Dorrell was the Buffs ’ second choice .
Or their fifth .
But it looks like a stroke of pure genius now .
Your clubhouse leader for Pac-12 Coach of the Year pulled another rabbit out of his hat in the cold mountain air Saturday , this time on short notice , in a game that didn ’ t exist until Thanksgiving Day .
The Buffs ’ 20-10 win over San Diego State , a make-up contest arranged when USC ’ s COVID-19 positives nixed a trip to the Coliseum , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open his ledger at 3-0 since Rick Neuheisel in 1995 .
Dorrell was here for that one , ironically and intimately , having served as Neuheisel ’ s offensive coordinator here 25 years earlier .
The Buffs and Dorrell went their separate ways after 1998 .
It ’ s been something of an odyssey for both parties in the two decades since .
Yet here they are together , bowl-eligible in Year 1 , a feat that ’ s eluded every other first-year Buffs coach since Gary Barnett finished 7-5 during his debut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this should be happening , let alone working .
Because his quarterback , Sam Noyer , was playing safety a year ago at this time and had opened 2020 by walking away from CU entirely .
Saturday , Noyer ran for a score and threw for another .
Why Dorrell ?
• CU Buffs vs. San Diego State Aztecs live blog : Real-time updates from the college football game at Folsom Field • Buffs QB Sam Noyer , offensive coordinator Darrin Chiaverini have CU running to glory , just like old times • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report : Who has the edge , predictions and 3 things to watch • Pac-12 preview : News , notes and nuggets for Week Four • Cancellations mount in the Pac-12 : This wasn ’ t supposed to happen .
What went wrong ?
Because his tailback , Jarek Broussard , a year ago had blown out his left knee for the second time , wondering what calamity the Lord had in store next .
Broussard rambled for 124 yards on the ground against a salty Aztecs defense Saturday , becoming the second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 100 yards in each of his first three contests .
Because every time fate opened a door , it slammed a window on his fingers .
Because he was hired this past Feb. 23 , jumping onto a 2020 train that had already left the station .
Because COVID-19 wiped out his spring practice .
And his summer camps .
Because nobody had more signs from the football gods that this was lining up to be a dumpster fire on wheels .
Because nobody in this league has done more with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out a way to replace a four-year starter behind center ( Steven Montez ) and an NFL draft pick at wide receiver ( Laviska Shenault ) .
Because he found himself preparing for a fall football slate that was on , then off , then back on again .
Because nobody saw this coming .
Not Caesar ’ s Palace , which in April set the over-under for Buffs wins at 3.0 for a 12-game slate .
Not the gang at BetOnline.ag , who in October — with the Pac-12 scrambling back to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conferences — fixed the over-under for CU victories at 1.5 .
The Buffs are playing with house money now .
Throw them a challenge , instead of making excuses , they rise to meet it .
New opponent ?
Forty hours notice ?
Fine .
Bring it on .
A gut-check against Stanford out on The Farm ?
Groovy .
A slugfest against a San Diego State crew that came to Folsom Field ranked No .
9 nationally in defensive scoring efficiency ?
Sweet .
This is a good team , kids .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ no asterisk .
The team tagged for 1.5 wins has three now , with at least three tilts — we hope — yet to play .
Given the chaos of the moment , that would be impressive enough on its own .
Because you can ’ t shake the feeling that the madder the football world gets , the saner Dorrell looks .
Or the feeling that he ’ s not done yet .

BOULDER — We don’t know if Karl Dorrell was the Buffs’ second choice. Or their fifth. Does it matter? The whole thing feels like a stroke of pure genius now.
Your clubhouse leader for Pac-12 Football Coach of the Year pulled another rabbit out of his hat in the frigid mountain air Saturday, this time on short notice. In a game that didn’t exist until Thanksgiving Day.
Even the audibles are coming up roses in Ralphieville. The Buffs’ 20-10 win over San Diego State, a make-up contest arranged when USC’s COVID-19 positives nixed a trip to the Coliseum, made Dorrell the first CU coach to open his ledger at 3-0 since Rick Neuheisel in 1995.
Dorrell was here for that one, ironically and intimately, having served as Neuheisel’s offensive coordinator 25 years earlier. The Buffs and Dorrell went their separate ways after 1998. It’s been something of an odyssey for both parties in the two decades since.
Yet here they are. Together. Bowl-eligible in Year 1. A feat that’s eluded every other new Buffs coach since Gary Barnett finished 7-5 during his debut season of 1999.
Hold the phone, you say. After three games? In a fall that’s seen Utah and Arizona State manage to get only one tilt in, each, before Thanksgiving? In a season with more asterisks than a Richard Pryor concert?
Amen. For exactly those reasons.
Why Dorrell?
Because no one’s dealt with more chaos, more garbage out of his control, and kept on plugging the way the Buffs’ first-year coach has. Because none of this should be happening, let alone working.
Why Dorrell?
Because his quarterback, Sam Noyer, was playing safety a year ago at this time and had opened 2020 by walking away from CU entirely. Saturday, Noyer ran for a score and threw for another. The Oregon native’s only the seventh Buffs quarterback since 1959 to win his first three tilts as a starter.
Why Dorrell?
Because his tailback, Jarek Broussard, a year ago had just blown out his left knee for the second time, wondering what calamity the Lord had in store next. Broussard rambled for 124 yards on the ground against a salty Aztecs defense Saturday, becoming the second runner in Buffs history to rush for more than 100 yards in each of his first three contests.
“Every time I step on the field,” Broussard said, “I just try to make the most of every opportunity I get.”
Why Dorrell?
Because every time fate opened a door, it slammed a window down on his fingers. Because he was hired this past Feb. 23, jumping onto a 2020 train that had already left the station. Because COVID-19 wiped out his spring practice. And his summer camps.
Why Dorrell?
Because nobody had more signs from the football gods that this was lining up to be a dumpster fire on wheels. Because nobody in this league has done more with less. Because Dorrell had to figure out a way to replace a four-year starter behind center (Steven Montez) and an NFL draft pick at wide receiver (Laviska Shenault). Because he found himself preparing for a fall football slate that was on, then off, then back on again.
Why Dorrell?
Because nobody saw this coming. Not Caesars Palace, which in April set the over-under for Buffs wins at 3.0 for a 12-game slate. Not the gang at BetOnline.ag, who in October — with the Pac-12 scrambling back to join the rest of the Power 5 leagues — fixed the over-under for CU victories at 1.5.
The Buffs are playing with house money now.
“I think that we went into this season with a chip on our shoulders,” said safety Derrion Rakestraw, who racked up seven tackles against the Aztecs. “We knew, going into the season, that a lot of people were not going to be talking about us. And a lot of people were going to be doubting us.
“That was our edge: We knew that we had to go out there and prove something.”
Throw them a challenge, and instead of making excuses, they rise to meet it. New opponent? Forty hours notice? Fine. Bring it on. A shootout versus Chip Kelly? Great. A gut-check against Stanford out on The Farm? Groovy. A slugfest against a San Diego State crew that came to Folsom Field ranked No. 9 nationally in defensive scoring efficiency? Sweet.
“Good teams find ways to win, right?” Dorrell said Saturday night.
This is a good team, kids. Pandemic or no pandemic. Asterisk or no asterisk.
Why Dorrell?
The team tagged for 1.5 wins has three of ’em now, with at least three tilts — we hope — yet to play. Given the chaos of the moment, that would be impressive enough on its own.
“It’s great to be bowl-eligible,” said senior linebacker Nate Landman, who added to his legend with three sacks and 11 stops against the Aztecs. “But we have a lot to do.”
Why Dorrell?
Because you can’t shake the feeling that the madder the football world gets, the saner Dorrell looks. Or the feeling that he’s not done yet.


thedenverpost--2020-11-29--CU Buffs become bowl eligible with win over San Diego State

In 2020 , we ’ ve all learned to expect the unexpected .
On Saturday , the Buffaloes knocked off San Diego State , 20-10 , at Folsom Field in a game scheduled less than 48 hours earlier .
In this COVID-19 pandemic-shortened season , the Buffs ( 3-0 ) have guaranteed themselves of at least a .500 record in the regular season , thus achieving that elusive goal of bowl eligibility .
The Buffs , projected by many to finish at or near the bottom of the Pac-12 South division , snapped an 11-game losing streak in games where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dating back to 2016 .
Sam Noyer threw for 138 yards and a touchdown and rushed for a touchdown to lead the Buffs in a defensive struggle .
Jarek Broussard added 124 yards on the ground .
CU didn ’ t know until Thursday night that it would be playing the Aztecs ( 3-3 ) , from the Mountain West Conference .
Scheduled to visit No .
19 Southern California ( 3-0 ) on Saturday , that game was canceled because of COVID-19 cases at USC .
CU quickly replaced that game with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fresno State canceled .
Despite little time to prepare , the Buffs found a way past the Aztecs , who brought their trademark physical style to Boulder .
SDSU came in ranking third nationally in yards allowed ( 269.4 ) and eighth in points allowed ( 15.4 ) .
CU didn ’ t have much success against the Aztecs , either , but it was enough .
The Buffs finished with just 272 yards in total offense , but held SDSU ’ s offense to 155 yards and three points .
CU got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , marching 83 yards in 6 minutes , 5 seconds .
The 16-play drive culminated in a 1-yard touchdown run by Noyer .
The two teams traded five punts before CU went on another long scoring drive , taking 7:09 off the clock in 13 plays .
That drive , aided by four San Diego State penalties , was capped by Noyer flipping a 3-yard touchdown pass to Jaylon Jackson for a 14-0 Colorado lead .
The Buffs ’ defense forced another SDSU punt and took over at midfield with 3:29 to play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking control with another score , the Buffs gave the Aztecs some life .
On first down , Noyer ’ s pass , intended for KD Nixon , was picked off by the Aztecs ’ Darren Hall and returned 57 yards for a touchdown .
SDSU forced a quick three-and-out and then got a 48-yard field goal from Matt Araiza just before the half to pull within 14-10 .
CU added to the lead midway through the third .
After a drive stalled at the SDSU 18-yard line , the Buffs settled for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go up 17-10 .
Price added a 41-yard field goal with 9:34 to go in the fourth , the Aztecs missed a pair of field goals and the Buffs held on from there to remain undefeated and give themselves an opportunity to play in the postseason .
Nate Landman had a career-high three sacks to lead the defense .
Carson Wells had four tackles for loss .
Play of the game : With about 5 minutes to go in the second quarter , Sam Noyer was flushed from the pocket and flipped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That gave the Buffs a 14-0 lead and would prove to be the winning score .
Turning point : Early in the fourth quarter , with CU leading by just seven , SDSU missed a field goal .
CU then responded with a nine-play drive that resulted in an 41-yard Evan Price field goal to give the Buffs more cushion for the final 9:34 .
1 .
LB Nate Landman : The senior had 11 tackles and a career-high three sacks to lead the defense .
2 .
OLB Carson Wells : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for loss , a key to the defense holding SDSU to 79 yards rushing .
3 .
RB Jarek Broussard : For the third time in three games , he topped the 100-yard mark , finishing with 124 yards on 32 attempts .

In 2020, we’ve all learned to expect the unexpected.
Like … Colorado becoming bowl eligible.
On Saturday, the Buffaloes knocked off San Diego State, 20-10, at Folsom Field in a game scheduled less than 48 hours earlier.
In this COVID-19 pandemic-shortened season, the Buffs (3-0) have guaranteed themselves of at least a .500 record in the regular season, thus achieving that elusive goal of bowl eligibility.
The Buffs, projected by many to finish at or near the bottom of the Pac-12 South division, snapped an 11-game losing streak in games where bowl eligibility was on the line, dating back to 2016.
Sam Noyer threw for 138 yards and a touchdown and rushed for a touchdown to lead the Buffs in a defensive struggle. Jarek Broussard added 124 yards on the ground.
CU didn’t know until Thursday night that it would be playing the Aztecs (3-3), from the Mountain West Conference.
Scheduled to visit No. 19 Southern California (3-0) on Saturday, that game was canceled because of COVID-19 cases at USC. CU quickly replaced that game with SDSU, which had a game with Fresno State canceled.
Despite little time to prepare, the Buffs found a way past the Aztecs, who brought their trademark physical style to Boulder.
SDSU came in ranking third nationally in yards allowed (269.4) and eighth in points allowed (15.4).
CU didn’t have much success against the Aztecs, either, but it was enough. The Buffs finished with just 272 yards in total offense, but held SDSU’s offense to 155 yards and three points.
CU got on the board on its opening possession, marching 83 yards in 6 minutes, 5 seconds. The 16-play drive culminated in a 1-yard touchdown run by Noyer.
The two teams traded five punts before CU went on another long scoring drive, taking 7:09 off the clock in 13 plays. That drive, aided by four San Diego State penalties, was capped by Noyer flipping a 3-yard touchdown pass to Jaylon Jackson for a 14-0 Colorado lead.
The Buffs’ defense forced another SDSU punt and took over at midfield with 3:29 to play in the first half. Rather than taking control with another score, the Buffs gave the Aztecs some life.
On first down, Noyer’s pass, intended for KD Nixon, was picked off by the Aztecs’ Darren Hall and returned 57 yards for a touchdown.
SDSU forced a quick three-and-out and then got a 48-yard field goal from Matt Araiza just before the half to pull within 14-10.
CU added to the lead midway through the third. After a drive stalled at the SDSU 18-yard line, the Buffs settled for a 36-yard field goal from Evan Price to go up 17-10.
Price added a 41-yard field goal with 9:34 to go in the fourth, the Aztecs missed a pair of field goals and the Buffs held on from there to remain undefeated and give themselves an opportunity to play in the postseason.
Nate Landman had a career-high three sacks to lead the defense. Carson Wells had four tackles for loss.
Colorado 20, San Diego State 10
Play of the game: With about 5 minutes to go in the second quarter, Sam Noyer was flushed from the pocket and flipped a 3-yard touchdown pass to Jaylon Jackson. That gave the Buffs a 14-0 lead and would prove to be the winning score.
Turning point: Early in the fourth quarter, with CU leading by just seven, SDSU missed a field goal. CU then responded with a nine-play drive that resulted in an 41-yard Evan Price field goal to give the Buffs more cushion for the final 9:34.
Top 3 Buffs of the game
1. LB Nate Landman: The senior had 11 tackles and a career-high three sacks to lead the defense.
2. OLB Carson Wells: Finished with a sack and four tackles for loss, a key to the defense holding SDSU to 79 yards rushing.
3. RB Jarek Broussard: For the third time in three games, he topped the 100-yard mark, finishing with 124 yards on 32 attempts.
Colorado 20, San Diego St. 10
San Diego St. 0 10 0 0 — 10Colorado 7 7 3 3 — 20
First Quarter: COL — Noyer 1 run (Price kick), 8:17.Second Quarter: COL — Ja.Jackson 3 pass from Noyer (Price kick), 4:50. SDSU — D.Hall 57 interception return (Araiza kick), 3:18. SDSU — FG Araiza 48, :04.Third Quarter: COL — FG Price 36, 6:01.Fourth Quarter: COL — FG Price 41, 9:34.
SDSU COL First downs 10 20Passing 76 138Return Yards 40 36Fumbles-Lost 1-0 3-0Time of Possession 22:32 37:28
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS”
RUSHING — San Diego St., Brookshire 13-50, K.Williams 6-18, Busbee 1-6, J.Byrd 4-6, C.Bell 5-4, Matthews 1-(minus 1), Baker 1-(minus 4). Colorado, Broussard 32-124, Noyer 11-12, Davis 7-10, (Team) 3-(minus 12).
PASSING — San Diego St., Baker 4-9-0-26, Brookshire 7-19-1-50. Colorado, Noyer 17-29-1-138.
RECEIVING — San Diego St., Bellinger 3-38, Matthews 2-13, K.Smith 2-12, C.Bell 1-9, Kothe 1-3, J.Byrd 1-1, Busbee 1-0. Colorado, Shenault 6-64, Nixon 4-26, Rice 2-16, Schmanski 2-5, Broussard 1-14, Stanley 1-10, Ja.Jackson 1-3.
MISSED FIELD GOALS — San Diego St., Araiza 50, Araiza 44.


thedenverpost--2020-11-29--Gov. Jared Polis, first gentleman Marlon Reis test positive for COVID-19

Colorado Gov .
Jared Polis and first gentleman Marlon Reis have tested positive for COVID-19 , the governor tweeted Saturday @ @ @ @ @ are “ asymptomatic , feeling well , and will continue to isolate in their home.
@ @ @ @ @ are feeling well so far , and are in good spirits , ” Polis said @ @ @ @ @ said he will work remotely and “ continue to fulfill his duties and responsibilities.
” @ @ @ @ @ learning he was exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19 .
The novel coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ and around the country .
The state estimated Tuesday that one in 41 people here @ @ @ @ @ and other officials have been warning for weeks of a potential catastrophic overload of the @ @ @ @ @ Said Polis , “ No person or family is immune to the virus .
I @ @ @ @ @ caution , limit public interactions , wear a mask in public , stay 6 feet @ @ @ @ @ your hands regularly .
”

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis and first gentleman Marlon Reis have tested positive for COVID-19, the governor tweeted Saturday night.
Polis and Reis are “asymptomatic, feeling well, and will continue to isolate in their home.”
“Marlon and I are feeling well so far, and are in good spirits,” Polis said in a statement.
Polis said he will work remotely and “continue to fulfill his duties and responsibilities.” Polis began quarantining Wednesday after learning he was exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19.
The novel coronavirus has been surging in Colorado and around the country. The state estimated Tuesday that one in 41 people here are contagious, and Polis and other officials have been warning for weeks of a potential catastrophic overload of the state health care system.
Said Polis, “No person or family is immune to the virus. I urge every Coloradan to practice caution, limit public interactions, wear a mask in public, stay 6 feet from others, and wash your hands regularly.”


thedenverpost--2020-11-29--Key tests, not in classroom or on court, looming for CU Buffs men’s basketball

KANSAS CITY — Although they are unbeaten on the young season , the Colorado men ’ s basketball team has plenty of homework to tackle before attempting to win at a place where the Buffaloes have never won since joining the Pac-12 Conference .
Yet the number one priority in the coming days for coach Tad Boyle ’ s club will not be shoring up its rebounding efficiency , or finding another consistent scoring threat besides point guard McKinley Wright , who has put together a torrid start to his senior season .
It will be testing , testing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kind that occurs in the classroom .
The Buffs improved to 2-0 Friday night with its second thorough victory in as many games at the Little Apple Classic in Kansas , roaring back from a sluggish start to beat the host Kansas State Wildcats , 76-58 .
CU did it shorthanded , playing its second game without senior D ’ Shawn Schwartz , who on Wednesday tested positive for COVID-19 .
Two of CU ’ s newcomers , redshirt freshman Keeshawn Barthelemy and true freshman Tristan da Silva , were forced to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact tracing from Schwartz ’ s positive result .
Everyone within the program will be crossing their fingers in the coming days for that trio to remain the extent of the damage as the Buffs get set to open Pac-12 play at Arizona on Wednesday night ( 6 p.m. MT , Pac-12 Networks ) .
“ We ’ ll get tested on Sunday .
We ’ ll get tested on Monday .
We ’ ll get tested on Tuesday .
And we ’ ll go into Tucson and hopefully have enough guys in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boyle said .
“ Our players mentally are in a good spot .
I wouldn ’ t say they ’ re not worried about the virus , but they ’ re not going to let it get them down .
Everybody says our opponent is the virus .
Well guess what ?
Our guys , they ’ re ready to fight it .
They want to be able to play .
Obviously we want everybody to be healthy and everybody to be safe .
But I know our players , man they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the scene on Thanksgiving was one of the most difficult of his head coaching career , describing having to deliver Thanksgiving dinner to Barthelemy and da Silva in their hotel rooms as “ heartbreaking ” during KOA ’ s pregame show Friday .
Following a victory in which the Buffs outscored K-State 67-36 after trailing by 13 points just 11 minutes into the game , Boyle said the conversations he had with Barthelemy and da Silva were the most difficult ones he has had to undertake with any player since arriving at CU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second-hardest conversation I ’ ve ever had to have with a student-athlete since I ’ ve been a head coach for 15 years , ” Boyle said .
“ The first one was telling the team at Northern Colorado , when I was fortunate enough to get the Colorado job , telling those kids at Northern Colorado I was leaving .
A lot of tears .
But the second hardest was that conversation with Tristan and Keeshawn , telling them they ’ re going to be out for an indefinite period of time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it if we can .
If we can , we will .
If we can ’ t , we won ’ t .
We ’ ll get a feel for that ( this ) week .
Our medical staff has done a great job .
They ’ ve given us great advice .
We ’ ve just got to deal with it and move on .
We did that ( Friday ) .
We were shorthanded , but that ’ s the beauty of having 13 guys on scholarships.
” The Pac-12 is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for those who test positive or are possibly exposed , meaning Schwartz , Barthelemy and da Silva will be sidelined for at least the next three games .
There have been reports that time frame might be shortened to 10 days , but that as yet is not official .
In the meantime , the Buffs will focus on their earliest Pac-12 game on record at Arizona , where the Buffs are 0-7 since joining the league .
“ I haven ’ t won there yet .
I ’ ve been there twice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ win there , ” Wright said .
“ Coach Boyle wants to win there .
I ’ m going to do everything I can , and I know my teammates are going to be with me .
”

KANSAS CITY — Although they are unbeaten on the young season, the Colorado men’s basketball team has plenty of homework to tackle before attempting to win at a place where the Buffaloes have never won since joining the Pac-12 Conference.
Yet the number one priority in the coming days for coach Tad Boyle’s club will not be shoring up its rebounding efficiency, or finding another consistent scoring threat besides point guard McKinley Wright, who has put together a torrid start to his senior season.
It will be testing, testing, and more testing. And not the kind that occurs in the classroom.
The Buffs improved to 2-0 Friday night with its second thorough victory in as many games at the Little Apple Classic in Kansas, roaring back from a sluggish start to beat the host Kansas State Wildcats, 76-58. CU did it shorthanded, playing its second game without senior D’Shawn Schwartz, who on Wednesday tested positive for COVID-19. Two of CU’s newcomers, redshirt freshman Keeshawn Barthelemy and true freshman Tristan da Silva, were forced to the sideline for the Kansas State game via contact tracing from Schwartz’s positive result.
Everyone within the program will be crossing their fingers in the coming days for that trio to remain the extent of the damage as the Buffs get set to open Pac-12 play at Arizona on Wednesday night (6 p.m. MT, Pac-12 Networks).
“We’ll get tested on Sunday. We’ll get tested on Monday. We’ll get tested on Tuesday. And we’ll go into Tucson and hopefully have enough guys in uniform to play a game,” Boyle said. “Our players mentally are in a good spot. I wouldn’t say they’re not worried about the virus, but they’re not going to let it get them down. Everybody says our opponent is the virus. Well guess what? Our guys, they’re ready to fight it. They want to be able to play. Obviously we want everybody to be healthy and everybody to be safe. But I know our players, man they are all hands on deck.”
Boyle said the scene on Thanksgiving was one of the most difficult of his head coaching career, describing having to deliver Thanksgiving dinner to Barthelemy and da Silva in their hotel rooms as “heartbreaking” during KOA’s pregame show Friday. Following a victory in which the Buffs outscored K-State 67-36 after trailing by 13 points just 11 minutes into the game, Boyle said the conversations he had with Barthelemy and da Silva were the most difficult ones he has had to undertake with any player since arriving at CU almost 11 years ago.
“The second-hardest conversation I’ve ever had to have with a student-athlete since I’ve been a head coach for 15 years,” Boyle said. “The first one was telling the team at Northern Colorado, when I was fortunate enough to get the Colorado job, telling those kids at Northern Colorado I was leaving. A lot of tears. But the second hardest was that conversation with Tristan and Keeshawn, telling them they’re going to be out for an indefinite period of time. We’d like to shorten it if we can. If we can, we will. If we can’t, we won’t. We’ll get a feel for that (this) week. Our medical staff has done a great job. They’ve given us great advice. We’ve just got to deal with it and move on. We did that (Friday). We were shorthanded, but that’s the beauty of having 13 guys on scholarships.”
The Pac-12 is following CDC guidelines for a 14-day quarantine for those who test positive or are possibly exposed, meaning Schwartz, Barthelemy and da Silva will be sidelined for at least the next three games. There have been reports that time frame might be shortened to 10 days, but that as yet is not official.
In the meantime, the Buffs will focus on their earliest Pac-12 game on record at Arizona, where the Buffs are 0-7 since joining the league.
“I haven’t won there yet. I’ve been there twice and I really, really want to win there,” Wright said. “Coach Boyle wants to win there. I’m going to do everything I can, and I know my teammates are going to be with me.”


thedenverpost--2020-11-29--WATCH: Potential Broncos QB Kendall Hinton’s highlights at Wake Forest

Kendall Hinton , Broncos quarterback ?
It could happen Sunday after the team ’ s top three quarterbacks were ruled @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 .
Hinton , 23 , played at Wake Forest collegiately .
The ACC Digital @ @ @ @ @ reel of his highlights with the Demon Deacons .

Kendall Hinton, Broncos quarterback? It could happen Sunday after the team’s top three quarterbacks were ruled ineligible to play due to COVID-19.
Hinton, 23, played at Wake Forest collegiately. The ACC Digital Network on Saturday posted a reel of his highlights with the Demon Deacons.


thedenverpost--2020-11-29--Who is Kendall Hinton? 10 things about Broncos’ potential fill-in quarterback.

Ten things about Broncos practice squad receiver Kendall Hinton , who could be one of the team ’ s quarterbacks Sunday against New Orleans .
1 .
Hinton is 23 years old and listed at 6-foot and 195 pounds .
He attended high school in Durham , N.C. , and college at Wake Forest .
2 .
As the quarterback at Southern Durham High School , he threw for 3,972 yards and 39 touchdowns as a junior , leading his team to a state title .
3 .
Hinton was rated as a three-star high school prospect by 247sports and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ freshman for Wake Forest , Hinton started two of the nine games he appeared in , throwing for 929 yards and four touchdowns and rushing for 390 yards and seven touchdowns .
5 .
Hinton missed all of his sophomore year because of a sprained ankle and was granted a medical shirt .
6 .
Back on the field as a redshirt sophomore , Hinton served as the backup quarterback behind John Wolford ( now the Los Angeles Rams ’ backup ) .
He started against Clemson and was 14-of-30 passing for 203 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loss .
• After re-signing Garett Bolles to contract extension , are Broncos willing to keep Ja ’ Wuan James ?
• Broncos QBs can ’ t play Sunday : Here ’ s how the sports world is reacting on social media 7 .
Wolford departed in 2018 and Hinton was in line to start at quarterback but was suspended three games for violating team rules .
He backed up Sam Hartman for the season .
8 .
In 2019 , Hinton initially entered the transfer portal but stayed at Wake Forest , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( four touchdowns ) .
9 .
Hinton wasn ’ t drafted and signed with the Broncos on April 26 .
He was waived after training camp and brought back to the practice squad on Nov. 4 .
10 .
Hinton wears No .
2 for the Broncos .
If he starts at quarterback , he will be the fourth starter this year , following Drew Lock ( Games 1-2 ) , Jeff Driskel ( Game 3 ) , Brett Rypien ( Game 4 ) and Lock ( Games 5-10 ) .

Ten things about Broncos practice squad receiver Kendall Hinton, who could be one of the team’s quarterbacks Sunday against New Orleans.
1. Hinton is 23 years old and listed at 6-foot and 195 pounds. He attended high school in Durham, N.C., and college at Wake Forest.
2. As the quarterback at Southern Durham High School, he threw for 3,972 yards and 39 touchdowns as a junior, leading his team to a state title.
3. Hinton was rated as a three-star high school prospect by 247sports and Rivals.
4. As a true freshman for Wake Forest, Hinton started two of the nine games he appeared in, throwing for 929 yards and four touchdowns and rushing for 390 yards and seven touchdowns.
5. Hinton missed all of his sophomore year because of a sprained ankle and was granted a medical shirt.
6. Back on the field as a redshirt sophomore, Hinton served as the backup quarterback behind John Wolford (now the Los Angeles Rams’ backup). He started against Clemson and was 14-of-30 passing for 203 yards and two touchdowns in a 28-14 loss.
7. Wolford departed in 2018 and Hinton was in line to start at quarterback but was suspended three games for violating team rules. He backed up Sam Hartman for the season.
8. In 2019, Hinton initially entered the transfer portal but stayed at Wake Forest, moved to receiver and caught 73 passes (four touchdowns).
9. Hinton wasn’t drafted and signed with the Broncos on April 26. He was waived after training camp and brought back to the practice squad on Nov. 4.
10. Hinton wears No. 2 for the Broncos. If he starts at quarterback, he will be the fourth starter this year, following Drew Lock (Games 1-2), Jeff Driskel (Game 3), Brett Rypien (Game 4) and Lock (Games 5-10).