usatoday--2020-12-20--Bowl projections: Notre Dame takes fourth College Football Playoff spot ahead of Texas A&M

Let 's start with the easy part .
Alabama , Clemson and Ohio State will be the top three seeds when the College Football Playoff releases its final ranking Sunday .
Now comes the part that will be debated : Who is No .
4 ?
Notice the choice of words .
The part that will be debated , not the part that will be hard .
Because the decision for fourth is simple .
Notre Dame will be in the playoff .
Texas A & M coach Jimbo Fisher can argue for his team .
And he should .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cincinnati makes a compelling case with its run through the American Athletic .
Had COVID-19 not wiped out two games or had there been more elite teams at the top of a competitive league , perhaps the argument would be stronger with the committee .
Oklahoma from the Big 12 ?
Yes , the Sooners have won seven in a row , but this is a flawed team with two losses , including a blown 21-point lead at home to Kansas State , which was limited by positive coronavirus tests .
So back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Irish were handled by Clemson in the ACC title game .
But would any of these teams under consideration compete with the Tigers when they 're fully operational ?
Texas A & M trailed Alabama by 21 at half and lost by 28 .
Pretty similar result compared with Saturday , which kind of balances each other 's loss out .
Notre Dame has two victories against teams that will be in the top 15 of the rankings – Clemson and at North Carolina .
Texas A & M will have one – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and losers from championship weekend Yes , the Aggies won eight games in the SEC .
Who you beat , though , matters .
The only victory besides Florida against a winning team came against 6-4 Auburn .
LSU finished 5-5 .
The other wins were against the five worst teams in the conference with a combined record of 11-38 .
It 's a similar schedule to what Notre Dame had in the ACC , except the Irish also played two more games and won the regular season title in their league .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ division .
When the committee delivers its final verdict , expect Notre Dame to be the one called .
Among the New Year 's Six , Coastal Carolina 's inability to play and a close loss by Florida means the Chanticleers get bumped out of a spot in favor of the Gators .
The bowl lineup for the postseason , including the College Football Playoff title games , stands at 33 games .
Teams in bold have accepted berths .

Bowl projections: Notre Dame takes fourth College Football Playoff spot ahead of Texas A&M
Show Caption Hide Caption Why going to an 8-team College Football Playoff is inevitable SportsPulse: The conversation comes up every year but it may finally happen. After seven years of a four team College Football Playoff, Dan Wolken believes there's enough momentum that this time next year we could be seeing an eight team playoff. SportsPulse, USA TODAY
Let's start with the easy part. Alabama, Clemson and Ohio State will be the top three seeds when the College Football Playoff releases its final ranking Sunday.
Now comes the part that will be debated: Who is No. 4?
Notice the choice of words. The part that will be debated, not the part that will be hard. Because the decision for fourth is simple. Notre Dame will be in the playoff.
Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher can argue for his team. And he should. But the resume isn't there.
Cincinnati makes a compelling case with its run through the American Athletic. Had COVID-19 not wiped out two games or had there been more elite teams at the top of a competitive league, perhaps the argument would be stronger with the committee.
Oklahoma from the Big 12? Yes, the Sooners have won seven in a row, but this is a flawed team with two losses, including a blown 21-point lead at home to Kansas State, which was limited by positive coronavirus tests.
So back to Notre Dame. Yes, the Irish were handled by Clemson in the ACC title game. But would any of these teams under consideration compete with the Tigers when they're fully operational? Texas A&M trailed Alabama by 21 at half and lost by 28. Pretty similar result compared with Saturday, which kind of balances each other's loss out.
Notre Dame has two victories against teams that will be in the top 15 of the rankings – Clemson and at North Carolina. Texas A&M will have one – Florida.
HIGHS AND LOWS: Winners and losers from championship weekend
WARNING SHOT: Clemson's dominant win should worry playoff contenders
DESERVING BEARCATS: Playoff committee should put Cincinnati in field
Yes, the Aggies won eight games in the SEC. Who you beat, though, matters. The only victory besides Florida against a winning team came against 6-4 Auburn. LSU finished 5-5. The other wins were against the five worst teams in the conference with a combined record of 11-38. It's a similar schedule to what Notre Dame had in the ACC, except the Irish also played two more games and won the regular season title in their league. A&M was second in its division.
When the committee delivers its final verdict, expect Notre Dame to be the one called.
Among the New Year's Six, Coastal Carolina's inability to play and a close loss by Florida means the Chanticleers get bumped out of a spot in favor of the Gators.
The bowl lineup for the postseason, including the College Football Playoff title games, stands at 33 games. Teams in bold have accepted berths.


usatoday--2020-12-20--Opinion: Notre Dame learns the hard way what the next step looks like after blowout loss to Clemson

Irish coachBrian Kelly took issue with the wording of a question about picking up the pieces Saturday after Clemson punctuated the end of Notre Dame ’ s four-month run in the ACC with a pungent parting gift .
The rest of the college football world is more concerned at the moment with how the College Football Playoff Selection Committee will process CFP No .
3 Clemson ’ s 34-10 hazing of the No .
2 Irish Saturday in the ACC Championship Game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte , North Carolina .
The suspense ends at 12:15 p.m. ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 10-1 ) will either see their name in the semifinal bracket , most likely against a team with more octane than the one they faced Saturday — No .
1 Alabama ( 11-0 ) .
Or someone else lands at No .
4 instead of the Irish , and Notre Dame heads to a Jan. 2 date in the Orange Bowl against a team that Alabama has already subdued this year .
“ Absolutely Notre Dame deserves to be in ( the playoff ) .
They ’ re dadgum 10-1 , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tigers also happen to be dadgum 10-1 .
Ultimately , though , through the Notre Dame lens , Saturday ’ s aftermath matters most — wherever the Irish end up in January .
Program evolution is never a straight line .
So the right response to a regressive step like Saturday ’ s is how Clemson became , well , Clemson , before it culled elite recruits with regularity .
And that ’ s the opportunity Notre Dame has in front of it .
If quarterback Ian Book is any indication , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ necessary pluck .
“ We say all the time you get 24 hours to let it suck , because it does , ” Book said .
“ It should hurt .
‘ Remember this feeling ’ is kind of what we ’ ve been talking about already .
“ Then it ’ s on you and this team to forget about it and work together toward a common goal , and that ’ s to win another football game .
So whoever that is , wherever that is , whenever that is , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kind of how it works.
” The last time the Irish gave their fan base the sports version of mass despondency , a 45-14 cratering at Michigan last October , they segued into 16 straight wins .
Included was a victory over the Tigers Nov. 7 at Notre Dame Stadium that touched off a field-storming celebration in a pandemic .
It was Notre Dame ’ s first victory over a No .
1 team in 27 years and just its second triumph over a top 5 team in its last 20 such games @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , walking off that field , had a lot of fans that got in our faces , ” said Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence , a bystander because of COVID-19 in the 47-40 Irish double-overtime victory .
“ You kind of keep those images in your head.
” There ’ s no question Lawrence and middle linebacker Skalski , also a missing piece for the Tigers six weeks ago , helped flip the bottom line Saturday night .
The junior looked downright Heisman-esque in throwing for 322 yards on 25-of-36 accuracy with two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hamilton interception .
But it was his running that gave the Irish fits .
Lawrence amassed 90 yards on 14 carries , including a 34-yard tear up the gut for a TD , after amassing a modest 121 rushing yards on 44 carries during the regular season .
“ It ’ s THE difference-maker , ” Kelly said of Lawrence ’ s legs .
“ His ability to run really stressed your coverage calls .
It stresses a lot of the things you do with your fits and where essentially you ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be that kind of player .
“ And so what you ’ re trying to do is bring some pressures that eliminate those runs , but it just opens some one-on-one matchups that are not favorable .
And so it ’ s a dilemma .
It ’ s something we struggled with a little bit tonight.
” Skalski helped make sure the Clemson defense didn ’ t struggle against a team it yielded 518 total yards to in the last meeting .
The Irish finished with roughly half that much Saturday ( 263 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the eighth-fewest in the Brian Kelly Era .
The most dramatic statistical shift was the running game : 208-34 in Notre Dame ’ s favor six weeks ago ; a 219-44 Clemson landslide Saturday night .
That makes the Tigers 62-0 since the start of the 2016 season when outrushing their opponent .
“ It wasn ’ t really what they were doing different , ” Irish rover Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah said .
“ It was more of us just executing and playing what ( defensive coordinator Clark ) Lea calls .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s not in their range .
Me , for example , there were so many plays I didn ’ t do my own job .
“ There ’ s 11 players on the field , and each player has to focus on their job .
We didn ’ t do that to the best of our ability tonight.
” The frequency and the depth of which that happened , though , was a matter of Notre Dame getting outschemed and outcoached .
First-year offensive coordinator Tommy Rees has been a revelation all season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had an answer for everything Saturday night .
Book was sacked six times , a non-factor in the running game , but was a poised 20-of-28 for 219 yards passing without a turnover even as most of the offensive structure was crumbling around him .
That ’ s not an insignificant detail .
Culture carries you when everyone around you gives up on you .
When the white noise gets loud .
When Twitter turns toxic .
“ This team doesn ’ t quit , ” Book said .
“ I ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
You can feel it .
It ’ s a vibe that this team has .
It ’ s a great team to play with .
“ Tonight didn ’ t go our way .
But by being in our locker room five seconds ago you could tell that these guys want to play again .
That ’ s what you want .
“ It could be a whole different vibe in the locker room right now that would show what type of team it really is .
But this team is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its normal independent schedule next season , then starts playing two perennial top five teams , Clemson and Ohio State , both in 2022 and 2023 just to get to the playoff .
Can the Irish take the next step ?
This postseason ?
Before Kelly turns the keys to the program over to someone else ?
Ever ?
There ’ s no right answer at the moment , but at least they know what the next step looks like .

Opinion: Notre Dame learns the hard way what the next step looks like after blowout loss to Clemson
Show Caption Hide Caption Why going to an 8-team College Football Playoff is inevitable SportsPulse: The conversation comes up every year but it may finally happen. After seven years of a four team College Football Playoff, Dan Wolken believes there's enough momentum that this time next year we could be seeing an eight team playoff. SportsPulse, USA TODAY
Irish coach Brian Kelly took issue with the wording of a question about picking up the pieces Saturday after Clemson punctuated the end of Notre Dame’s four-month run in the ACC with a pungent parting gift.
The rest of the college football world is more concerned at the moment with how the College Football Playoff Selection Committee will process CFP No. 3 Clemson’s 34-10 hazing of the No. 2 Irish Saturday in the ACC Championship Game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The suspense ends at 12:15 p.m. (EST) Sunday, when the Irish (10-1) will either see their name in the semifinal bracket, most likely against a team with more octane than the one they faced Saturday — No. 1 Alabama (11-0). Or someone else lands at No. 4 instead of the Irish, and Notre Dame heads to a Jan. 2 date in the Orange Bowl against a team that Alabama has already subdued this year.
WINNERS, LOSERS: Ohio State survives, Oklahoma wins Big 12 again
BOWL PRJOECTIONS: Notre Dame takes fourth College Football Playoff spot ahead of Texas A&M
“Absolutely Notre Dame deserves to be in (the playoff). They’re dadgum 10-1,” offered Clemson coach Dabo Swinney, whose Tigers also happen to be dadgum 10-1.
Ultimately, though, through the Notre Dame lens, Saturday’s aftermath matters most — wherever the Irish end up in January.
Program evolution is never a straight line. So the right response to a regressive step like Saturday’s is how Clemson became, well, Clemson, before it culled elite recruits with regularity. And that’s the opportunity Notre Dame has in front of it.
If quarterback Ian Book is any indication, the Irish at the very least have the necessary pluck.
“We say all the time you get 24 hours to let it suck, because it does,” Book said. “It should hurt. ‘Remember this feeling’ is kind of what we’ve been talking about already.
“Then it’s on you and this team to forget about it and work together toward a common goal, and that’s to win another football game. So whoever that is, wherever that is, whenever that is, you just want to play again is kind of how it works.”
The last time the Irish gave their fan base the sports version of mass despondency, a 45-14 cratering at Michigan last October, they segued into 16 straight wins. Included was a victory over the Tigers Nov. 7 at Notre Dame Stadium that touched off a field-storming celebration in a pandemic.
It was Notre Dame’s first victory over a No. 1 team in 27 years and just its second triumph over a top 5 team in its last 20 such games.
“Me and Jamie (Skalski), walking off that field, had a lot of fans that got in our faces,” said Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence, a bystander because of COVID-19 in the 47-40 Irish double-overtime victory. “You kind of keep those images in your head.”
There’s no question Lawrence and middle linebacker Skalski, also a missing piece for the Tigers six weeks ago, helped flip the bottom line Saturday night.
The junior looked downright Heisman-esque in throwing for 322 yards on 25-of-36 accuracy with two TDs while shaking off an early Kyle Hamilton interception. But it was his running that gave the Irish fits.
Lawrence amassed 90 yards on 14 carries, including a 34-yard tear up the gut for a TD, after amassing a modest 121 rushing yards on 44 carries during the regular season.
“It’s THE difference-maker,” Kelly said of Lawrence’s legs. “His ability to run really stressed your coverage calls. It stresses a lot of the things you do with your fits and where essentially you’re trying to get him to certainly not be that kind of player.
“And so what you’re trying to do is bring some pressures that eliminate those runs, but it just opens some one-on-one matchups that are not favorable. And so it’s a dilemma. It’s something we struggled with a little bit tonight.”
Skalski helped make sure the Clemson defense didn’t struggle against a team it yielded 518 total yards to in the last meeting. The Irish finished with roughly half that much Saturday (263), a season low and tied for the eighth-fewest in the Brian Kelly Era.
The most dramatic statistical shift was the running game: 208-34 in Notre Dame’s favor six weeks ago; a 219-44 Clemson landslide Saturday night. That makes the Tigers 62-0 since the start of the 2016 season when outrushing their opponent.
“It wasn’t really what they were doing different,” Irish rover Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah said. “It was more of us just executing and playing what (defensive coordinator Clark) Lea calls.
“People want to do something that’s not in their range. Me, for example, there were so many plays I didn’t do my own job.
“There’s 11 players on the field, and each player has to focus on their job. We didn’t do that to the best of our ability tonight.”
The frequency and the depth of which that happened, though, was a matter of Notre Dame getting outschemed and outcoached. First-year offensive coordinator Tommy Rees has been a revelation all season, but Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables had an answer for everything Saturday night.
Book was sacked six times, a non-factor in the running game, but was a poised 20-of-28 for 219 yards passing without a turnover even as most of the offensive structure was crumbling around him.
That’s not an insignificant detail. Culture carries you when everyone around you gives up on you. When the white noise gets loud. When Twitter turns toxic.
“This team doesn’t quit,” Book said. “I’ve said that in every press conference this year. You can feel it. It’s a vibe that this team has. It’s a great team to play with.
“Tonight didn’t go our way. But by being in our locker room five seconds ago you could tell that these guys want to play again. That’s what you want.
“It could be a whole different vibe in the locker room right now that would show what type of team it really is. But this team is different.”
Notre Dame likely returns to its normal independent schedule next season, then starts playing two perennial top five teams, Clemson and Ohio State, both in 2022 and 2023 just to get to the playoff.
Can the Irish take the next step? This postseason? Before Kelly turns the keys to the program over to someone else? Ever?
There’s no right answer at the moment, but at least they know what the next step looks like.
Follow Scott Hansen on Twitter @EHansenNDI


usatoday--2020-12-20--College Football Playoff semifinal to relocate from Rose Bowl to Texas' AT&T Stadium

The College Football Playoff semifinal game set for the Rose Bowl will be relocated from the stadium in Pasadena , California , playoff executive director Bill Hancock announced in a statement Saturday night .
The Jan. 1 semifinal game will be moved to AT & T Stadium in Arlington , Texas .
Hancock said in his statement that the game `` will still be played in the mid-afternoon window '' on New Year 's Day .
AT & T Stadium is the usual host of the Cotton Bowl , which this year is set for Dec. 30 .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will now be able to see their students play in the game , '' Hancock said of the move .
The Rose Bowl was turned down on two appeals to state health officials after asking them to allow 400-500 spectators in the 95,000-seat stadium , according to the The Los Angeles Times .
That allotment would have allowed players ' families to attend .
`` We are very grateful to Rose Bowl officials and the City of Pasadena .
They have worked hard to listen to the concerns of the CFP , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and their state and government officials , '' Hancock said .
`` The Tournament of Roses has acted in the best interest of the people who live in Southern California .
And we 're grateful to Cotton Bowl and AT & T Stadium officials for their ability to make this late switch possible .
`` Add this to the list of ways 2020 has demanded flexibility and last-minute accommodation from everyone in college football .
Given all the complexities and difficulties involved , this is the best outcome for everyone concerned . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Time for college football to stop worshiping the Rose Bowl .
The Times noted that Southern California 's hospital ICU capacity dropped to 0 earlier this week .
Erica Pan , the acting state health officer at the California Department of Health , wrote in a Thursday denial letter acquired by the Times : “ We understand the honor and tradition that takes place in Pasadena in participating in the Rose Bowl on New Year ’ s Day .
However , there are no boundaries to this virus.
” Said David Eads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Director , in a statement : “ We know that the decision was not an easy one to make .
While we remain confident that a game could have been played at the Rose Bowl Stadium , as evident in the other collegiate and professional games taking place in the region , the projection of COVID-19 cases in the region has continued on an upward trend.
” Alabama , Clemson , Notre Dame , Ohio State and Texas A & M are all in the mix to play in the game .
Notre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Irish may not play if players ' families could n't attend a semifinal game at the Rose Bowl .
`` They got ta figure out how to make sure that whatever sites they play at , that the parents are going to be watching their sons play , '' Kelly said in a Zoom news conference .
This would not be the first time the Rose Bowl was moved out of Pasadena .
During World War II the game was played one year on the campus of Duke University in Durham , @ @

College Football Playoff semifinal to relocate from Rose Bowl to Texas' AT&T Stadium
Show Caption Hide Caption Why going to an 8-team College Football Playoff is inevitable SportsPulse: The conversation comes up every year but it may finally happen. After seven years of a four team College Football Playoff, Dan Wolken believes there's enough momentum that this time next year we could be seeing an eight team playoff. SportsPulse, USA TODAY
The College Football Playoff semifinal game set for the Rose Bowl will be relocated from the stadium in Pasadena, California, playoff executive director Bill Hancock announced in a statement Saturday night.
The Jan. 1 semifinal game will be moved to AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Hancock said in his statement that the game "will still be played in the mid-afternoon window" on New Year's Day. AT&T Stadium is the usual host of the Cotton Bowl, which this year is set for Dec. 30.
"We are pleased that parents and loved ones will now be able to see their students play in the game," Hancock said of the move.
The Rose Bowl was turned down on two appeals to state health officials after asking them to allow 400-500 spectators in the 95,000-seat stadium, according to the The Los Angeles Times. That allotment would have allowed players' families to attend.
"We are very grateful to Rose Bowl officials and the City of Pasadena. They have worked hard to listen to the concerns of the CFP, the teams that might have played there, and their state and government officials," Hancock said. "The Tournament of Roses has acted in the best interest of the people who live in Southern California. And we're grateful to Cotton Bowl and AT&T Stadium officials for their ability to make this late switch possible.
"Add this to the list of ways 2020 has demanded flexibility and last-minute accommodation from everyone in college football. Given all the complexities and difficulties involved, this is the best outcome for everyone concerned."
OPINION: Notre Dame coach is right. Time for college football to stop worshiping the Rose Bowl.
The Times noted that Southern California's hospital ICU capacity dropped to 0 earlier this week. Erica Pan, the acting state health officer at the California Department of Health, wrote in a Thursday denial letter acquired by the Times: “We understand the honor and tradition that takes place in Pasadena in participating in the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day. However, there are no boundaries to this virus.”
Said David Eads, Tournament of Roses CEO and Executive Director, in a statement: “We know that the decision was not an easy one to make. While we remain confident that a game could have been played at the Rose Bowl Stadium, as evident in the other collegiate and professional games taking place in the region, the projection of COVID-19 cases in the region has continued on an upward trend.”
Alabama, Clemson, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Texas A&M are all in the mix to play in the game. Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly said Friday that the Irish may not play if players' families couldn't attend a semifinal game at the Rose Bowl.
"They gotta figure out how to make sure that whatever sites they play at, that the parents are going to be watching their sons play," Kelly said in a Zoom news conference.
This would not be the first time the Rose Bowl was moved out of Pasadena. During World War II the game was played one year on the campus of Duke University in Durham, N.C.
Contributing: Jace Evans


usatoday--2020-12-20--NFL playoff clinching scenarios for Week 15: Rams, Titans, Seahawks can all wrap up berths

► 3 .
Win + Dolphins loss + Titans or Browns clinch strength of victory tiebreaker over Dolphins RECORDS IN @ @ @ @ @ Travis Kelce are poised to set a few JARRETT BELL : Lamar Jackson is exactly @ @ @ @ @ Ravens in the playoffs Los Angeles Rams ( 9-4 ) vs. New York Jets ( @ @ @ @ @ 4:05 p.m .
ET New Orleans Saints ( 10-3 ) vs. Kansas City ( 12-1 @ @ @ @ @ p.m .
ET If you love talking football , we have the perfect spot for @ @ @ @ @ Group , The Ruling Off the Field , to engage in friendly debate and conversation @ @ @ @ @ our NFL insiders .
Do the right thing , sign up now !

NFL playoff clinching scenarios for Week 15: Rams, Titans, Seahawks can all wrap up berths
Show Caption Hide Caption Lorenzo's Locks: The 3 best bets you should consider for NFL Week 15 SportsPulse: Lorenzo's back with his three best bets for Week 15 in the NFL. USA TODAY
NFL playoff clinching scenarios for Week 15:
Clinched divisions: Buffalo Bills, Green Bay Packers, Kansas City Chiefs
Clinched berths: New Orleans Saints, Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers (11-2) at Cincinnati (2-10-1), Monday night, 8:15 p.m. ET
Clinches AFC North division title with:
► 1. Win OR
► 2. Browns loss OR
► 3. Steelers tie + Browns tie
Tennessee Titans (9-4) vs. Detroit (5-8), Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Clinches playoff berth with:
► 1. Win + Ravens loss OR
► 2. Win + Dolphins loss + Browns win or tie OR
► 3. Win + Dolphins loss + Titans or Browns clinch strength of victory tiebreaker over Dolphins
RECORDS IN DANGER: Justin Herbert and Travis Kelce are poised to set a few
USA TODAY SPORTS' WEEK 15 NFL PICKS: Chiefs, Saints square off in potential Super Bowl preview
JARRETT BELL: Lamar Jackson is exactly why nobody wants to play Ravens in the playoffs
Los Angeles Rams (9-4) vs. New York Jets (0-13), Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET
Clinches playoff berth with:
► 1. Win or tie OR
► 2. Vikings-Bears tie
New Orleans Saints (10-3) vs. Kansas City (12-1), Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
Clinches NFC South division title with:
► 1. Win OR
► 2. Buccaneers loss OR
► 3. Saints tie + Buccaneers tie
Seattle Seahawks (9-4) at Washington (6-7), Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Clinches playoff berth with:
► 1. Win or tie OR
► 2. Vikings-Bears tie
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-5) at Atlanta (4-9), Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Clinches playoff berth with:
► Win + Vikings-Bears tie
If you love talking football, we have the perfect spot for you. Join our Facebook Group, The Ruling Off the Field, to engage in friendly debate and conversation with fellow football fans and our NFL insiders. Do the right thing, sign up now!


usatoday--2020-12-19--Worlds align this winter solstice: Jupiter and Saturn will look like a 'double planet' on Monday

This year 's winter solstice will bring a rare sight to our night skies – just in time for the holidays .
For Earth viewers , Jupiter and Saturn will appear closer to each other on Dec. 21 than they have been since the Middle Ages .
If you gaze into the southwestern horizon at the right time , the two gas giants will look like neighboring points of light .
They will appear to be almost a `` double planet , '' said Rice University astronomer Patrick Hartigan .
“ Alignments between these two planets are rather rare , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but this conjunction is exceptionally rare because of how close the planets will appear to one another , ” Hartigan said .
“ You ’ d have to go all the way back to just before dawn on March 4 , 1226 , to see a closer alignment between these objects visible in the night sky.
” Astronomers call what we 'll witness on Dec. 21 a `` conjunction . ''
From asteroids or moons to planets and stars , a conjunction is when two objects in space appear to be close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In the reality of space , they 're still hundreds of millions of miles apart .
Every 20 years , our solar system 's largest planets align during their orbits around the sun .
Jupiter and Saturn 's last conjunction was in 2000 .
But this year is particularly special because the two will appear to separated by just one-fifth the diameter of a full moon – or 0.1 degrees – an occurrence the world has n't seen since the Middle Ages .
The last time Jupiter and Saturn came this close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too near the sun to be seen by Earthlings .
So 1226 is actually the most recent time such a close conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn was visible to humans .
`` That 's just sly of 800 years ago , '' said Amy Oliver , spokeswoman for the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics .
`` Call ( 2020 's conjunction ) a unique holiday gift to the world , '' she said .
`` Maybe it 's the soothing band-aid for 2020 . ''
Moon : Water discovered on sunlit part of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says Venus : Life on Venus ?
Astronomers see hint of life in clouds of Venus How to watch the 2020 conjunction on Dec. 21 Saturn and Jupiter are already visible in December 's sky ; the two planets have been moving closer to each other for much of 2020 .
They will look like two points of light in the sky .
Saturn , which is farther from Earth , will be the fainter one .
Hartigan and Oliver encourage stargazers around the world to start looking now .
`` Over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them move , which is super-cool , because you 're actually seeing planets in orbit , '' Hartigan told USA TODAY , adding that identifying them now will also make the conjunction on winter solstice easier to identify .
And to witness the conjunction on Dec. 21 ?
Weather permitting , it will be observable anywhere on Earth , although it will more difficult in high northern latitudes .
`` People are going to have to work a bit , '' Hartigan said .
He added that the two planets `` are not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'Christmas star . '
'' You wo n't need a telescope , but you 'll have to find a good viewing spot and be on time .
Avoid tall buildings or mountains , and look toward the low southwestern horizon right after sunset .
If you 're too early , you might miss a fainter Saturn .
If you 're too late , the two may have already slipped into the horizon for the night .
The best viewing conditions will be near the equator .
There will be less time to catch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the best time for viewing is between dusk and 15 to 20 minutes after dark .
She added that the maximum conjunction will occur at 1:20 p.m .
ET on Dec. 21 , and it wo n't be visible to the naked eye during daylight .
Still , Americans across the U.S. will be able to see the conjunction in the early night of Dec. 21 , weather permitting .
`` That does n't make it any less special , '' Oliver said .
The pairing will be `` still so close together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ events . ''
If a snowy day or tight schedule makes you miss winter solstice 's sky event , never fear : Although the maximum conjunction is on Dec. 21 , Jupiter and Saturn will still appear to be closer than the diameter of a full moon from Dec. 16 to Dec. 25 .
Such a close conjunction wo n't happen again until early March 15 , 2080 .
Although this might be the only time most adults witness the rare occurrence , Hartigan adds that it 's a special opportunity for family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their kids , he said , and tell them , `` 60 years from now , when I 'm long gone ... you go out in the morning sky and look at this conjunction , and you think of me . ''
Hartigan says looking up to the sky enriches people 's lives .
`` Astronomy gives you a different kind of perspective on the universe , which is different from our day-to-day experiences , '' he said .
`` Things are going on above us all the time .
They mark eras @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between generations . ''

Worlds align this winter solstice: Jupiter and Saturn will look like a 'double planet' on Monday
Show Caption Hide Caption Astronomy: Jupiter and Saturn will meet in this rare cosmic conjunction Jupiter and Saturn will appear their closest since the days of Galileo in this rare space event. USA TODAY
This year's winter solstice will bring a rare sight to our night skies – just in time for the holidays.
For Earth viewers, Jupiter and Saturn will appear closer to each other on Dec. 21 than they have been since the Middle Ages. If you gaze into the southwestern horizon at the right time, the two gas giants will look like neighboring points of light.
They will appear to be almost a "double planet," said Rice University astronomer Patrick Hartigan.
“Alignments between these two planets are rather rare, occurring once every 20 years or so, but this conjunction is exceptionally rare because of how close the planets will appear to one another,” Hartigan said.
“You’d have to go all the way back to just before dawn on March 4, 1226, to see a closer alignment between these objects visible in the night sky.”
Astronomers call what we'll witness on Dec. 21 a "conjunction." From asteroids or moons to planets and stars, a conjunction is when two objects in space appear to be close to each other as observed from Earth. In the reality of space, they're still hundreds of millions of miles apart.
Every 20 years, our solar system's largest planets align during their orbits around the sun. Jupiter and Saturn's last conjunction was in 2000. But this year is particularly special because the two will appear to separated by just one-fifth the diameter of a full moon – or 0.1 degrees – an occurrence the world hasn't seen since the Middle Ages.
The last time Jupiter and Saturn came this close was 1623, but that conjunction was too near the sun to be seen by Earthlings. So 1226 is actually the most recent time such a close conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn was visible to humans.
"That's just sly of 800 years ago," said Amy Oliver, spokeswoman for the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.
"Call (2020's conjunction) a unique holiday gift to the world," she said. "Maybe it's the soothing band-aid for 2020."
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How to watch the 2020 conjunction on Dec. 21
Saturn and Jupiter are already visible in December's sky; the two planets have been moving closer to each other for much of 2020. They will look like two points of light in the sky. Saturn, which is farther from Earth, will be the fainter one.
Hartigan and Oliver encourage stargazers around the world to start looking now.
"Over the next couple of weeks you can watch them move, which is super-cool, because you're actually seeing planets in orbit," Hartigan told USA TODAY, adding that identifying them now will also make the conjunction on winter solstice easier to identify.
And to witness the conjunction on Dec. 21? Weather permitting, it will be observable anywhere on Earth, although it will more difficult in high northern latitudes.
"People are going to have to work a bit," Hartigan said. He added that the two planets "are not going to suddenly look like a brilliant 'Christmas star.'"
You won't need a telescope, but you'll have to find a good viewing spot and be on time. Avoid tall buildings or mountains, and look toward the low southwestern horizon right after sunset.
If you're too early, you might miss a fainter Saturn. If you're too late, the two may have already slipped into the horizon for the night.
The best viewing conditions will be near the equator. There will be less time to catch a glimpse farther north.
Oliver said the best time for viewing is between dusk and 15 to 20 minutes after dark.
She added that the maximum conjunction will occur at 1:20 p.m. ET on Dec. 21, and it won't be visible to the naked eye during daylight. Still, Americans across the U.S. will be able to see the conjunction in the early night of Dec. 21, weather permitting.
"That doesn't make it any less special," Oliver said. The pairing will be "still so close together that that by far beats other past events."
If a snowy day or tight schedule makes you miss winter solstice's sky event, never fear: Although the maximum conjunction is on Dec. 21, Jupiter and Saturn will still appear to be closer than the diameter of a full moon from Dec. 16 to Dec. 25.
Such a close conjunction won't happen again until early March 15, 2080. Although this might be the only time most adults witness the rare occurrence, Hartigan adds that it's a special opportunity for family.
Parents can show the conjunction to their kids, he said, and tell them, "60 years from now, when I'm long gone ... you go out in the morning sky and look at this conjunction, and you think of me."
Hartigan says looking up to the sky enriches people's lives.
"Astronomy gives you a different kind of perspective on the universe, which is different from our day-to-day experiences," he said. "Things are going on above us all the time. They mark eras. ... It's an important connection between generations."


usatoday--2020-12-21--New York Jets pull off shocker, defeat Los Angeles Rams for first win of 2020 season

The New York Jets pulled off the most shocking upset of the NFL season on Sunday — a game that might be remembered as one of the most stunning results in the history of the league .
Their players were thrilled on the field at SoFi Stadium , after they beat the playoff-bound Los Angeles Rams 23-20 for their first win of the season in their 14th try .
And in typical Jets fashion , they made their fans miserable , because it could very well cost them the No .
1 pick in next April 's NFL draft and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lawrence .
With the win , both the Jets and Jacksonville Jaguars are 1-13 .
And the Jaguars have now jumped ahead of the Jets for the top pick in next year 's draft because of the tiebreaker : Jacksonville has a weaker strength of schedule .
It 's a shocking result that could change the course of history for the Jets franchise , for good or bad — we 'll have to wait and see .
But this was a long time coming for the Jets , who had near-wins against the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting the job done against the Rams , a result that was impossible to conceive before this game began .
The Jets were just coming off their worst loss of the season , a 40-3 thrashing in Seattle last week .
They flew back east and then back to Los Angeles because of the COVID protocols made it impossible to stay out west .
And then , despite being 17-point underdogs , they never trailed against the Rams — who entered the game with the best defense in football .
The Jets set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The defensive line made it a difficult day for Jared Goff , especially Quinnen Williams who had a sack and was generally disruptive the entire game .
Sam Darnold had his best game of the season , finally , completing 22-of-31 passes for 202 yards and a touchdown .
And the Jets showed some grit in getting the job done .
They lost Williams late in the game to a head injury and the defense still got a big stop in the final five minutes to put the Jets in position to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got it done with a two big first downs , with Darnold finding Frank Gore with a short pass to seal the victory just before the two-minute warning .
It seemed like it would be the same old story for the Jets .
Missed opportunities early that would cost them late .
The Jets built a 17-point lead — their largest of the season — in the third quarter .
But they should have been up my much more long before that .
They marched down the field for a touchdown on their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the score at the beginning of the second quarter when the Jets got two great chances to take complete control of the game .
They blocked a punt on the first Rams possession of the second quarter and had an interception on the Rams ' second drive .
The Jets started both of those drives inside the Rams ' 30 yard line .
And yet they could gain only a combined 21 yards and had to settle for field goals both times .
They also squandered an opportunity to go into halftime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ran the ball inside the two-minute warning , deep in their own territory , and the Rams seemed content to run down the clock .
But then the Jets threw the ball on second down and the pass fell incomplete .
And they ended up punting the ball to the Rams who converted a field goal before halftime to take some momentum into the break .
But the Jets somehow overcame all of that to get the win .
And they deserve credit for it .
Andy Vasquez is the Jets beat writer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ andy_vasquez .
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New York Jets pull off shocker, defeat Los Angeles Rams for first win of 2020 season
The New York Jets pulled off the most shocking upset of the NFL season on Sunday — a game that might be remembered as one of the most stunning results in the history of the league.
Their players were thrilled on the field at SoFi Stadium, after they beat the playoff-bound Los Angeles Rams 23-20 for their first win of the season in their 14th try.
And in typical Jets fashion, they made their fans miserable, because it could very well cost them the No. 1 pick in next April's NFL draft and the chance to draft Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence.
With the win, both the Jets and Jacksonville Jaguars are 1-13. And the Jaguars have now jumped ahead of the Jets for the top pick in next year's draft because of the tiebreaker: Jacksonville has a weaker strength of schedule.
It's a shocking result that could change the course of history for the Jets franchise, for good or bad — we'll have to wait and see. But this was a long time coming for the Jets, who had near-wins against the Broncos, Patriots and Raiders before finally getting the job done against the Rams, a result that was impossible to conceive before this game began.
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The Jets were just coming off their worst loss of the season, a 40-3 thrashing in Seattle last week. They flew back east and then back to Los Angeles because of the COVID protocols made it impossible to stay out west.
And then, despite being 17-point underdogs, they never trailed against the Rams — who entered the game with the best defense in football.
The Jets set the tone with a game-opening touchdown drive. The defensive line made it a difficult day for Jared Goff, especially Quinnen Williams who had a sack and was generally disruptive the entire game.
Sam Darnold had his best game of the season, finally, completing 22-of-31 passes for 202 yards and a touchdown.
And the Jets showed some grit in getting the job done. They lost Williams late in the game to a head injury and the defense still got a big stop in the final five minutes to put the Jets in position to win the game.
And then they got it done with a two big first downs, with Darnold finding Frank Gore with a short pass to seal the victory just before the two-minute warning.
Missed opportunities
It seemed like it would be the same old story for the Jets. Missed opportunities early that would cost them late.
The Jets built a 17-point lead — their largest of the season — in the third quarter. But they should have been up my much more long before that.
They marched down the field for a touchdown on their opening drive to take a 7-0 lead, the score at the beginning of the second quarter when the Jets got two great chances to take complete control of the game. They blocked a punt on the first Rams possession of the second quarter and had an interception on the Rams' second drive.
The Jets started both of those drives inside the Rams' 30 yard line. And yet they could gain only a combined 21 yards and had to settle for field goals both times.
They also squandered an opportunity to go into halftime with a bigger lead. The Jets ran the ball inside the two-minute warning, deep in their own territory, and the Rams seemed content to run down the clock. But then the Jets threw the ball on second down and the pass fell incomplete. And they ended up punting the ball to the Rams who converted a field goal before halftime to take some momentum into the break.
But the Jets somehow overcame all of that to get the win. And they deserve credit for it.
Andy Vasquez is the Jets beat writer for NorthJersey.com. Follow him on Twitter @andy_vasquez.
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usatoday--2020-12-21--Missing Army Cpl. Hayden Harris found dead in New Jersey after 'vehicle exchange' with fellow soldie

BYRAM , N.J. — A U.S. Army soldier who went missing from Fort Drum in upstate New York has been found dead in New Jersey and a fellow soldier has been taken into custody in connection with his death .
The body of Hayden Harris was found in a wooded area in Byram Township on Saturday afternoon , Sussex County First Assistant Prosecutor Gregory Mueller said .
U.S. Army officials gave little detail beyond confirming Harris ' death in a press release on Sunday afternoon .
Harris was last seen between 8 p.m. Dec. 17 and 6:30 a.m. Dec. 18 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Harris was meeting with fellow soldier , Jamaal Mellish , 23 , in Watertown , New York , near Fort Drum for `` some type of vehicle exchange '' when the meeting escalated . '
A damning inside look ' : Panel blasts Fort Hood leaders , Army after disappearance , death of Spc .
Vanessa Guillen ; 14 fired or suspended Authorities believe Mellish `` abducted '' Harris in Harris ' 2017 white Chevrolet Silverado and drove him to the New York City area and eventually across the state , Mueller @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has not been released , was also in the vehicle , authorities said .
Mueller said Harris was killed in the wooded area in Byram .
Byram firefighters stumbled upon the scene Saturday when they noticed personal belongings near the Ross Road cul-de-sac , including a pair of shoes .
They notified Byram police when they found blood , Mueller said .
Mellish was taken into custody in Watertown , Mueller said .
He is being held awaiting an extradition hearing to Sussex County .
The news of Harris ' disappearance spread on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Drum & 10th Mountain Division sought the public 's assistance tracking down the Tennessee native .
Harris was posthumously promoted to the rank of corporal following his death and awarded the Army Commendation Medal , Army officials said .
A vigil by Harris ' unit had been ongoing since he went missing .
Harris joined the Army in March 2019 .
He arrived in Fort Drum in July 2019 after training at Fort Benning , Georgia .
Harris was touted as a `` great soldier '' by Brig .
Gen. Brett Funck , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Division ( Light Infantry ) and Fort Drum .
`` As we share our grief with his friends and family , I hear again and again how he was also — and most importantly — a really wonderful , caring person , '' Funck said .
`` His death is a tremendous loss for his loved ones , this Division and our nation . ''
Harris ' awards and decorations include two Army Achievement Medals , the National Defense Service Medal , the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Army Service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2019 .
Lori Comstock can also be reached on Twitter : @ LoriComstockNJH , on Facebook : www.Facebook.com/LoriComstockNJH or by phone : 973-383-1194 .

Missing Army Cpl. Hayden Harris found dead in New Jersey after 'vehicle exchange' with fellow soldier, officials say
BYRAM, N.J. — A U.S. Army soldier who went missing from Fort Drum in upstate New York has been found dead in New Jersey and a fellow soldier has been taken into custody in connection with his death.
The body of Hayden Harris was found in a wooded area in Byram Township on Saturday afternoon, Sussex County First Assistant Prosecutor Gregory Mueller said. U.S. Army officials gave little detail beyond confirming Harris' death in a press release on Sunday afternoon.
Harris was last seen between 8 p.m. Dec. 17 and 6:30 a.m. Dec. 18, according to Army officials.
Mueller said Harris was meeting with fellow soldier, Jamaal Mellish, 23, in Watertown, New York, near Fort Drum for "some type of vehicle exchange" when the meeting escalated.
'A damning inside look': Panel blasts Fort Hood leaders, Army after disappearance, death of Spc. Vanessa Guillen; 14 fired or suspended
Authorities believe Mellish "abducted" Harris in Harris' 2017 white Chevrolet Silverado and drove him to the New York City area and eventually across the state, Mueller said. A juvenile, whose identity has not been released, was also in the vehicle, authorities said.
Mueller said Harris was killed in the wooded area in Byram.
Byram firefighters stumbled upon the scene Saturday when they noticed personal belongings near the Ross Road cul-de-sac, including a pair of shoes. They notified Byram police when they found blood, Mueller said.
Mellish was taken into custody in Watertown, Mueller said. He is being held awaiting an extradition hearing to Sussex County.
The news of Harris' disappearance spread on social media after the U.S. Army Fort Drum & 10th Mountain Division sought the public's assistance tracking down the Tennessee native.
Harris was posthumously promoted to the rank of corporal following his death and awarded the Army Commendation Medal, Army officials said. A vigil by Harris' unit had been ongoing since he went missing.
Harris joined the Army in March 2019. He arrived in Fort Drum in July 2019 after training at Fort Benning, Georgia.
Harris was touted as a "great soldier" by Brig. Gen. Brett Funck, acting senior commander of the 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) and Fort Drum.
"As we share our grief with his friends and family, I hear again and again how he was also — and most importantly — a really wonderful, caring person," Funck said. "His death is a tremendous loss for his loved ones, this Division and our nation."
Harris' awards and decorations include two Army Achievement Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. He graduated Air Assault School in 2019.
Lori Comstock can also be reached on Twitter: @LoriComstockNJH, on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/LoriComstockNJH or by phone: 973-383-1194.


usatoday--2020-12-21--NFL playoff picture after Week 15: Seahawks clinch spot, assume first place in NFC West, as Rams stu

NFL playoff picture after Week 15: Seahawks clinch spot, assume first place in NFC West, as Rams stumble

Here 's how the NFL playoff picture looks with Week 15 's Sunday afternoon games complete .
( Note : the postseason field expands to 14 teams this season and could potentially go to 16 if the league 's schedule is thrown into disarray down the stretch by COVID-19 disruptions . )
y-1 .
Kansas City Chiefs ( 13-1 ) , AFC West champions : Took another step toward home-field advantage by getting past the Saints ... though could be Pyrrhic victory depending on health of K.C .
's running backs .
x-2 .
Pittsburgh Steelers ( 11-2 ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a Browns loss Sunday night or a win Monday at Cincinnati .
y-3 .
Buffalo Bills ( 11-3 ) , AFC East champions : They 're division titlists for the first time in 25 years after embarrassing the Broncos in Denver .
One more loss by Pittsburgh would move Bills up another rung , but top seed is out of reach given Buffalo lost to Kansas City in Week 6 .
4 .
Tennessee Titans ( 10-4 ) , AFC South leaders : Thumped Lions on Sunday , but record in division @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ahead of Colts ( 3-2 ) , who share 10-4 overall record .
5 .
Indianapolis Colts ( 10-4 ) , wild card No .
1 : Barely survived Texans but remain in virtual tie atop AFC South with Titans .
Colts have big game at Pittsburgh in Week 16 .
6 .
Cleveland Browns ( 9-4 ) , wild card No .
2 : Still not in position to officially end 18-year playoff drought , but can take another step toward postseason by beating Giants on Sunday night .
Will also reclaim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Week 5 defeat of Indy .
7 .
Miami Dolphins ( 9-5 ) , wild card No .
3 : Vanquished Patriots on Sunday while strengthening their own grip on a playoff spot .
Fins remain ahead of Ravens by virtue of half-game lead in games played against AFC opponents .
8 .
Baltimore Ravens ( 9-5 ) , first team out of field : Drubbed Jags but could n't make up any ground on field this week .
Ravens ' 6-5 record against AFC clubs currently have them looking up at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the conference .
y-1 .
Green Bay Packers ( 11-3 ) , NFC North champions : They outlasted the Panthers in an unimpressive win Saturday night , but the victory keeps them in the driver 's seat for home-field advantage – which they might clinch next week with a little bit of help .
x-2 .
New Orleans Saints ( 10-4 ) , NFC South leaders : Missed another chance to wrap up the division , but keep No .
2 post by virtue of superior record in NFC games ( 8-2 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Seattle Seahawks ( 10-4 ) , NFC West leaders : Officially playoff bound for the eighth time in QB Russell Wilson 's nine-year career and now in possession of first place in the division following the Rams ' stunning loss to the Jets .
4 .
Washington Football Team ( 6-8 ) , NFC East leaders : Loss to Seattle creates opportunity for Giants , who swept Washington this season , to reclaim division lead by beating Browns on Sunday night .
5 .
Los Angeles Rams ( 9-5 ) , wild @ @ @ @ @ @ @ humiliating loss to the Jets , failed to clinch a playoff spot and fell out of first place in the NFC West .
Only Week 11 defeat of Bucs prevents L.A. from tumbling further .
6 .
Tampa Bay Buccaneers ( 9-5 ) , wild card No .
2 : Did n't get the Bears-Vikings tie that would have secured a spot in postseason field , but Bucs can ensure they 're advancing for first time since 2007 next week .
7 .
Arizona Cardinals ( 8-6 ) , wild card No .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ maintain control of the conference 's last playoff position ... and picked up a game on the Rams in the division .
8 .
Chicago Bears ( 7-7 ) , first team out of field : They 've suddenly won two in a row on heels of six-game losing streak .
If you love talking football , we have the perfect spot for you .
Join our Facebook Group , The Ruling Off the Field , to engage in friendly debate and conversation with fellow football fans and our NFL insiders .
Do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !

NFL playoff picture as Week 16 begins: Bucs, Tom Brady headed to postseason, Cardinals might not be
Show Caption Hide Caption Lorenzo's Locks: The 3 best bets you should consider for NFL Week 16 SportsPulse: Lorenzo is here to spread some holiday cheer and solid take to the bank bets for Week 16 in the NFL. USA TODAY
Here's how the NFL playoff picture looks as Week 16 commences. (Note: the postseason field expands to 14 teams this season and could potentially go to 16 if the league's schedule is thrown into disarray down the stretch by COVID-19 disruptions.)
AFC
y-1. Kansas City Chiefs (13-1), AFC West champions: A win against the Falcons or a loss by either the Bills or Steelers secures home-field advantage for champs.
y-2. Buffalo Bills (11-3), AFC East champions: They're division titlists for the first time in 25 years. Top seed is virtually out of reach given Buffalo lost to Kansas City in Week 6.
x-3. Pittsburgh Steelers (11-3), AFC North leaders: Failed to wrap up division and just about played themselves out of conversation for home field and first-round bye after third straight loss. Just need a win to wrap up division.
4. Tennessee Titans (10-4), AFC South leaders: Win gives them a playoff berth, and they'll secure division, too, if Colts lose in Pittsburgh. A loss by the Dolphins or Ravens also puts Tennessee into field.
5. Cleveland Browns (10-4), wild card No. 1: They're playoff bound for first time since 2002 with a victory against the Jets ... assuming either Baltimore, Indianapolis or Miami lose.
6. Indianapolis Colts (10-4), wild card No. 2: They're into field with a win and a loss by Ravens or Fins.
7. Miami Dolphins (10-5), wild card No. 3: Ultimately came up aces in Las Vegas and are now just one win from playoff berth.
8. Baltimore Ravens (9-5), first team out of field: Their 6-5 record against AFC clubs currently has them looking up at Browns, Colts and Dolphins, each 6-4 within the conference.
NFC
y-1. Green Bay Packers (11-3), NFC North champions: A win plus a Seahawks defeat means Pack gets to stay at Lambeau Field in January.
y-2. New Orleans Saints (11-4), NFC South champions: Won division for fourth consecutive season on Christmas, but they'll need a lot of help to reclaim No. 1 seed.
x-3. Seattle Seahawks (10-4), NFC West leaders: Playoff bound for the eighth time in QB Russell Wilson's nine-year career, they win the division by beating the Rams on Sunday.
4. Washington Football Team (6-8), NFC East leaders: Can remarkably clinch division with a win plus a loss by the Giants.
x-5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-5), wild card No. 1: They advance to postseason for first time since 2007 after crushing Lions but will drop back down to sixth seed if Rams win on Sunday.
6. Los Angeles Rams (9-5), wild card No. 2: Suffered humiliating loss to the Jets, failed to clinch a playoff spot and fell out of first place in the NFC West in Week 15. But win in Seattle on Sunday, and L.A. goes back to top of division standings and ensures a playoff return.
7. Arizona Cardinals (8-7), wild card No. 3: Devastating loss to the division rival 49ers on Saturday afternoon means Chicago now controls path to final NFC wild-card berth.
8. Chicago Bears (7-7), first team out of field: They've suddenly won two in a row on heels of six-game losing streak. Win their final two games (at Jacksonville vs. Green Bay), and they claim a most surprising postseason berth.
x — clinched berth
y — clinched division
***
Follow USA TODAY Sports' Nate Davis on Twitter @ByNateDavis.
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usatoday--2020-12-20--Notre Dame will need flawless game to upset Alabama in Rose Bowl

The matchup is a television executive 's dream : Alabama against Notre Dame in the national semifinals of the College Football Playoff .
Whether the game meets the hype is in serious doubt after the Fighting Irish lost 34-10 to Clemson in the ACC championship game , revealing serious flaws and weak spots after Notre Dame 's charge toward an unbeaten regular season .
`` This is a strong football team , strong-willed , '' Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly said Saturday .
`` It ’ s an outstanding football team .
They ’ ll bounce back . ''
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has fared amid similar stakes throughout Kelly 's tenure and beyond .
The Irish have reached the equivalent of six New Year 's Six bowls since 2000 and lost each by two or more touchdowns , most recently losing 30-3 to Clemson in the 2018 national semifinals .
After beating the Tigers in overtime during the regular season , Notre Dame seemed unable to stop Clemson at full strength .
With quarterback Trevor Lawrence back under center , the Tigers gained 541 yards of total offense and averaged more than eight yards per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at linebacker , the Tigers ' defense held the Irish to just 263 yards , about half of Notre Dame 's total in November .
It will take something close to perfection to take down the Crimson Tide on Jan. 1 in the Rose Bowl , being played in Arlington , Texas , after it was moved from Southern California because of COVID-19 complications .
Alabama leads the Power Five in scoring ( 49.7 points per game ) and yards per play .
The offense has averaged more yards per play against ranked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the 52-46 win against Florida to clinch another SEC championship .
Quarterback Mac Jones , a heavy Heisman Trophy favorite , has thrown for 32 touchdowns against just four interceptions while averaging 11.4 yards per attempt .
The team 's second Heisman contender , wide receiver DeVonta Smith , has caught 98 passes for 1,511 yards and 17 touchdowns .
Alabama 's second-leading receiver , John Metchie III , has more catches ( 44 ) , receiving yards ( 782 ) and touchdowns ( six ) than Notre Dame 's leader in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ College Football Playoff pairings feel like a rerun , lack drama Overlooked for much of the regular season , running back Najee Harris ran for 178 yards , had 67 receiving yards and accounted for five touchdowns against the Gators .
The wealth of options on this side of the ball presents problems for Notre Dame , which had tremendous difficulty stopping a similarly balanced offense against Clemson .
Evenwith Lawrence and running back Travis Etienne in the backfield , Clemson 's weapons do n't match up with Alabama 's skill talent .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dame a chance .
After several weeks of resembling a vintage Nick Saban-era defense — the Tide held six straight opponents to 17 or fewer points — Alabama gave up 462 yards against Florida , the fourth time this season an opponent has eclipsed the 400-yard mark .
Three of those opponents rank among the nation 's best teams : Texas A & M , Georgia and the Gators .
While the offense bottomed out against Clemson , Notre Dame had showed incredible balance for most of the regular season and taken an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ October .
The Irish ran for at least 199 yards and threw for at least 199 yards in each of the five games leading into the ACC championship .
The key on offense will be to develop an effective running game , which was nonexistent against the Tigers .
Keeping Alabama 's defense honest against the run could open up passing lanes for quarterback Ian Book , who has thrown just two interceptions across 314 attempts .
By avoiding turnovers , controlling the clock and keeping pace with Alabama 's offense , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off a significant upset .

Notre Dame will need flawless game to upset Alabama in Rose Bowl
Show Caption Hide Caption Coaches Poll and CFP committee agree on top four teams The College Football Playoff selection committee chose Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State and Notre Dame to compete for the National Championship and the most recent Amway Coaches poll tells a similar story. SportsPulse, USA TODAY
The matchup is a television executive's dream: Alabama against Notre Dame in the national semifinals of the College Football Playoff.
Whether the game meets the hype is in serious doubt after the Fighting Irish lost 34-10 to Clemson in the ACC championship game, revealing serious flaws and weak spots after Notre Dame's charge toward an unbeaten regular season.
"This is a strong football team, strong-willed," Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly said Saturday. "It’s an outstanding football team. They’ll bounce back."
The loss rekindled concerns over how Notre Dame has fared amid similar stakes throughout Kelly's tenure and beyond. The Irish have reached the equivalent of six New Year's Six bowls since 2000 and lost each by two or more touchdowns, most recently losing 30-3 to Clemson in the 2018 national semifinals.
After beating the Tigers in overtime during the regular season, Notre Dame seemed unable to stop Clemson at full strength. With quarterback Trevor Lawrence back under center, the Tigers gained 541 yards of total offense and averaged more than eight yards per play. With senior James Skalski back at linebacker, the Tigers' defense held the Irish to just 263 yards, about half of Notre Dame's total in November.
It will take something close to perfection to take down the Crimson Tide on Jan. 1 in the Rose Bowl, being played in Arlington, Texas, after it was moved from Southern California because of COVID-19 complications.
Alabama leads the Power Five in scoring (49.7 points per game) and yards per play. The offense has averaged more yards per play against ranked than unranked opponents after gaining 605 yards in the 52-46 win against Florida to clinch another SEC championship.
Quarterback Mac Jones, a heavy Heisman Trophy favorite, has thrown for 32 touchdowns against just four interceptions while averaging 11.4 yards per attempt. The team's second Heisman contender, wide receiver DeVonta Smith, has caught 98 passes for 1,511 yards and 17 touchdowns. Alabama's second-leading receiver, John Metchie III, has more catches (44), receiving yards (782) and touchdowns (six) than Notre Dame's leader in each category.
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SEEN IT BEFORE: College Football Playoff pairings feel like a rerun, lack drama
Overlooked for much of the regular season, running back Najee Harris ran for 178 yards, had 67 receiving yards and accounted for five touchdowns against the Gators.
The wealth of options on this side of the ball presents problems for Notre Dame, which had tremendous difficulty stopping a similarly balanced offense against Clemson. Evenwith Lawrence and running back Travis Etienne in the backfield, Clemson's weapons don't match up with Alabama's skill talent.
But the Crimson Tide defense gives Notre Dame a chance. After several weeks of resembling a vintage Nick Saban-era defense — the Tide held six straight opponents to 17 or fewer points — Alabama gave up 462 yards against Florida, the fourth time this season an opponent has eclipsed the 400-yard mark. Three of those opponents rank among the nation's best teams: Texas A&M, Georgia and the Gators.
While the offense bottomed out against Clemson, Notre Dame had showed incredible balance for most of the regular season and taken an obvious step forward since the end of October. The Irish ran for at least 199 yards and threw for at least 199 yards in each of the five games leading into the ACC championship.
The key on offense will be to develop an effective running game, which was nonexistent against the Tigers. Keeping Alabama's defense honest against the run could open up passing lanes for quarterback Ian Book, who has thrown just two interceptions across 314 attempts. By avoiding turnovers, controlling the clock and keeping pace with Alabama's offense, the Irish would have a shot at pulling off a significant upset.
Follow USA TODAY Sports colleges reporter Paul Myerberg on Twitter @PaulMyerberg


usatoday--2020-12-20--A Florida woman woke up to find a raccoon in her Christmas tree. Chaos ensued.

TALLAHASSEE , Fla. – Aubrey Iacobelli of Tallahassee woke up at 4:15 a.m. on Dec. 10 to find a new and unwelcome decoration in her living room .
`` I heard a scuffle , in through the doggie door .
I do n't know how the heck this just happened , there 's a cat inside my Christmas tree , '' she says in a must-see video of the ordeal she posted to Facebook .
In the video , while her dog watches attentively , she attempts to coax the cat out from where it is barely visible , deep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She pokes at it with a frying pan and , later , a wise man statue pulled from the mantlepiece holiday display .
At one point Iacobelli even sprays the cat with vinegar .
Only , it was n't a cat .
It was a raccoon .
And when the dog finally lunged for it , chaos erupted .
`` This is bad .
This is bad .
This is bad , '' she said , shrieking and pleading with both animals .
`` Do n't knock over my tree ! ''
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ornaments break .
Iacobelli , barefoot and in her robe , leaps onto the furniture as the dog and raccoon roll on the floor , biting and scratching and barking and snarling .
Koalalalala !
: Australian family finds a koala hanging out in their Christmas tree Unfortunately the raccoon did n't take advantage of the front door that was wide open just a few feet away .
Instead , it ran into the dining room and up on a table , where it started eying the chandelier hanging above .
By 5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of her situation .
The tree is back up , looking like it had been run over a few times .
There 's a small , sad pile of carefully collected , unbroken ornaments .
There 's a dog by the dining room table , ready to go again .
And there 's a raccoon now completely inside the chandelier , watching them warily and swaying back and forth .
She finally was able to shoo the animal outside with a broom and was ready to laugh about it when she posted the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few minor scratches , she said .
`` Now that it 's not right there in that moment , it does seem kinda funny , '' Iacobelli said .
`` It 's probably going to get funnier , the further away from it I get . ''
The video has gone viral in the U.S. and around the world , and it 's even inspired a new Christmas song that 's sure to become a yuletime favorite , from her friend Kelsie Newman : '' This sure is a Christmas to remember / @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doors come November ... ''

A Florida woman woke up to find a raccoon in her Christmas tree. Chaos ensued.
Show Caption Hide Caption Florida woman finds raccoon in Christmas tree A woman in Florida recently filmed her encounter with a raccoon that managed to climb inside her Christmas tree. Fox - 35 Orlando, Fox - 35 Orlando
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Aubrey Iacobelli of Tallahassee woke up at 4:15 a.m. on Dec. 10 to find a new and unwelcome decoration in her living room.
"I heard a scuffle, in through the doggie door. I don't know how the heck this just happened, there's a cat inside my Christmas tree," she says in a must-see video of the ordeal she posted to Facebook.
In the video, while her dog watches attentively, she attempts to coax the cat out from where it is barely visible, deep inside the top of the tree. She pokes at it with a frying pan and, later, a wise man statue pulled from the mantlepiece holiday display. At one point Iacobelli even sprays the cat with vinegar.
Only, it wasn't a cat. It was a raccoon. And when the dog finally lunged for it, chaos erupted.
"This is bad. This is bad. This is bad," she said, shrieking and pleading with both animals. "Don't knock over my tree!"
The tree goes over, hard. Glass ornaments break. Iacobelli, barefoot and in her robe, leaps onto the furniture as the dog and raccoon roll on the floor, biting and scratching and barking and snarling.
(For concerned animal-lovers, at this point in the video a message says, "I know it sounds bad. But both animals are relatively ok.")
Koalalalala!: Australian family finds a koala hanging out in their Christmas tree
Unfortunately the raccoon didn't take advantage of the front door that was wide open just a few feet away. Instead, it ran into the dining room and up on a table, where it started eying the chandelier hanging above.
By 5 a.m., a frazzled Iacobelli takes stock of her situation. The tree is back up, looking like it had been run over a few times. There's a small, sad pile of carefully collected, unbroken ornaments. There's a dog by the dining room table, ready to go again. And there's a raccoon now completely inside the chandelier, watching them warily and swaying back and forth.
She finally was able to shoo the animal outside with a broom and was ready to laugh about it when she posted the video later. The dog had a few minor scratches, she said.
"Now that it's not right there in that moment, it does seem kinda funny," Iacobelli said. "It's probably going to get funnier, the further away from it I get."
The video has gone viral in the U.S. and around the world, and it's even inspired a new Christmas song that's sure to become a yuletime favorite, from her friend Kelsie Newman:
"This sure is a Christmas to remember / Next year I’ll lock the doors come November..."


usatoday--2020-12-20--Sephora is having a super rare sale on its sale items—and the savings are huge

— Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed ’ s editors .
Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission .
Sephora is known for a great many things .
Great brands ?
Undoubtedly .
A killer rewards program ?
Absolutely .
But fabulous sale events ?
Not so much .
Frankly , they 're few and far between , and when they do come around , they often require membership to the store 's Beauty Insider program , with the best discounts going to the store 's highest-tier members .
Right now , however , there 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that everyone take can advantage of , making it one of the best we 've seen all year .
Get expert shopping advice delivered to your phone .
Sign up for text message alerts from the deal-hunting nerds at Reviewed .
Through Friday , January 1 , shoppers can take an exta 20 % off their already discounted sale purchase with coupon code MAJORSALE at checkout .
That means huge savings on tons of goodies from top-rated beauty brands , including Fenty Beauty , Clinique , Tarte , Living Proof , Lancôme , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on ?
One top-rated pick that 's selling fast is Fenty Beauty Glossy Posse mini gloss bomb set .
Regularly $ 36 and on sale for $ 25.50 , you can pick this four-piece collection up for just $ 20.40 with the MAJORSALE code .
Including best-selling glosses in Cake Shake , Baby Brut , Taffy Tea $ e and Ruby Milk that are designed to look great on any skin tone , this set has shoppers raving about its non-sticky formula and `` juicy '' glow .
Designer makeup , like this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 139 and on sale for $ 96 , also drop—this one falls to $ 76.80 with the code for a whopping 45 % discount .
With the backing of more than 2,500 Sephora shoppers , this five-piece collection is a solid investment that works for all skin types .
You 'll get a 1-ounce Advanced Génefique anti-aging face serum , a .5-ounce Advanced Génefique eye cream , a 6.7-ounce Tonique Confort toner , Monsier big mascara and a 4.2-ounce Bi-Facil double action eye makeup remover .
While these items may not ship in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you 're looking to gift it by Christmas , you can reserve many online for same-day in-store pickup .
Keep reading to discover all the other top-rated sale buys you can find on the site now .
The best Sephora sale items to buy now • Get the Sephora Favorites 7-Piece Hello !
Haul Star Heroes Set for $ 6.40 with coupon code MAJORSALE ( Save $ 3.60 ) • Get the Fenty Beauty Mademoiselle Plush Matte Lipstick for $ 7.20 with coupon code MAJORSALE ( Save $ 10.80 ) • Get the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 13.44 with coupon code MAJORSALE ( Save $ 10.56 ) • Get the Lancôme Mini Merry Juicy Tubes 3-Piece Lip Gloss Set for $ 14 with coupon code MAJORSALE ( Save $ 11 ) • Get the Fenty Beauty Match Stix Matte Skinstick for $ 14 with coupon code MAJORSALE ( Save $ 11 ) • Get the Fenty Beauty Killawatt Foil Freestyle Highlighter for $ 14.40 with coupon code MAJORSALE ( Save $ 21.60 ) • Get the Milk Makeup Holographic Stick for $ 14.40 with coupon code MAJORSALE ( Save @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maracuja 2-Piece Creaseless Concealer Set for $ 16.40 with coupon code MAJORSALE ( Save $ 9.60 ) • Get the Living Proof 2-Piece Clean , In an Instant Perfect Hair Set for $ 18 with coupon code MAJORSALE ( Save $ 7 ) • Get the Viseart Petit Pro 4 Aprocotine Palette for $ 19.20 with coupon code MAJORSALE ( Save $ 10.80 ) • Get the Fenty Beauty Glossy Posse 4-Piece Mini Gloss Bomb Set for $ 20.40 with coupon code MAJORSALE ( Save $ 15.60 ) • Get the Fenty Beauty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for $ 23.60 with coupon code MAJORSALE ( Save $ 18.40 ) • Get the Bobbi Brown Luxe Encore Eye Shadow Palette for $ 26.40 with coupon code MAJORSALE ( Save $ 28.60 ) • Get the Fenty Beauty Match Stix Trio for $ 29.60 with coupon code MAJORSALE ( Save $ 24.40 ) • Get the Huda Beauty Desert Dusk Eyeshadow Palette for $ 31.20 with coupon code MAJORSALE ( Save $ 33.80 ) • Get the Fresh Sugar Lip 6-Piece Bestsellers Tin for $ 31.20 with coupon code MAJORSALE ( Save @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Badescu : The Icons Drying Lotion and Rose Facial Spray Duo for $ 11.20 with coupon code MAJORSALE ( Save $ 7.80 ) • Get the Tarte 3-Piece SEA Jelly Glaze Anytime Lip Mask Set for $ 14.40 with coupon code MAJORSALE ( Save $ 6.60 ) • Get the Clinique 3-Piece Super Skincare Set for $ 43.60 with coupon code MAJORSALE ( Save $ 34.40 ) • Get the Lancôme Lancôme Favorites 5-Piece Gift Set for $ 76.80 with coupon code MAJORSALE ( Save $ 62.20 ) Shop Sephora Sale Items at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hard-to-find essentials ?
Sign up for our Resources by Reviewed newsletter .
The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered .
Follow Reviewed on Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram for the latest deals , reviews , and more .
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time .

Sephora is having a super rare sale on its sale items—and the savings are huge
— Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed’s editors. Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission.
Sephora is known for a great many things. Great brands? Undoubtedly. A killer rewards program? Absolutely. But fabulous sale events? Not so much. Frankly, they're few and far between, and when they do come around, they often require membership to the store's Beauty Insider program, with the best discounts going to the store's highest-tier members. Right now, however, there's a huge sale happening at the store that everyone take can advantage of, making it one of the best we've seen all year.
Get expert shopping advice delivered to your phone. Sign up for text message alerts from the deal-hunting nerds at Reviewed.
Through Friday, January 1, shoppers can take an exta 20% off their already discounted sale purchase with coupon code MAJORSALE at checkout. That means huge savings on tons of goodies from top-rated beauty brands, including Fenty Beauty, Clinique, Tarte, Living Proof, Lancôme, Peter Thomas Roth ... need we go on?
One top-rated pick that's selling fast is Fenty Beauty Glossy Posse mini gloss bomb set. Regularly $36 and on sale for $25.50, you can pick this four-piece collection up for just $20.40 with the MAJORSALE code. Including best-selling glosses in Cake Shake, Baby Brut, Taffy Tea$e and Ruby Milk that are designed to look great on any skin tone, this set has shoppers raving about its non-sticky formula and "juicy" glow.
Designer makeup, like this Lancôme Favorites gift set, regularly $139 and on sale for $96, also drop—this one falls to $76.80 with the code for a whopping 45% discount. With the backing of more than 2,500 Sephora shoppers, this five-piece collection is a solid investment that works for all skin types. You'll get a 1-ounce Advanced Génefique anti-aging face serum, a .5-ounce Advanced Génefique eye cream, a 6.7-ounce Tonique Confort toner, Monsier big mascara and a 4.2-ounce Bi-Facil double action eye makeup remover.
While these items may not ship in time for the big day, if you're looking to gift it by Christmas, you can reserve many online for same-day in-store pickup.
Keep reading to discover all the other top-rated sale buys you can find on the site now.
The best Sephora sale items to buy now
Makeup
Skincare
Looking for hard-to-find essentials? Sign up for our Resources by Reviewed newsletter.
The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered. Follow Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest deals, reviews, and more.
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.


usatoday--2020-12-20--Shania Twain makes a 'That Don't Impress Me Much' joke on Brad Pitt's birthday

For one day only , that does impress her much .
Shania Twain made a cheeky reference to her hit `` That Do n't Impress Me Much '' in celebration of Brad Pitt 's 57th birthday .
`` Happy Birthday to Brad Pitt , I ’ ll make an exception for today , '' the 55-year-old country music star tweeted Friday with a kissing face emoji .
In the song , a 1998 single from Twain 's third studio album `` Come On Over , '' the singer rattles off a list of traits she does n't find all that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his car like it 's his child , being a rocket scientist , or toting around a mirror and a comb to make sure his hair looks perfect at all times .
“ OK , so you 're Brad Pitt ?
That do n't impress me much , '' she sings .
Twenty years later , Twain explained in a 2017 interview with Billboard that while she was working on the album , news broke of Pitt 's nude photo scandal with his then-fiancée Gwyneth Paltrow in Playgirl .
Pitt would go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of privacy and infliction of emotional distress , claiming a photographer trespassed at a hotel to photograph the couple without their consent .
Twain said she intended to reference the ordeal as something she did n't think was a big deal , not as any sort of snarky call-out to the actor .
`` I just thought , well , I do n't know what all the fuss is about , and this is ... where I took it from , '' she said .
`` I 'm like , well , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mean , we see people naked every day .
That 's really what I thought .
I was n't picking on Brad Pitt .
But that was just the association in that moment and things we make fusses about and whatever .
Of course , it could have been any gorgeous guy . ''

Shania Twain makes a 'That Don't Impress Me Much' joke on Brad Pitt's birthday
Show Caption Hide Caption Shania Twain reflects on breakout record 'The Woman in Me' Superstar Shania Twain is celebrating the 25th anniversary of her breakout record "The Woman in Me" with a deluxe reissue set; she says the 1995 album was "life changing." (Oct. ) AP
For one day only, that does impress her much.
Shania Twain made a cheeky reference to her hit "That Don't Impress Me Much" in celebration of Brad Pitt's 57th birthday.
"Happy Birthday to Brad Pitt, I’ll make an exception for today," the 55-year-old country music star tweeted Friday with a kissing face emoji.
In the song, a 1998 single from Twain's third studio album "Come On Over," the singer rattles off a list of traits she doesn't find all that important in a man: taking care of his car like it's his child, being a rocket scientist, or toting around a mirror and a comb to make sure his hair looks perfect at all times.
“OK, so you're Brad Pitt? That don't impress me much," she sings.
Twenty years later, Twain explained in a 2017 interview with Billboard that while she was working on the album, news broke of Pitt's nude photo scandal with his then-fiancée Gwyneth Paltrow in Playgirl. Pitt would go on to sue the magazine for invasion of privacy and infliction of emotional distress, claiming a photographer trespassed at a hotel to photograph the couple without their consent.
Twain said she intended to reference the ordeal as something she didn't think was a big deal, not as any sort of snarky call-out to the actor.
"I just thought, well, I don't know what all the fuss is about, and this is ... where I took it from," she said. "I'm like, well, that don't impress me much. I mean, we see people naked every day. That's really what I thought. I wasn't picking on Brad Pitt. But that was just the association in that moment and things we make fusses about and whatever. Of course, it could have been any gorgeous guy."
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