mercurynews--2020-11-08--Ask Amy: We think this decision is our baby’s to make

Dear Amy : I grew up in a conservative Catholic family and went to 12 years of Catholic school .
After , I decided to leave the Catholic faith .
My husband was raised without a religious background .
Ten months ago , we welcomed our first child ( my parents ’ first grandchild ) and have decided not to have her baptized .
My family is very upset .
They say we don ’ t have to have her baptized Catholic , and that any nondenominational baptism would be OK with them , however my husband and I are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see the point of going through the motions or making “ promises ” that we will raise our child Christian or with any religious ideals .
We want her to make that decision ( if she chooses to ) later in life .
My family ’ s disappointment is really weighing on me , and now I ’ m feeling guilty and a little resentful for them not respecting our decision .
The conversation keeps coming up .
• Ask Amy : My parents think my sister is a helpless damsel .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done .
• Ask Amy : Why do strangers ask me this personal question ?
• Ask Amy : I think their dog is racist .
What should I do ?
• Ask Amy : I worry I gave her bad advice about her reticent boyfriend • Ask Amy : I ’ m middle-aged and frumpy , so why do men always hit on me ?
Should we just do it and get it over with to make them happy and end the conversation ?
Dear Catholic Guilt : My siblings and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we were raised as church-goers , my independent mother let her children choose their own faith practice , including choosing none .
When I decided to get baptized as a teenager , I was proud to make a choice about the course of my own life .
Baptism means different things to different denominations but yes , if you baptize a child with clergy present , you are participating in a Christian rite , and if you do not intend to have your child identify as a Christian , you should not do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ connected with huge concepts , including original sin and the fate of the soul .
If your parents believe that their grandchild ’ s very soul is at stake , they will continue to push .
You might mollify some by creating a “ naming ceremony ” for your child .
You and your husband could design your own ritual , asking members of both families and special friends to pledge to watch after your child , celebrating your baby ’ s presence in the greater community and possibly naming “ guardians ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your child , if something happens to you .
Will this satisfy the family members who are bugging and guilting you about baptism ?
No , it won ’ t .
In fact , it might offend some .
But you would be able to say that you have done exactly as much as you are prepared to do .
You should prepare yourself for more pressure in this regard , but you are the parents and you must act according to your own values .
[ Dear Abby answered virtually the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Here ’ s what she said . ]
Dear Amy : My mother passed away at 90 in 2018 .
When she was alive , my small extended family always celebrated birthdays together .
Since Mom died , we haven ’ t gotten together for birthdays , but we still exchanged cards and gifts .
I recently had a birthday .
Of course , with the restrictions in place now , we can ’ t get together anyway , but I thought a birthday card or two would come in the mail from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and maybe a gift card , since that ’ s what my husband and I sent to them .
But I got nothing .
They each sent me a “ Happy Birthday ” text , and that ’ s it .
I was hurt by that .
Should I tell them I was disappointed , or just wait until the next birthday comes up and send a text , saying , “ I guess we ’ re not doing cards and gifts anymore , so happy birthday.
” If that ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from now on , I don ’ t want to spend time and money on them , and get nothing in return .
Is that selfish of me ?
Dear Disappointed : You simply don ’ t know what other people are going through right now .
You are obviously disappointed , but I don ’ t think it helps for you to convey that .
My suggestion is that you send a warmly worded card to your family members .
Even if they reciprocate next year with a text , this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and generous .
Dear Amy : Your recent statement that “ there are no White people in the Bible ” was outrageous and offensive !
It just shows how little you know .
Romans , for instance , are White , and they figure prominently in the Bible .
Please , don ’ t parade your ignorance and pass it off as fact .
Dear Upset : I was employing hyperbole to try to make a point — that ( in my opinion ) White Christians ( and I am one ) can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is about their Whiteness .
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy @ amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy , P.O .
Box 194 , Freeville , NY 13068 .
You can also follow her on Twitter @ askingamy or Facebook .

Dear Amy: I grew up in a conservative Catholic family and went to 12 years of Catholic school. After, I decided to leave the Catholic faith. My husband was raised without a religious background.
Ten months ago, we welcomed our first child (my parents’ first grandchild) and have decided not to have her baptized. My family is very upset.
They say we don’t have to have her baptized Catholic, and that any nondenominational baptism would be OK with them, however my husband and I are just not religious and don’t see the point of going through the motions or making “promises” that we will raise our child Christian or with any religious ideals.
We want her to make that decision (if she chooses to) later in life.
My family’s disappointment is really weighing on me, and now I’m feeling guilty and a little resentful for them not respecting our decision. The conversation keeps coming up.
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Catholic Guilt
Dear Catholic Guilt: My siblings and I were also never baptized; even though we were raised as church-goers, my independent mother let her children choose their own faith practice, including choosing none. When I decided to get baptized as a teenager, I was proud to make a choice about the course of my own life.
Baptism means different things to different denominations but yes, if you baptize a child with clergy present, you are participating in a Christian rite, and if you do not intend to have your child identify as a Christian, you should not do it.
For Catholics, baptism is connected with huge concepts, including original sin and the fate of the soul. If your parents believe that their grandchild’s very soul is at stake, they will continue to push.
You might mollify some by creating a “naming ceremony” for your child. You and your husband could design your own ritual, asking members of both families and special friends to pledge to watch after your child, celebrating your baby’s presence in the greater community and possibly naming “guardians” to be in a special relationship with your child, if something happens to you.
Will this satisfy the family members who are bugging and guilting you about baptism? No, it won’t. In fact, it might offend some. But you would be able to say that you have done exactly as much as you are prepared to do.
You should prepare yourself for more pressure in this regard, but you are the parents and you must act according to your own values.
[Dear Abby answered virtually the same question a couple of months ago. Here’s what she said.]
Dear Amy: My mother passed away at 90 in 2018. When she was alive, my small extended family always celebrated birthdays together.
Since Mom died, we haven’t gotten together for birthdays, but we still exchanged cards and gifts.
I recently had a birthday. Of course, with the restrictions in place now, we can’t get together anyway, but I thought a birthday card or two would come in the mail from someone in my brother’s family, and maybe a gift card, since that’s what my husband and I sent to them. But I got nothing.
They each sent me a “Happy Birthday” text, and that’s it. I was hurt by that.
Should I tell them I was disappointed, or just wait until the next birthday comes up and send a text, saying, “I guess we’re not doing cards and gifts anymore, so happy birthday.”
If that’s what they’re going to do from now on, I don’t want to spend time and money on them, and get nothing in return. Is that selfish of me?
Disappointed in Indiana
Dear Disappointed: You simply don’t know what other people are going through right now. You are obviously disappointed, but I don’t think it helps for you to convey that.
My suggestion is that you send a warmly worded card to your family members. Even if they reciprocate next year with a text, this is an opportunity for you to be kind and generous.
Dear Amy: Your recent statement that “there are no White people in the Bible” was outrageous and offensive! It just shows how little you know. Romans, for instance, are White, and they figure prominently in the Bible.
Please, don’t parade your ignorance and pass it off as fact.
Upset
Dear Upset: I was employing hyperbole to try to make a point — that (in my opinion) White Christians (and I am one) cannot pretend that Christianity springs from or is about their Whiteness.
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.


mercurynews--2020-11-08--Dear Abby: Karl’s attitude toward my emergency shook me. Am I overreacting?

DEAR ABBY : I ’ ve been dating “ Karl ” for five years .
We live separately .
I thought our relationship was pretty solid until a recent health scare .
A few days ago , I had a severe allergic reaction to something I ate at dinner .
When I realized how serious it was , I immediately rushed to the ER .
( I had taken an antihistamine instead of calling the paramedics . )
I quickly messaged Karl that I was having a medical emergency .
The doctor said these reactions can be fatal and will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Karl was working and said he couldn ’ t leave work .
He didn ’ t make sure I got home safely or even come to the house later to check on me .
• Dear Abby : I tell him how to be a good boyfriend , but he doesn ’ t learn • Dear Abby : Everyone says he ’ s a stalker , but now I believe he really loves me • Dear Abby : My husband fixed my best friend ’ s computer and stole a raunchy souvenir • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my wife ’ s ex , and it ’ s stressing me out • Dear Abby : I sent my grandson a gift , and his father confiscated it When I asked him for help picking up the many meds I needed the next morning , he again said he was working .
I was furious , and did it myself although I shouldn ’ t have been driving .
I know I ’ m emotional due to meds and trauma .
Am I overreacting ?
DEAR DISAPPOINTED : You are not overreacting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it to the emergency room because you could have died on the way .
Karl ’ s reaction to your crisis was incredibly callous .
Please think very carefully about a future with this person because he isn ’ t going to change .
Start compiling a list of people you can depend upon should the need arise .
Karl definitely isn ’ t one .
If you were counting on him to be your life partner , change your mind now because , if you don ’ t , it could cost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When I was a kid , I was called a “ chatterbox , ” and it continued until my mid-30s .
Somewhere I came across the saying that it ’ s better to be silent and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt .
It made sense to me , so I shut up .
Now I ’ m close to retirement , and people complain that I don ’ t talk enough !
I detest social gatherings where I must make polite conversation with people I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people I do know , I ’ m afraid of saying too much .
Any recommendations ?
DEAR FORMER CHATTERBOX : Conversation isn ’ t supposed to be a monologue ; it is supposed to be a dialogue — an exchange of information .
If you find yourself dominating a conversation , pause , ask questions and listen to the answers .
For those who say you don ’ t hold up your end , consider making a list in advance of topics you consider safe ( excluding sex , politics and religion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel stuck .
And , if you don ’ t know how to begin , lead off with a compliment .
DEAR ABBY : I am engaged to a wonderful man I ’ ll call Jesse who loves my daughter and me .
However , one of my brothers seems not to be happy for me .
Because of this , Jesse doesn ’ t want to invite him to our wedding , but I ’ m worried about how excluding him will affect my family .
Any advice you could give would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You and Jesse need to discuss this further .
I don ’ t know what your brother ’ s reservations are concerning your fiance , but unless his presence would be disruptive , he should not be excluded .
If you do what Jesse has in mind , it will cause a rift that could last for decades .
Invite your brother , and it will then be up to him whether he attends .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .

DEAR ABBY: I’ve been dating “Karl” for five years. We live separately. I thought our relationship was pretty solid until a recent health scare.
A few days ago, I had a severe allergic reaction to something I ate at dinner. When I realized how serious it was, I immediately rushed to the ER. (I had taken an antihistamine instead of calling the paramedics.) I quickly messaged Karl that I was having a medical emergency. The doctor said these reactions can be fatal and will become increasingly worse after each reaction.
Karl was working and said he couldn’t leave work. He didn’t make sure I got home safely or even come to the house later to check on me.
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I know I’m emotional due to meds and trauma. Am I overreacting?
DISAPPOINTED IN OREGON
DEAR DISAPPOINTED: You are not overreacting. You were fortunate to have made it to the emergency room because you could have died on the way.
Karl’s reaction to your crisis was incredibly callous. Please think very carefully about a future with this person because he isn’t going to change. Start compiling a list of people you can depend upon should the need arise. Karl definitely isn’t one.
If you were counting on him to be your life partner, change your mind now because, if you don’t, it could cost you your life.
DEAR ABBY: When I was a kid, I was called a “chatterbox,” and it continued until my mid-30s. Somewhere I came across the saying that it’s better to be silent and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. It made sense to me, so I shut up.
Now I’m close to retirement, and people complain that I don’t talk enough! I detest social gatherings where I must make polite conversation with people I don’t know. And with people I do know, I’m afraid of saying too much. Any recommendations?
FORMER CHATTERBOX IN PENNSYLVANIA
DEAR FORMER CHATTERBOX: Conversation isn’t supposed to be a monologue; it is supposed to be a dialogue — an exchange of information. If you find yourself dominating a conversation, pause, ask questions and listen to the answers.
For those who say you don’t hold up your end, consider making a list in advance of topics you consider safe (excluding sex, politics and religion) and refer to it if you feel stuck. And, if you don’t know how to begin, lead off with a compliment.
DEAR ABBY: I am engaged to a wonderful man I’ll call Jesse who loves my daughter and me. However, one of my brothers seems not to be happy for me. Because of this, Jesse doesn’t want to invite him to our wedding, but I’m worried about how excluding him will affect my family. Any advice you could give would be greatly appreciated.
MELANCHOLY IN MONTANA
DEAR MELANCHOLY: You and Jesse need to discuss this further. I don’t know what your brother’s reservations are concerning your fiance, but unless his presence would be disruptive, he should not be excluded. If you do what Jesse has in mind, it will cause a rift that could last for decades.
Invite your brother, and it will then be up to him whether he attends.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.


mercurynews--2020-11-08--No. 4 Notre Dame shocks No. 1 Clemson 47-40 in double overtime

SOUTH BEND , Ind .
( AP ) — When Clemson ’ s desperate attempt to convert a fourth-and-forever ended in a scrum , Notre Dame quarterback Ian Book tossed his helmet as he sprinted onto the field to celebrate with is teammates .
In seconds , thousands of fans joined in , rushing the field for a postgame party in a pandemic that most definitely did not meet the CDC ’ s social-distancing guidelines .
“ When fans stormed the field , it was fun , ” Book said .
Kyren Williams put the Irish ahead with a 3-yard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No .
4 Notre Dame shut down top-ranked Clemson with a couple of sacks to seal a 47-40 win Saturday night .
The first victory over a No .
1 in 27 years for the Fighting Irish can be added to the list of famous streak-breakers in Notre Dame history : Catholics vs. Convicts in 1988 snapped Miami ’ s 36-game regular-season winning streak and the shutout of Oklahoma in 1957 broke the Sooners ’ s record 47-game roll .
Clemson ( 7-1 , 6-1 ) had won 36 straight regular-season games and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Conference team since 2017 .
The Fighting Irish ( 7-0 , 6-0 ) , playing in the ACC only because of the pandemic , brought them all to a halt .
“ No matter how old I am , I ’ ll remember this one forever , ” Book said .
Who knows where this victory should rank in Notre Dame lore , but considering the setting and this weird pandemic-altered season it is probably its most bizarre .
“ I had told our team in our walk-through today , ` Just want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game the fans are going to storm the field .
With COVID being what it is , we need to get off the field , ’ ” Irish coach Brian Kelly said .
“ I beat them off the field.
” Williams ran for 140 yards and three touchdowns and Book , the fifth-year senior quarterback , led a 91-yard drive in the final two minutes of regulation to tie it at 33 on a 4-yard touchdown pass to Avery Davis with 22 seconds left .
After Williams gave Notre Dame the lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ OT , the Irish pushed Clemson back with back-to-back sacks on DJ Uaigalelei by Adetokumbo Ogundeji and Daelin Hayes to set up a third-and-24 .
“ I took a sack in the red zone , ” Uiagalelei said .
“ … I can ’ t do that.
” The five-star freshman quarterback ’ s third-down pass was broken up and his final completion on fourth down was way short of the line to gain .
A couple of laterals didn ’ t help and the Irish and their fans went wild .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and they snapped an 11-game losing streak against top-five teams while beating No .
1 for the first time since taking down Florida State in 1993 at Notre Dame Stadium .
“ They dadgum earned it , ” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said .
“ We handle our business , maybe we ’ ll get a chance to play again .
Uiagalelei , starting in place of Trevor Lawrence for a second straight week , passed for 439 yards , the most ever by a Notre Dame opponent .
Lawrence was on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days out of isolation after having COVID-19 .
“ I ’ d like to have Dabo ’ s problems with those two guys , ” Kelly said .
“ DJ was just outstanding.
” Swinney said Lawrence will return to practice Monday .
The biggest game at Notre Dame Stadium since No .
1 Southern California beat the Irish with the Push Bush in 2005 had only 11,011 in attendance , mostly students , because of pandemic restrictions .
When it was over , they poured onto the field — coronavirus bedamned .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ ve ever seen any college storm the field .
That was a cool experience , ” Williams said , and then quickly recalled his coach ’ s advice , “ He told us to get inside after the game as fast as we could.
” Notre Dame Stadium public address announcer Mike Collins spent about 30 minutes after the game encouraging fans to leave the field and stadium safely , while not trying to be a buzzkill .
“ If you leave now you can get out before last call , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed a two-week break earlier this season because of a COVID-19 outbreak , but it didn ’ t keep them from entering this showdown with Clemson unbeaten They might just see each other again in the ACC championship game in December .
“ Man , I think it ’ s very likely , ” said Notre Dame linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah , who returned a fumble for a touchdown in the first half as the Irish built a 13-point lead .
Uiagalelei , who led the Tigers from 18 down last week against Boston @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the end zone on the second play of overtime to put Clemson up 40-33 .
Notre Dame responded with a 3-yard touchdown run by Williams and kick to tie it instead of going for 2 to end it .
Five seasons ago when these teams last played on a rainy night in Clemson , the Tigers stopped the Irish on a potential tying 2-point conversion with 7 seconds left in regulation .
Swinney famously said it was a BYOG game : “ Bring your own guts.
” The Tigers needed to back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the their first trip to South Bend since 1979 .
Not only were the Tigers missing Lawrence , but three key defensive starters were out with injuries .
“ We didn ’ t win the game , but you saw what this team is made of , ” Swinney said .
“ This team is made of the right stuff.
” Clemson : Not having defensive tackle Tyler Davis and linebackers James Skalski and Mike Jones really showed against Notre Dame ’ s excellent offensive line .
The Irish ran for 209 yards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to South Bend as a quarterback and he has been moved to running back , receiver and defensive back .
He has settled in as a slot receiver and had maybe his biggest game in college , catching the touchdown pass that sent the game to OT and a 53-yarder that set it up the score two plays earlier .
Clemson : The Tigers have a week off before visiting Florida State on Nov. 20 .
Notre Dame : The Fighting Irish are at Boston College , which might bring back some bad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Irish upset Florida State in ’ 93 , a week later they lost to BC on a last-second field goal .
Follow Ralph D. Russo at https : //twitter.com/ralphDrussoAP and listen at https : //westwoodonepodcasts.com/pods/ap-top-25-college-football-podcast/

By RALPH D. RUSSO
SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — When Clemson’s desperate attempt to convert a fourth-and-forever ended in a scrum, Notre Dame quarterback Ian Book tossed his helmet as he sprinted onto the field to celebrate with his teammates.
Within seconds, thousands of fans joined in, rushing the field amid a pandemic for a postgame party that most definitely did not meet the CDC’s social-distancing guidelines.
“When fans stormed the field, it was fun,” Book said.
Kyren Williams put the Irish ahead with a 3-yard touchdown run in the second overtime and No. 4 Notre Dame shut down top-ranked Clemson with a couple of sacks to seal a 47-40 win Saturday night.
The first victory over a No. 1 team in 27 years for the Fighting Irish can be added to the list of famous streak-breakers in Notre Dame history: Catholics vs. Convicts in 1988 snapped Miami’s 36-game regular-season winning streak and the shutout of Oklahoma in 1957 broke the Sooners’ record 47-game roll.
Clemson (7-1, 6-1) had won 36 consecutive regular-season games and had not lost to an Atlantic Coast Conference team since 2017. The Fighting Irish (7-0, 6-0), playing in the ACC only because of the coronavirus pandemic, brought them all to a halt.
“No matter how old I am, I’ll remember this one forever,” Book said.
Who knows where this victory should rank in Notre Dame lore, but considering the setting and this weird pandemic-altered season, the win is probably its most bizarre.
“I had told our team in our walkthrough today: ‘Just want you to know when we win this game the fans are going to storm the field. With COVID being what it is, we need to get off the field,’” Irish coach Brian Kelly said. “I beat them off the field.”
Williams ran for 140 yards and three touchdowns and Book, the fifth-year senior quarterback, led a 91-yard drive in the final two minutes of regulation to tie it at 33 on a 4-yard touchdown pass to Avery Davis with 22 seconds left.
After Williams gave Notre Dame the lead on the first possession of the second OT, the Irish pushed Clemson back with back-to-back sacks on DJ Uaigalelei by Adetokumbo Ogundeji and Daelin Hayes to set up a third-and-24.
“I took a sack in the red zone,” Uiagalelei said. “… I can’t do that.”
The five-star freshman quarterback’s third-down pass was broken up and his final completion on fourth down was way short of the line to gain. A couple of laterals didn’t help and the Irish and their fans went wild.
The Fighting Irish have won 13 consecutive games and they snapped an 11-game losing streak against top-five teams while beating No. 1 for the first time since taking down Florida State in 1993 at Notre Dame Stadium.
“They dadgum earned it,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said. “We handle our business, maybe we’ll get a chance to play again.
Uiagalelei, starting in place of Trevor Lawrence for a second week, passed for 439 yards, the most ever by a Notre Dame opponent. Lawrence was on the sideline for this one, a few days out of isolation after having COVID-19.
“I’d like to have Dabo’s problems with those two guys,” Kelly said. “DJ was just outstanding.”
Swinney said Lawrence will return to practice Monday.
The biggest game at Notre Dame Stadium since No. 1 Southern California beat the Irish with the Push Bush in 2005 had 11,011 in attendance, mostly students, because of pandemic restrictions.
When it was over, they poured onto the field — coronavirus be damned.
“That’s the first time I’ve ever seen any college storm the field. That was a cool experience,” Williams said, and then quickly recalled his coach’s advice, “He told us to get inside after the game as fast as we could.”
Notre Dame Stadium public address announcer Mike Collins spent about 30 minutes after the game encouraging fans to leave the field and stadium safely, while not trying to be a buzzkill.
“If you leave now you can get out before last call,” Collins said.
The Fighting Irish needed a two-week break earlier this season because of a COVID-19 outbreak, but it didn’t keep them from entering this showdown with Clemson unbeaten.
They might just see each other again in the ACC championship game in December.
“Man, I think it’s very likely,” said Notre Dame linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, who returned a fumble for a touchdown in the first half as the Irish built a 13-point lead.
Uiagalelei, who led the Tigers from 18 down last week against Boston College in his first start, sneaked into the end zone on the second play of overtime to put Clemson up 40-33. Notre Dame responded with a 3-yard touchdown run by Williams and a kick to tie it instead of going for 2 to end it.
Five seasons ago when these teams last played on a rainy night in Clemson, the Tigers stopped the Irish on a potential tying 2-point conversion with 7 seconds left in regulation.
Swinney famously said it was a BYOG game: “Bring your own guts.” The Tigers needed to pack some guts and then some for their first trip to South Bend since 1979.
Not only were the Tigers missing Lawrence, but three key defensive starters were out with injuries.
“We didn’t win the game, but you saw what this team is made of,” Swinney said. “This team is made of the right stuff.”
THE TAKEAWAY
Clemson: Not having defensive tackle Tyler Davis and linebackers James Skalski and Mike Jones really showed against Notre Dame’s excellent offensive line. The Irish ran for 209 yards.
Notre Dame: Avery Davis came to South Bend as a quarterback and has been moved to running back, receiver and defensive back. He has settled in as a slot receiver and had maybe his biggest game in college, catching the touchdown pass that sent the game to OT and a 53-yarder that set it up the score two plays earlier.
UP NEXT
Clemson: The Tigers have a week off before visiting Florida State on Nov. 20.
Notre Dame: The Fighting Irish are at Boston College, which might bring back some bad memories for Notre Dame fans. After the Irish upset Florida State in ’93, a week later they lost to BC on a last-second field goal.
___
Follow Ralph D. Russo at https://twitter.com/ralphDrussoAP and listen at https://westwoodonepodcasts.com/pods/ap-top-25-college-football-podcast/
___
More AP college football: https://apnews.com/Collegefootball and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25


mercurynews--2020-11-08--Saturday Night Five: The 9 a.m. thriller, COVID-19 cancellations, mystery teams, WSU and Colorado ri

Saturday Night Five: The 9 a.m. thriller, COVID-19 cancellations, mystery teams, WSU and Colorado rise and answers arrive

Reaction to Pac-12 developments on and off the field … Two momentous forces — one at the start of the week , the other at the end — conspired to derail the grand 9 a.m. kickoff experiment : — First , FOX announced that its Big Noon on-air crew , which includes Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush , had been pulled from the broadcast and placed in quarantine because of COVID-19 .
The two-hour pregame show starring the former Trojans from the L.A .
Coliseum turned into a one-hour show in the Fox Sports studio with NFL analysts .
— @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arizona State opened the season , the networks called the election .
Instantly , everything else became back-page news .
The plan was sound , but what ’ s a conference to do when forces far beyond its control take over ?
Welp , the Pac-12 was rewarded for stepping outside the box : Arizona State and USC delivered a thriller , with the Trojans scoring twice in the final three minutes to beat the Sun Devils 28-27 .
We don ’ t yet know the ratings , but they assuredly will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And yet , it could not have worked out better for the conference under the circumstances .
This exchange between FOX announcers Gus Johnson and Joel Klatt captured the moment : Klatt : “ Here ’ s the bottom line , too .
Everyone can claim , ‘ Oh , I love Pac-12 After Dark.
’ No , you don ’ t .
It ’ s a punch line on Twitter .
It is .
And I know , because we see the ratings .
“ This is unbelievable exposure for these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t been getting in the last few years .
They need this .
They need to be featured like this .
Herm Edwards knows it ; he was excited about this .
These players know it ; they were excited about this .
Clay Helton knows it ; he was excited about this … “ When you ’ re a head coach , you need this .
They ’ re trying to sell their programs .
“ And the other part , and I would just remind everybody : Every coach and player @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ll play anybody , any time .
We ’ ll go play in the parking lot if we have to.
’ Well , then do it .
Johnson : “ I agree .
( ASU co-defensive coordinator ) Antonio Pierce saying , ‘ I can ’ t wait for my guys to get a chance to play in this prime-time matchup .
And some people misinterpreted it because it was 9 in the morning , but as you mentioned for these teams , this is like a prime-time matchup .
Johnson : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the day in their conference.
” The success of the first 9 a.m. conference game in history was one of the two major stories from Week One .
The other , of course , was the games that weren ’ t played .
As if the news Thursday that Cal was forced into a no contest ( against Washington ) wasn ’ t surprising enough , the shock value jumped an order-of-magnitude when Utah did the same ( against Arizona ) because of positive tests and quarantine trouble .
The conference couldn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturday of Week One without one-third of its teams getting sent to the sideline .
We don ’ t have enough information to offer a full explanation of each situation — for privacy reasons , the schools and conference office only provide the basics .
But the questions are endless : How could a single positive test prevent Cal from playing , and why was Stanford — located right across the Bay — able to play after quarterback Davis Mills was declared out due to COVID-19 issues ?
How many Utah players are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bears be able to play next week ?
Here ’ s what we do know : If the Pac-12 ’ s elaborate testing plan does not provide some level of relief from state and local protocols governing close contacts and 14-day quarantines , there will be more games called off .
And perhaps many more .
After all , the more you test , the more positives you ’ re likely to find ( which is the point , of course ) .
Also , we know that the canceled games impact not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but also the opponent — the healthy opponent .
It ’ s an unfortunate situation for all involved .
There was some discussion early in the week about Washington and Arizona playing each other if Cal and Utah were unable to compete .
But several logistical issues , complicated by their scheduled meeting in Seattle in Week Three , derailed those plans .
If you haven ’ t been paying close attention to results elsewhere , it ’ s worth noting that BYU has played eight games this season .
That ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 45 minutes away .
Meanwhile , the Mountain West announced its return after the Pac-12 ’ s vote to restart , but most of its teams have played three games .
Yet we ’ re headed to the second weekend in November , and one-third of the Pac-12 has yet to take the field .
Actually , it ’ s more : At least five teams have yet to show themselves in full form .
The loss of quarterback Davis Mills not only stripped Stanford of any chance to upset Oregon , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cardinal .
It ’ s not the same team without Mills — not close to the same team .
So great is the drop from Mills to the backup , Jack West , that we ’ ll avoid drawing any conclusions about the Cardinal .
And for that reason , we ’ re not sure conclusions work for the Ducks , either .
Three teams carried more unknowns into the season than all the rest — three teams that had new coaches , new quarterbacks and no spring practice .
The other two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solid showings for new coaches Karl Dorrell and Nick Rolovich , respectively .
Colorado had considerable help from its opponent , UCLA , which committed four turnovers .
Credit the Buffaloes for taking advantage and making enough plays in the fourth quarter to repel the Bruins ’ comeback .
Washington State , meanwhile , produced the most impressive performance of the weekend , relative to the expectations .
Playing on the road , with a true freshman quarterback and missing their best player , Max Borghi ( injury ) , the Cougars were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State off the field , 38-28 .
WSU executed like it had already played a handful of games , while the Beavers looked like they hadn ’ t practiced in seven months .
Quarterback Jayden de Laura was poised and efficient .
The Cougars gained 456 yards , scored on three big plays and received a sterling performance from tailback Deon McIntosh , who rushed for 146 yards in Borghi ’ s absence .
Suddenly , Oregon ’ s trip to the Palouse in Week Two has next-level intrigue .
The game of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ played out Saturday afternoon , evening and night in South Bend — it lasted more than four hours — with No .
4 Notre Dame outlasting No .
1 Clemson in double overtime .
The Tigers were without quarterback Trevor Lawrence , but no matter : His backup threw for 439 yards and two touchdowns .
The backup is D.J .
Uiagalelei , who grew up in Southern California and attended Mater Dei .
He ’ s part of the stellar west coast recruiting class of 2020 — the part that bypassed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the eastern half of the country .
Another member of that class , Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler ( Phoenix ) , threw his 17th touchdown of the season this weekend .
A third member of that class , Texas running back Bijan Robinson ( Tucson ) , rushed for 113 yards .
A fourth member of the class , Georgia running back Kendall Milton ( Fresno ) , is averaging 5.7 yards per rush this season .
There are others , but we ’ ll avoid a lengthy list of the players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the early-signing period is five weeks away , and the Pac-12 must protect its turf .
Support the Hotline : Several Hotline articles will remain free each month ( as will the newsletter ) , but for access to all content , you ’ ll need to subscribe .
I ’ ve secured a rate of $ 1 per week for a full year or just 99 cents for the first month , with the option to cancel anytime .
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Reaction to Pac-12 developments on and off the field …
1. Early kickoffs.
Two momentous forces — one at the start of the week, the other at the end — conspired to derail the grand 9 a.m. kickoff experiment:
— First, FOX announced that its Big Noon on-air crew, which includes Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush, had been pulled from the broadcast and placed in quarantine because of COVID-19.
The two-hour pregame show starring the former Trojans from the L.A. Coliseum turned into a one-hour show in the Fox Sports studio with NFL analysts.
— Then, 30 minutes before USC and Arizona State opened the season, the networks called the election.
Instantly, everything else became back-page news.
The plan was sound, but what’s a conference to do when forces far beyond its control take over?
Welp, the Pac-12 was rewarded for stepping outside the box:
Arizona State and USC delivered a thriller, with the Trojans scoring twice in the final three minutes to beat the Sun Devils 28-27.
We don’t yet know the ratings, but they assuredly will be lower than planned because of the election.
And yet, it could not have worked out better for the conference under the circumstances.
This exchange between FOX announcers Gus Johnson and Joel Klatt captured the moment:
Klatt: “Here’s the bottom line, too. Everyone can claim, ‘Oh, I love Pac-12 After Dark.’ No, you don’t. It’s a punch line on Twitter. It is. And I know, because we see the ratings.
“This is unbelievable exposure for these two programs, that they haven’t been getting in the last few years. They need this. They need to be featured like this. Herm Edwards knows it; he was excited about this. These players know it; they were excited about this. Clay Helton knows it; he was excited about this …
“When you’re a head coach, you need this. They’re trying to sell their programs.
“And the other part, and I would just remind everybody: Every coach and player in America always says, ‘We’ll play anybody, any time. We’ll go play in the parking lot if we have to.’ Well, then do it.
Johnson: “I agree. (ASU co-defensive coordinator ) Antonio Pierce saying, ‘I can’t wait for my guys to get a chance to play in this prime-time matchup. And some people misinterpreted it because it was 9 in the morning, but as you mentioned for these teams, this is like a prime-time matchup.
Klatt: “Sure.”
Johnson: “It’s the featured game of the day in their conference.”
2. Late cancellations.
The success of the first 9 a.m. conference game in history was one of the two major stories from Week One.
The other, of course, was the games that weren’t played.
As if the news Thursday that Cal was forced into a no contest (against Washington) wasn’t surprising enough, the shock value jumped an order-of-magnitude when Utah did the same (against Arizona) because of positive tests and quarantine trouble.
The conference couldn’t even make it to the Saturday of Week One without one-third of its teams getting sent to the sideline.
We don’t have enough information to offer a full explanation of each situation — for privacy reasons, the schools and conference office only provide the basics.
But the questions are endless:
How could a single positive test prevent Cal from playing, and why was Stanford — located right across the Bay — able to play after quarterback Davis Mills was declared out due to COVID-19 issues?
How many Utah players are positive?
Will either the Utes or Bears be able to play next week?
(Utah is supposed to play Friday at UCLA, while Cal is scheduled for an appearance in Tempe.)
Here’s what we do know:
If the Pac-12’s elaborate testing plan does not provide some level of relief from state and local protocols governing close contacts and 14-day quarantines, there will be more games called off. And perhaps many more.
After all, the more you test, the more positives you’re likely to find (which is the point, of course).
Also, we know that the canceled games impact not only the team with positive cases, but also the opponent — the healthy opponent.
It’s an unfortunate situation for all involved.
There was some discussion early in the week about Washington and Arizona playing each other if Cal and Utah were unable to compete.
But several logistical issues, complicated by their scheduled meeting in Seattle in Week Three, derailed those plans.
3. Unknowns continue.
If you haven’t been paying close attention to results elsewhere, it’s worth noting that BYU has played eight games this season.
That’s eight more than Utah, which is 45 minutes away.
Meanwhile, the Mountain West announced its return after the Pac-12’s vote to restart, but most of its teams have played three games.
Yet we’re headed to the second weekend in November, and one-third of the Pac-12 has yet to take the field.
One-third of the conference remains a mystery.
Actually, it’s more: At least five teams have yet to show themselves in full form.
The loss of quarterback Davis Mills not only stripped Stanford of any chance to upset Oregon, it added a layer of uncertainty to the Cardinal.
It’s not the same team without Mills — not close to the same team.
So great is the drop from Mills to the backup, Jack West, that we’ll avoid drawing any conclusions about the Cardinal.
And for that reason, we’re not sure conclusions work for the Ducks, either.
4. Answers arrive.
Three teams carried more unknowns into the season than all the rest — three teams that had new coaches, new quarterbacks and no spring practice.
One, Washington, didn’t play.
The other two, Colorado and Washington State, delivered solid showings for new coaches Karl Dorrell and Nick Rolovich, respectively.
Colorado had considerable help from its opponent, UCLA, which committed four turnovers.
Credit the Buffaloes for taking advantage and making enough plays in the fourth quarter to repel the Bruins’ comeback.
Washington State, meanwhile, produced the most impressive performance of the weekend, relative to the expectations.
(At least, relative to our expectations.)
Playing on the road, with a true freshman quarterback and missing their best player, Max Borghi (injury), the Cougars were in mid-season form as they ran Oregon State off the field, 38-28.
WSU executed like it had already played a handful of games, while the Beavers looked like they hadn’t practiced in seven months.
Quarterback Jayden de Laura was poised and efficient. The Cougars gained 456 yards, scored on three big plays and received a sterling performance from tailback Deon McIntosh, who rushed for 146 yards in Borghi’s absence.
Suddenly, Oregon’s trip to the Palouse in Week Two has next-level intrigue.
5. And answers depart.
The game of the year in college football thus far played out Saturday afternoon, evening and night in South Bend — it lasted more than four hours — with No. 4 Notre Dame outlasting No. 1 Clemson in double overtime.
The Tigers were without quarterback Trevor Lawrence, but no matter: His backup threw for 439 yards and two touchdowns.
The backup is a true freshman.
The backup is D.J. Uiagalelei, who grew up in Southern California and attended St. John Bosco.
He’s part of the stellar west coast recruiting class of 2020 — the part that bypassed the Pac-12 in favor of title contenders located in the eastern half of the country.
Another member of that class, Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler (Phoenix), threw his 17th touchdown of the season this weekend.
A third member of that class, Texas running back Bijan Robinson (Tucson), rushed for 113 yards.
A fourth member of the class, Georgia running back Kendall Milton (Fresno), is averaging 5.7 yards per rush this season.
There are others, but we’ll avoid a lengthy list of the players that got away and issue a reminder that the early-signing period is five weeks away, and the Pac-12 must protect its turf.
Support the Hotline: Several Hotline articles will remain free each month (as will the newsletter), but for access to all content, you’ll need to subscribe. I’ve secured a rate of $1 per week for a full year or just 99 cents for the first month, with the option to cancel anytime. Click here. And thanks for your loyalty.
*** Send suggestions, comments and tips (confidentiality guaranteed) to pac12hotline@bayareanewsgroup.com or call 408-920-5716
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*** Pac-12 Hotline is not endorsed or sponsored by the Pac-12 Conference, and the views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the Conference.


mercurynews--2020-11-08--Elderly woman killed by truck while bicycling in Santa Clara identified

An 84-year-old woman killed in a collision with a pickup truck while bicycling on El Camino Real on Thursday in @ @ @ @ @ as Hae Sook Choe of Santa Clara .
The Santa Clara County coroner ’ s @ @ @ @ @ Choe , who was hit Thursday afternoon near Kiely Boulevard , suffered multiple injuries including @ @ @ @ @ .
She died in the hospital .
• San Jose bicyclist dies a month after @ @ @ @ @ lane • Man slaps bicyclist from moving car , both die : Arrest and identification @ @ @ @ @ Department earlier said their investigation revealed Choe was riding westbound in the eastbound lanes of @ @ @ @ @ collided with a red 2010 Ford Ranger turning onto the roadway from a parking lot @ @ @ @ @ pickup stayed at the scene and cooperated with the investigation , police said , adding @ @ @ @ @ distracted driving did not appear to have played a role in the collision .

An 84-year-old woman killed in a collision with a pickup truck while bicycling on El Camino Real on Thursday in Santa Clara has been identified as Hae Sook Choe of Santa Clara.
The Santa Clara County coroner’s office on Saturday evening said Choe, who was hit Thursday afternoon near Kiely Boulevard, suffered multiple injuries including a broken pelvis and ribs. She died in the hospital.
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San Jose bicyclist dies a month after driver hit him in bike lane Crashes and Disasters | Man slaps bicyclist from moving car, both die: Arrest and identification made The Santa Clara Police Department earlier said their investigation revealed Choe was riding westbound in the eastbound lanes of El Camino Real when she collided with a red 2010 Ford Ranger turning onto the roadway from a parking lot.
The driver of the pickup stayed at the scene and cooperated with the investigation, police said, adding that alcohol, drugs and distracted driving did not appear to have played a role in the collision.


mercurynews--2020-11-08--Stanford football: Short-handed Cardinal loses to Oregon in season opener

As if opening the season at No .
12 Oregon wasn ’ t difficult enough , Stanford announced a few hours before the game that starting quarterback Davis Mills would be unavailable because of coronavirus testing results and contract tracing protocols .
Jack West did a reasonable job in Mills ’ place , but the offense stalled in Oregon ’ s territory too many times , and a rebuilt Ducks offense finally got going in a 35-14 Oregon win at a rainy and chilly Autzen Stadium on Saturday night .
West , a sophomore making his second career start , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and no turnovers .
And Tanner McKee , a four-star recruit who spent the past two years on an LDS mission in Brazil , went 3 of 7 for 62 yards .
Austin Jones , a Bishop O ’ Dowd High product , had 100 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries in his first game as the lead back , but Stanford only came away with seven points on its first six trips inside the 35-yard line .
That was partly due to four missed field goal attempts by senior Jet Toner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who missed from 27 , 35 , 41 , and 48 yards .
Stanford scored first when Jones caught a 27-yard pass on fourth-and-6 and then scored on a 4-yard run , but Oregon responded on its next drive to tie it .
The Cardinal kept the score tied at 7-7 when sophomore linebacker Levani Damuni , playing his second career game , intercepted a pass and recovered a fumble on consecutive possessions , becoming the first Stanford player to have one of both in the same game since Frank Buncom in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slowly with a new quarterback and an entirely new offensive line , the Ducks went on a 96-yard touchdown drive to take a 14-7 lead with 1:05 left in the second quarter , and then scored touchdowns on their first two drives of the second half .
Tyler Shough completed 17 of 26 passes for 227 and CJ Verdell ran for 105 yards on 20 carries for the Ducks , who have been picked to repeat as Pac-12 champions .
Stanford cut the deficit to 28-14 with 7:39 to play when Jones scored @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by a 73-yard run by Nathaniel Peat .
But Oregon scored on the ensuing possession to seal the win .
After starting three different quarterbacks last season for the first time since 1974 , the Cardinal had more turnover in that position now .
Stanford was also without starting receiver Connor Wedington , who tweeted that he tested negative for COVID-19 but had to miss the game due to contact tracing .
The Cardinal was already shorthanded with starting cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly out due to injury .
Salim Turner-Muhammed took his place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in its home opener next Saturday at 12:30 p.m. • Stanford football at No .
12 Oregon : What you need to know • Stanford loses two starters on defense as it heads to Oregon for opener • Three reasons why Stanford will have winning football season , or won ’ t • Stanford season preview : Game-by-game predictions , program trajectory , coach and quarterback assessment and more

As if opening the season at No. 12 Oregon wasn’t difficult enough, Stanford announced a few hours before the game that starting quarterback Davis Mills would be unavailable because of coronavirus testing results and contract tracing protocols.
Jack West did a reasonable job in Mills’ place, but the offense stalled in Oregon’s territory too many times, and a rebuilt Ducks offense finally got going in a 35-14 Oregon win at a rainy and chilly Autzen Stadium on Saturday night.
West, a sophomore making his second career start, went 13 of 19 for 154 yards and no turnovers. And Tanner McKee, a four-star recruit who spent the past two years on an LDS mission in Brazil, went 3 of 7 for 62 yards.
Austin Jones, a Bishop O’Dowd High product, had 100 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries in his first game as the lead back, but Stanford only came away with seven points on its first six trips inside the 35-yard line. That was partly due to four missed field goal attempts by senior Jet Toner, a second-team all-conference kicker in 2018 who missed from 27, 35, 41, and 48 yards.
Stanford scored first when Jones caught a 27-yard pass on fourth-and-6 and then scored on a 4-yard run, but Oregon responded on its next drive to tie it.
The Cardinal kept the score tied at 7-7 when sophomore linebacker Levani Damuni, playing his second career game, intercepted a pass and recovered a fumble on consecutive possessions, becoming the first Stanford player to have one of both in the same game since Frank Buncom in the 2017 Alamo Bowl.
But after starting slowly with a new quarterback and an entirely new offensive line, the Ducks went on a 96-yard touchdown drive to take a 14-7 lead with 1:05 left in the second quarter, and then scored touchdowns on their first two drives of the second half.
Tyler Shough completed 17 of 26 passes for 227 and CJ Verdell ran for 105 yards on 20 carries for the Ducks, who have been picked to repeat as Pac-12 champions.
Stanford cut the deficit to 28-14 with 7:39 to play when Jones scored from 2 yards out, set up by a 73-yard run by Nathaniel Peat. But Oregon scored on the ensuing possession to seal the win.
After starting three different quarterbacks last season for the first time since 1974, the Cardinal had more turnover in that position now.
Stanford was also without starting receiver Connor Wedington, who tweeted that he tested negative for COVID-19 but had to miss the game due to contact tracing.
The Cardinal was already shorthanded with starting cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly out due to injury. Salim Turner-Muhammed took his place.
Stanford is scheduled to host Colorado in its home opener next Saturday at 12:30 p.m.


mercurynews--2020-11-09--San Jose Earthquakes head into MLS playoffs on losing note

Marcos Lopez scored the lone goal for the visiting San Jose Earthquakes in their 4-1 loss to the defending MLS champions Seattle Sounders .
The loss closes the regular season for the Quakes ( 8-9-6 , 30 points , 1.30 ppg ) , who will be the eighth seed in the West .
The Earthquakes will travel to Sporting KC in the playoff opener in two weeks .
Nicolas Lodeiro and Raul Ruidiaz scored two minutes apart early in the second half to gets Seattle rolling at CenturyLink Field .
Former Stanford star Jordan Morris also scored for the Sounders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ points per game ) , who moved past rival Portland and finished second in the Western Conference behind Sporting Kansas City .
The Sounders will play host to seventh-seeded Los Angeles FC in the opening round of the postseason .
This was the fourth meeting between the two teams this season .
Seattle scored two wins and the teams played to two draws .
Despite being reduced to 10 men in the second half , the Earthquakes rallied from an early deficit to defeat LAFC 3-2 last Wednesday to secure a postseason berth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Lodeiro opened the scoring in the 52nd minute after his own free kick from the right wing .
The ball bounced off several players in the penalty area before rolling back to Lodeiro , who had followed the play .
His left-footed blast from 12 yards just inside the near post left San Jose goalkeeper James Marcinkowski flat-footed .
Ruidiaz scored in the 54th , off an assist from Cristian Roldan , who took a pass near midfield and dribbled the ball to the top of the 18-yard box , where he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ His 20-yard shot deflected off a sliding defender and found the net just inside the left post .
It was his team-leading 11th goal of the season .
Lopez capped a remarkable five-minute flurry with a goal in the 57th minute .
Lopez took a free kick from just outside the 18-yard box on the right wing .
His powerful shot went over the head of a leaping Roldan , who was manning the near post , and goalie Stefan Frei was only able to get one hand on the ball before it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capitalized on a San Jose turnover for their third goal .
Lodeiro gained control about 30 yards out after a misplay and fed Morris , who chipped the ball over an onrushing Marcinkowski from about 10 yards in the 74th minute .
An own goal by Lopez in the 80th minute gave the Sounders a 4-1 lead .
Morris ’ cross for Ruidiaz deflected off another defender and then off Lopez ’ s left hip and into the net .
Frei and Marcinkowski were each credited with two saves .

Marcos Lopez scored the lone goal for the visiting San Jose Earthquakes in their 4-1 loss Sunday to the defending MLS champions Seattle Sounders.
The loss closes the regular season for the Quakes (8-9-6, 30 points, 1.30 ppg), who will be the eighth seed in the West. The Earthquakes will travel to Sporting KC in the playoff opener in two weeks.
In this strange pandemic season, the playoff match against Sporting KC will be the first time the two teams have met this season.
“It’s a little bit strange matching up with a team in the Western Conference playoffs without playing them once all year, but this year has presented all kinds of new obstacles that we’ve had to learn to overcome,” noted Earthquakes defender Tommy Thompson. “By the time kickoff starts, we’re going to know their plays, we’re going to know exactly what we need to do to get the result, so that’s what we’re going to be focusing on.”
The date and time of the playoff will be announced later. The playoff format, as it was last season, is single elimination. The match will be played either Nov. 21, 22 or 24.
Coach Matias Almeyda is ready to give the team a break before the match.
“First and foremost, we are going to give the players two days to rest. Since the beginning of the season, the players have not taken a break. We will focus on recovery for the players and ultimately focus on the upcoming game, which will be like a final,” Almeyda said.
Nicolas Lodeiro and Raul Ruidiaz scored two minutes apart early in the second half to gets Seattle rolling at CenturyLink Field.
Former Stanford star Jordan Morris also scored for the Sounders (11-5-6, 39 points, 1.77 points per game), who moved past rival Portland and finished second in the Western Conference behind Sporting Kansas City.
The Sounders will play host to seventh-seeded Los Angeles FC in the opening round of the postseason.
This was the fourth meeting between the two teams this season. Seattle scored two wins and the teams played to two draws.
Despite being reduced to 10 men in the second half, the Earthquakes rallied from an early deficit to defeat LAFC 3-2 last Wednesday to secure a postseason berth for just the second time since 2012.
Lodeiro opened the scoring in the 52nd minute after his own free kick from the right wing. The ball bounced off several players in the penalty area before rolling back to Lodeiro, who had followed the play. His left-footed blast from 12 yards just inside the near post left San Jose goalkeeper James Marcinkowski flat-footed.
Ruidiaz scored in the 54th, off an assist from Cristian Roldan, who took a pass near midfield and dribbled the ball to the top of the 18-yard box, where he dropped a pass off for Ruidiaz. His 20-yard shot deflected off a sliding defender and found the net just inside the left post. It was his team-leading 11th goal of the season.
Lopez capped a remarkable five-minute flurry with a goal in the 57th minute. Lopez took a free kick from just outside the 18-yard box on the right wing. His powerful shot went over the head of a leaping Roldan, who was manning the near post, and goalie Stefan Frei was only able to get one hand on the ball before it crossed the goal line.
The Sounders capitalized on a San Jose turnover for their third goal. Lodeiro gained control about 30 yards out after a misplay and fed Morris, who chipped the ball over an onrushing Marcinkowski from about 10 yards in the 74th minute.
An own goal by Lopez in the 80th minute gave the Sounders a 4-1 lead. Morris’ cross for Ruidiaz deflected off another defender and then off Lopez’s left hip and into the net.
Frei and Marcinkowski were each credited with two saves.


mercurynews--2020-11-09--Kurtenbach: I was dead wrong about Raiders’ offensive line coach Tom Cable

When Jon Gruden came to the Raiders and hired Tom Cable to be his offensive line coach , I was concerned .
Cable ’ s lines at his previous job in Seattle were among the worst in the NFL — the biggest liability on a team that , back then , had even stronger Super Bowl aspirations than they have today .
Plus , Cable had a reputation as a zone blocking zealot , and the strong line he inherited was not built for zone .
But after the Raiders ’ 31-26 win over the Chargers on Sunday , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reality : • Raiders hold on as last-second touchdown is overturned against Chargers • Raiders ’ Kolton Miller out against Chargers ; Trent Brown reportedly out another month • Five ways Raiders can beat Chargers as AFC West gantlet begins We ’ re coming up on three years since he was hired , so it ’ d be ridiculous to say that Sunday ’ s game was an epiphany .
Truth be told , things have been trending this way since the middle of last season , but the reality of the situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one we saw in Los Angeles .
Hiring Cable has been one of Gruden ’ s most inspired choices to date , and looking at the Raiders now — 5-3 at the halfway point of the 2020 season and firmly in playoff contention , despite playing the second-toughest schedule in the NFL — there have been plenty of good decisions .
This season ’ s success has come because , while Raiders might have a defense that ’ s begging to be scored upon , a quarterback who is yet to fully earn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good play as of late ) , and , again , a hellacious schedule , they have an offensive identity — a bedrock for success .
And for that , Cable deserves a world of credit .
Sunday was the Raiders ’ best rushing performance of Gruden ’ s three-year tenure when you take into account the circumstances .
Down both of their starting tackles and playing a backup left guard , the Raiders put on a run-game clinic against a division rival .
They boasted a distinct mental and physical advantage in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and downright overpowering at the point of attack .
On 26 carries , they ran for 160 yards — that ’ s 6.2 yards per carry — with every one of them earned .
Of course , anyone who has been paying attention knows that Raiders ’ running back Josh Jacobs is a special kind of playmaker .
His touchdown on Sunday , where he dove forward and seemingly levitated over the sideline to push the ball over the goal line , was a perfect example of that .
In a league full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But it wasn ’ t just Jacobs ( 14 carries , 65 yards ) who impressed .
Backup Devontae Booker had his best game since his rookie season , rushing for 68 yards on eight carries , and scoring a touchdown himself .
That speaks volumes about the o-line .
Jacobs joked after the game that Booker didn ’ t need to do anything on his 23-yard touchdown run .
That might be overstating things , but not by much .
Booker went untouched into the endzone because the Raiders ’ pulled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gabe Jackson out to the right edge .
They provided a down-the-sidelines escort to six points .
“ We saw that we could outflank them , with pullers , ” Jacobs said .
“ I ’ ve never seen big guys move that smooth , that fluidly.
” That play — and the others like it on Sunday and in weeks past — was a testament to Cable ’ s coaching .
Not only was it the right call and perfectly executed , it was also the kind of thing that I didn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cable offensive line .
Cable is mixing in gap schemes and pin-and-pull concepts to go with the team ’ s base zone blocking .
And while the Chargers are hardly a formidable front seven — especially with Joey Bosa out of the lineup — it ’ s impossible to argue that right now , the Cable machine isn ’ t well-tuned .
And this , despite the fact that they have been without All-Pro-caliber left guard Richie Incognito since Week 2 and the fourth-highest-paid offensive lineman in the game , Trent Brown , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You don ’ t expect to be able to trust an offensive line that depleted — Sam Young and Brandon Parker were the starting tackles — but not only did Gruden trust them , he leaned on them .
Cable is clearly doing more than preparing his guys for success — he ’ s getting them , as a unit , to evolve .
He ’ s pushing them to new levels , and he himself is going to new levels .
The result is a joy to watch .
And when starting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ improved on a nearly week-by-week basis under Cable ’ s tutelage — returns to the lineup , the Raiders will probably be able to kick it into another gear .
How much fun will that be ?
Ultimately , I don ’ t know how far these playoff-contending Raiders will go , but I do know this : if they ’ re successful , it ’ ll be Tom Cable ’ s offensive line leading the charge .
And while that is something I did not anticipate writing at the halfway point of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certainly pleased to have been proven wrong .

When Jon Gruden came to the Raiders and hired Tom Cable to be his offensive line coach, I was concerned. Cable’s lines at his previous job in Seattle were among the worst in the NFL — the biggest liability on a team that, back then, had even stronger Super Bowl aspirations than they have today. Plus, Cable had a reputation as a zone blocking zealot, and the strong line he inherited was not built for zone.
But after the Raiders’ 31-26 win over the Chargers on Sunday, I knew I had to face a new reality:
I was wrong about Cable.
Flat-out wrong.
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Hiring Cable has been one of Gruden’s most inspired choices to date, and looking at the Raiders now — 5-3 at the halfway point of the 2020 season and firmly in playoff contention, despite playing the second-toughest schedule in the NFL — there have been plenty of good decisions.
This season’s success has come because, while Raiders might have a defense that’s begging to be scored upon, a quarterback who is yet to fully earn the trust of the fans (despite good play as of late), and, again, a hellacious schedule, they have an offensive identity — a bedrock for success.
It’s the running game.
And for that, Cable deserves a world of credit.
Sunday was the Raiders’ best rushing performance of Gruden’s three-year tenure when you take into account the circumstances.
Down both of their starting tackles and playing a backup left guard, the Raiders put on a run-game clinic against a division rival. They boasted a distinct mental and physical advantage in Los Angeles — they were scheme diverse and downright overpowering at the point of attack.
On 26 carries, they ran for 160 yards — that’s 6.2 yards per carry — with every one of them earned.
Of course, anyone who has been paying attention knows that Raiders’ running back Josh Jacobs is a special kind of playmaker. His touchdown on Sunday, where he dove forward and seemingly levitated over the sideline to push the ball over the goal line, was a perfect example of that.
In a league full of ridiculous athletes, Jacobs stands out.
But it wasn’t just Jacobs (14 carries, 65 yards) who impressed. Backup Devontae Booker had his best game since his rookie season, rushing for 68 yards on eight carries, and scoring a touchdown himself.
That speaks volumes about the o-line.
Jacobs joked after the game that Booker didn’t need to do anything on his 23-yard touchdown run. That might be overstating things, but not by much. Booker went untouched into the endzone because the Raiders’ pulled both center Rodney Hudson and right guard Gabe Jackson out to the right edge. They provided a down-the-sidelines escort to six points.
“We saw that we could outflank them, with pullers,” Jacobs said. “I’ve never seen big guys move that smooth, that fluidly.”
That play — and the others like it on Sunday and in weeks past — was a testament to Cable’s coaching. Not only was it the right call and perfectly executed, it was also the kind of thing that I didn’t expect to see from a Cable offensive line.
Cable is mixing in gap schemes and pin-and-pull concepts to go with the team’s base zone blocking. And while the Chargers are hardly a formidable front seven — especially with Joey Bosa out of the lineup — it’s impossible to argue that right now, the Cable machine isn’t well-tuned.
And this, despite the fact that they have been without All-Pro-caliber left guard Richie Incognito since Week 2 and the fourth-highest-paid offensive lineman in the game, Trent Brown, has played two games this season.
You don’t expect to be able to trust an offensive line that depleted — Sam Young and Brandon Parker were the starting tackles — but not only did Gruden trust them, he leaned on them.
Cable is clearly doing more than preparing his guys for success — he’s getting them, as a unit, to evolve. He’s pushing them to new levels, and he himself is going to new levels.
The result is a joy to watch.
And when starting left tackle Kolton Miller — who has improved on a nearly week-by-week basis under Cable’s tutelage — returns to the lineup, the Raiders will probably be able to kick it into another gear.
How much fun will that be?
Ultimately, I don’t know how far these playoff-contending Raiders will go, but I do know this: if they’re successful, it’ll be Tom Cable’s offensive line leading the charge.
And while that is something I did not anticipate writing at the halfway point of the 2020 season, I’m certainly pleased to have been proven wrong.


mercurynews--2020-11-09--Oakland: Three homicides within 12-hour span under investigation

OAKLAND — Investigators were responding to three homicides within a 12-hour span over the weekend , authorities said Sunday .
Just after 11:30 p.m. Saturday , officers responded to reports of gunfire in the 1200 block of 83rd Avenue in the city ’ s Woodland neighborhood .
Officers arrived to find a crashed vehicle , and found that a 37-year-old man had been shot while driving .
The man was pronounced dead at the scene , and although few details were available , investigators have not ruled out robbery as a motive .
At 2:55 a.m. , officers responded to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way in the Hoover-Foster neighborhood , and found a 37-year-old man suffering from at least one gunshot wound .
The man , who lived at the encampment , was taken to a hospital where he was later pronounced dead .
No details were also available on a fatal stabbing at the same encampment late last month .
At 11:30 a.m. officers responded to ShotSpotter activity in the 1000 block of 71st Avenue in the Coliseum neighborhood and learned that a man and woman had been shot .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ wound to her leg , was taken to a hospital for treatment and later listed in stable condition .
Soon after , officers learned the man had been taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead .
The man , identified only as a 19-year-old Oakland resident , did not live in the neighborhood where he was shot .
There have been no arrests or releases of suspect or vehicle descriptions .
The deaths are the 97th , 98th and 99th homicide investigations by police this year , 92 of which are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 , Oakland had 78 homicides , 75 of them murders .
In each fatal shooting , police and Crime Stoppers of Oakland are offering up to $ 10,000 in reward money in the homicide .
Anyone with information may call police at 510-238-3821 or Crime Stoppers at 510-777-8572.Check back for updates .

OAKLAND — Investigators were responding to three homicides within a 12-hour span over the weekend, authorities said Sunday.
Just after 11:30 p.m. Saturday, officers responded to reports of gunfire in the 1200 block of 83rd Avenue in the city’s Woodland neighborhood.
Officers arrived to find a crashed vehicle, and found that a 37-year-old man had been shot while driving. The man was pronounced dead at the scene, and although few details were available, investigators have not ruled out robbery as a motive.
At 2:55 a.m., officers responded to a homeless encampment in the 2300 block of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way in the Hoover-Foster neighborhood, and found a 37-year-old man suffering from at least one gunshot wound. The man, who lived at the encampment, was taken to a hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
No details were also available on a fatal stabbing at the same encampment late last month.
At 11:30 a.m. officers responded to ShotSpotter activity in the 1000 block of 71st Avenue in the Coliseum neighborhood and learned that a man and woman had been shot.
The woman, who suffered a gunshot wound to her leg, was taken to a hospital for treatment and later listed in stable condition. Soon after, officers learned the man had been taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. The man, identified only as a 19-year-old Oakland resident, did not live in the neighborhood where he was shot.
There have been no arrests or releases of suspect or vehicle descriptions.
Related Articles Crime and Public Safety | Bay Area homicides 2020: Map and details The deaths are the 97th, 98th and 99th homicide investigations by police this year, 92 of which are classified as murders. In all of 2019, Oakland had 78 homicides, 75 of them murders.
In each fatal shooting, police and Crime Stoppers of Oakland are offering up to $10,000 in reward money in the homicide. Anyone with information may call police at 510-238-3821 or Crime Stoppers at 510-777-8572.
Check back for updates.
Contact George Kelly at 408-859-5180.