mercurynews--2020-12-20--Horoscopes Dec. 20, 2020: Jonah Hill, focus on what you can do

Happy Birthday : Consider your long-term plans , and don ’ t jeopardize your chance to reach your goal because of something you have no control over .
Be practical , and view the changes heading your way optimistically .
What may appear to be negative in the beginning will end up having a silver lining that graciously turns in your favor .
Focus on what you can do , not what you can ’ t .
Your numbers are 5 , 13 , 22 , 29 , 31 , 44 , 49 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ask direct questions .
The information you gather will help you make a decision that will encourage a lifestyle change .
An offer you receive will be better than expected .
Celebrate with someone you love .
3 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Keep an open mind , but verify the information you receive before you pass it along .
How knowledgeable and reliable you are will affect your reputation .
Look for a sensible way to help someone who is demanding .
Offer suggestions , not cash .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) : Spend more time sourcing information and less time trusting someone to do things for you .
Put more effort into a meaningful relationship .
Discuss your intentions , and make plans that will bring you closer .
Honesty will be essential .
2 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Put more effort into getting things done and less into disagreeing with someone who does things differently .
The aim is to make progress and to be grateful for any assistance you receive .
A positive attitude will bring the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ July 23-Aug. 22 ) : Don ’ t let an emotional situation stop you from following through with your plans .
A competitive challenge will boost your ego and motivate you to start a new adventure .
Love is on the rise , and spending time with someone special looks promising .
3 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Set your sights on something you want , and pursue your objective .
A change to the way or place you live will motivate you to try something you ’ ve never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ensure your safety and success .
3 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : A positive turn of events will broaden your options and give you hope moving forward .
Don ’ t sit back when it ’ s vital to take care of details to ensure you get the most out of a situation that can alter your life .
3 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Let your imagination take over , and you will discover something that excites you .
Personal growth will lead to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of mind .
Change begins with you , so stop dreaming .
Initiate change .
5 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Assumptions will lead to emotional problems .
Find out the truth before you point fingers or do something you ’ ll regret .
Put more time and effort into personal gain , physical fitness and doing what will make you happy .
2 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Run your ideas past anyone directly influenced by the changes you implement to your home or lifestyle .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in helping you reach your objective .
Compliments and kind gestures will help you get your way .
4 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Keep up the momentum .
Strive for perfection .
It ’ s up to you to follow through , finish what you start and reap the rewards .
Put greater emphasis on meaningful relationships , and be sure to let loved ones know how you feel .
3 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : Someone will disagree with the decisions you make .
Don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resolutions .
Stick to the facts , or someone will question your reasoning .
Play it safe .
If you aren ’ t completely sure , don ’ t take action .
3 stars Birthday Baby : You are persuasive , emotional and aggressive .
You are charismatic and unpredictable .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Jonah Hill, 37; David Cook, 38; Nicole de Boer, 50; Joel Gretsch, 57.
Happy Birthday: Consider your long-term plans, and don’t jeopardize your chance to reach your goal because of something you have no control over. Be practical, and view the changes heading your way optimistically. What may appear to be negative in the beginning will end up having a silver lining that graciously turns in your favor. Focus on what you can do, not what you can’t. Your numbers are 5, 13, 22, 29, 31, 44, 49.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): You can clear up uncertainty if you ask direct questions. The information you gather will help you make a decision that will encourage a lifestyle change. An offer you receive will be better than expected. Celebrate with someone you love. 3 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Keep an open mind, but verify the information you receive before you pass it along. How knowledgeable and reliable you are will affect your reputation. Look for a sensible way to help someone who is demanding. Offer suggestions, not cash. 4 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Spend more time sourcing information and less time trusting someone to do things for you. Put more effort into a meaningful relationship. Discuss your intentions, and make plans that will bring you closer. Honesty will be essential. 2 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Put more effort into getting things done and less into disagreeing with someone who does things differently. The aim is to make progress and to be grateful for any assistance you receive. A positive attitude will bring the best results. 5 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Don’t let an emotional situation stop you from following through with your plans. A competitive challenge will boost your ego and motivate you to start a new adventure. Love is on the rise, and spending time with someone special looks promising. 3 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Set your sights on something you want, and pursue your objective. A change to the way or place you live will motivate you to try something you’ve never done. Do whatever preparation is necessary to ensure your safety and success. 3 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): A positive turn of events will broaden your options and give you hope moving forward. Don’t sit back when it’s vital to take care of details to ensure you get the most out of a situation that can alter your life. 3 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Let your imagination take over, and you will discover something that excites you. Personal growth will lead to a new way of life that offers peace of mind. Change begins with you, so stop dreaming. Initiate change. 5 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Assumptions will lead to emotional problems. Find out the truth before you point fingers or do something you’ll regret. Put more time and effort into personal gain, physical fitness and doing what will make you happy. 2 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Run your ideas past anyone directly influenced by the changes you implement to your home or lifestyle. Look for enticing ways to interest others in helping you reach your objective. Compliments and kind gestures will help you get your way. 4 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Keep up the momentum. Strive for perfection. It’s up to you to follow through, finish what you start and reap the rewards. Put greater emphasis on meaningful relationships, and be sure to let loved ones know how you feel. 3 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Someone will disagree with the decisions you make. Don’t let emotions interfere with your resolutions. Stick to the facts, or someone will question your reasoning. Play it safe. If you aren’t completely sure, don’t take action. 3 stars
Birthday Baby: You are persuasive, emotional and aggressive. You are charismatic and unpredictable.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


mercurynews--2020-12-20--Ask Amy: I think she’s hiding something about her friend who died

Dear Amy : I have a dear friend who lives across the country from me .
She recently lost a very close friend to a very sudden unexpected death .
All loss is horrible , and especially difficult during this pandemic , but I ’ m concerned that her grief is far over the top if they were indeed just “ friends.
” He was married , and she often spoke of his wife , but I ’ ve long thought he and she were more than friends .
I ’ m not judging .
I ’ m not curious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Since he died , she has been dropping hints that they were not just friends .
Apparently , they were together every day , she cooked dinner for him every night , he took her out to eat at expensive restaurants , took her to concerts and movies , and they traveled together .
She is miserable and very depressed , and I ’ m worried about her .
I ’ m wondering if I should just ask about their relationship , so she has someone to talk to .
• Ask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a secret from my father ’ s other family , but there ’ s something I need to ask them • Ask Amy : Our son was testing us , and apparently we failed • Ask Amy : My boyfriend ’ s mistress helped me catch him cheating .
This was his response .
• Ask Amy : I told the truth on Facebook , and now they ’ re angry • Ask Amy : He ’ s started flaunting his bad habit and chiding me about my hang-up I think you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mourn a friend , and all I want to do is support her .
I ’ m starting to wonder if she ’ s waiting for me to ask .
I honestly do not care if he was married .
Should I ask her to divulge ?
Dear Concerned : Because you sense that your friend wants to express more than she is saying , you should frame your query in a way that opens the door , but doesn ’ t push her to walk through it until she is ready .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m worried about you .
I ’ m so sorry you are going through this .
I want you to know that you can talk about this loss with me as much as you want , without fear that I will judge you or ever violate your privacy.
” Being in regular touch will be helpful , even if she doesn ’ t always respond .
Texting or emailing her regularly — without always prompting her to discuss her loss — will remind her of your supportive presence .
Dear Amy : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another state .
We have remained friends , despite geography .
Every year during the holidays season , “ Carol ” sends us a homemade fruitcake .
We have always looked forward to this gift and enjoyed it very much .
Unfortunately , over the past several months both Carol and her husband have had and recovered from COVID ; Carol still has not recovered her sense of taste and smell .
We have been sheltering in place for nine months now , only venturing out for doctor appointments .
We have our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus is supposedly not transported on food , but we don ’ t want to take a chance of any kind .
How do we tell Carol not to send us the fruitcake without hurting her feelings ?
Dear Worrywarts : You should contact “ Carol ” immediately and tell her that because she has been so sick for so long … “ We ’ re not going to hold you to your fruitcake delivery this year .
We just want to make sure you don ’ t go to that trouble , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yourself during your recovery .
Your good health would be the best gift to us.
” If Carol is anything like my friend Michael ( who sends fruitcake to me every year ) , unless she had decided to cancel her gift , her Christmas batch was started several weeks ago and is now being brushed ( or bathed ) in brandy in preparation for shipping .
If you receive the cake , thank your friend profusely .
What you decide to do with the cake after receiving it is your business .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ these friends something very special this year .
It sounds as if they have been through a lot .
Dear Amy : For me , your recent question from “ Desperate ” really resonated .
Desperate was losing sleep about her elderly parents ’ irresponsible behavior during the pandemic .
She described them going out , meeting with friends , and not being careful enough about their own health and safety .
I have felt freaked out for the last eight months , worrying that my parents are behaving the same way .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ but I don ’ t think they are being careful enough .
Dear Worried : The concerns frequently expressed by people about their elderly parents during the pandemic really do echo the worries and frustrations parents experience with their teenagers .
It is a delicate balance : making sure that people have the knowledge and tools to exercise good judgment , trusting them , and then — in the middle of the night — hoping for the best .
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy @ amydickinson.com or send a letter to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Freeville , NY 13068 .
You can also follow her on Twitter @ askingamy or Facebook .

Dear Amy: I have a dear friend who lives across the country from me. She recently lost a very close friend to a very sudden unexpected death.
All loss is horrible, and especially difficult during this pandemic, but I’m concerned that her grief is far over the top if they were indeed just “friends.”
He was married, and she often spoke of his wife, but I’ve long thought he and she were more than friends.
I’m not judging. I’m not curious. I just want to help her.
Since he died, she has been dropping hints that they were not just friends. Apparently, they were together every day, she cooked dinner for him every night, he took her out to eat at expensive restaurants, took her to concerts and movies, and they traveled together.
She is miserable and very depressed, and I’m worried about her. I’m wondering if I should just ask about their relationship, so she has someone to talk to.
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Concerned
Dear Concerned: Because you sense that your friend wants to express more than she is saying, you should frame your query in a way that opens the door, but doesn’t push her to walk through it until she is ready.
You could try saying, “I’m worried about you. I’m so sorry you are going through this. I want you to know that you can talk about this loss with me as much as you want, without fear that I will judge you or ever violate your privacy.”
Being in regular touch will be helpful, even if she doesn’t always respond. Texting or emailing her regularly — without always prompting her to discuss her loss — will remind her of your supportive presence.
Dear Amy: We have close friends who live in another state. We have remained friends, despite geography.
Every year during the holidays season, “Carol” sends us a homemade fruitcake. We have always looked forward to this gift and enjoyed it very much.
Unfortunately, over the past several months both Carol and her husband have had and recovered from COVID; Carol still has not recovered her sense of taste and smell.
We have been sheltering in place for nine months now, only venturing out for doctor appointments. We have our groceries delivered.
We understand that the virus is supposedly not transported on food, but we don’t want to take a chance of any kind.
How do we tell Carol not to send us the fruitcake without hurting her feelings?
The Worrywarts
Dear Worrywarts: You should contact “Carol” immediately and tell her that because she has been so sick for so long … “We’re not going to hold you to your fruitcake delivery this year. We just want to make sure you don’t go to that trouble, and that you take good care of yourself during your recovery. Your good health would be the best gift to us.”
If Carol is anything like my friend Michael (who sends fruitcake to me every year), unless she had decided to cancel her gift, her Christmas batch was started several weeks ago and is now being brushed (or bathed) in brandy in preparation for shipping.
If you receive the cake, thank your friend profusely. What you decide to do with the cake after receiving it is your business.
I hope you are planning to send these friends something very special this year. It sounds as if they have been through a lot.
Dear Amy: For me, your recent question from “Desperate” really resonated. Desperate was losing sleep about her elderly parents’ irresponsible behavior during the pandemic. She described them going out, meeting with friends, and not being careful enough about their own health and safety.
I have felt freaked out for the last eight months, worrying that my parents are behaving the same way. I can’t prove it, but I don’t think they are being careful enough.
Worried
Dear Worried: The concerns frequently expressed by people about their elderly parents during the pandemic really do echo the worries and frustrations parents experience with their teenagers. It is a delicate balance: making sure that people have the knowledge and tools to exercise good judgment, trusting them, and then — in the middle of the night — hoping for the best.
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--2020-12-20--Dear Abby: Am I out of line to demand a revision of our family tree?

DEAR ABBY : My nephew “ Dave ” recently took a DNA test and discovered that my brother and I have a different father than our other two siblings .
I have lived my entire life with the understanding that my family is my family .
Now Dave , who has an obsession with genealogy , has my brother and me listed as “ half-siblings.
” I am not a half-anything , and while DNA could be used to prove my father is not my father , I have no intention of testing my own DNA or contesting my parentage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ line , but I want the “ half ” designation removed from our family profile .
I ’ m hoping you can give me a reality check .
Am I blowing this out of proportion , or do you think it would be appropriate to ask him to remove the designation ?
WHOLE , NOT HALF IN INDIANA • Dear Abby : Older woman uses this word , and I don ’ t think she knows how it comes across • Dear Abby : One lie to my husband could get me out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Why would she react this way to a friendly Facebook greeting ?
• Dear Abby : I ’ m stuck living with my ex and his trainwreck of a girlfriend • Dear Abby : It turns out I can ’ t find dates , and I want my ex-wife to take me back DEAR WHOLE : I understand why you are upset .
However , you seem to have interpreted this as a personal insult or a value judgment on Dave ’ s part .
It isn ’ t .
This has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and your brother were raised ; of course your family is your family .
But genetically , you and your brother are different from the other two siblings , which is why I don ’ t think it would be appropriate to ask your nephew to remove the designation .
DEAR ABBY : I ’ m 55 , and my sister is 50 .
She has always been mean and hateful toward me .
Even though I have done my best to keep her from going off the deep end , she has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She is schizophrenic , paranoid and bipolar .
Despite my making her my maid of honor at my wedding ( Mom forced me ) and making her godmother at my child ’ s baptism , she has continued to be a beyond-evil demon because I didn ’ t do some things right , according to her .
She has tried hard to turn my 19-year-old daughter against me and slams me for being a grandma to my grandchild .
( She can ’ t have kids . )
Family has always let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Please advise .
DEAR BEATEN DOWN : Your sister is a sick woman .
If your daughter doesn ’ t understand that , make it clear to her .
I don ’ t know how much input you have in your grandchild ’ s upbringing , but if there is any truth to what has been said , it may be time to use a lighter touch if you are being perceived as heavy-handed .
By letting your sister ’ s behavior “ slide due to her mental illness , ” the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the person she has become .
However , this does not mean you must be involved with her , and if you are smart , you will start to disengage .
DEAR ABBY : I am surprised I see so many nurses wearing their scrubs in the supermarket .
To me , if they are coming from the hospital , their clothes will have germs on them , and if they are going to the hospital , they could bring germs with them .
What do you say ?
DEAR VINNIE : Many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wear scrubs because they are convenient .
Whether these individuals are actually nurses is anybody ’ s guess .
They could be office staff , technicians , etc .
and not necessarily exposing the public or patients to germs they wouldn ’ t otherwise encounter .
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 .

DEAR ABBY: My nephew “Dave” recently took a DNA test and discovered that my brother and I have a different father than our other two siblings.
I have lived my entire life with the understanding that my family is my family. Now Dave, who has an obsession with genealogy, has my brother and me listed as “half-siblings.” I am not a half-anything, and while DNA could be used to prove my father is not my father, I have no intention of testing my own DNA or contesting my parentage.
Maybe I’m out of line, but I want the “half” designation removed from our family profile. I’m hoping you can give me a reality check. Am I blowing this out of proportion, or do you think it would be appropriate to ask him to remove the designation?
WHOLE, NOT HALF IN INDIANA
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Dear Abby: Our teen’s messy breakup has had awkward repercussions for us Advice | Dear Abby: I was annoyed to discover why our friends picked this restaurant DEAR WHOLE: I understand why you are upset. However, you seem to have interpreted this as a personal insult or a value judgment on Dave’s part. It isn’t.
This has nothing to do with the way you and your brother were raised; of course your family is your family. But genetically, you and your brother are different from the other two siblings, which is why I don’t think it would be appropriate to ask your nephew to remove the designation.
DEAR ABBY: I’m 55, and my sister is 50. She has always been mean and hateful toward me. Even though I have done my best to keep her from going off the deep end, she has always struck back at me even meaner. She is schizophrenic, paranoid and bipolar.
Despite my making her my maid of honor at my wedding (Mom forced me) and making her godmother at my child’s baptism, she has continued to be a beyond-evil demon because I didn’t do some things right, according to her. She has tried hard to turn my 19-year-old daughter against me and slams me for being a grandma to my grandchild. (She can’t have kids.) Family has always let her slide due to her mental illness. Please advise.
BEATEN DOWN IN MISSOURI
DEAR BEATEN DOWN: Your sister is a sick woman. If your daughter doesn’t understand that, make it clear to her. I don’t know how much input you have in your grandchild’s upbringing, but if there is any truth to what has been said, it may be time to use a lighter touch if you are being perceived as heavy-handed.
By letting your sister’s behavior “slide due to her mental illness,” the rest of your family has contributed to the person she has become. However, this does not mean you must be involved with her, and if you are smart, you will start to disengage.
DEAR ABBY: I am surprised I see so many nurses wearing their scrubs in the supermarket. To me, if they are coming from the hospital, their clothes will have germs on them, and if they are going to the hospital, they could bring germs with them. What do you say?
VINNIE IN NEW JERSEY
DEAR VINNIE: Many people in the medical field choose to wear scrubs because they are convenient. Whether these individuals are actually nurses is anybody’s guess. They could be office staff, technicians, etc. and not necessarily exposing the public or patients to germs they wouldn’t otherwise encounter.
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--2020-12-20--Saturday Night Five: USC and ASU won’t go bowling, Cristobal’s contract, Arizona’s search and anothe

Saturday Night Five: USC and ASU won’t go bowling, Cristobal’s contract, Arizona’s search and another whiff on the court

Instant reaction to Pac-12 developments on and off the field … The most unusual , chaotic , grueling regular season in conference history is history .
If you have enjoyed even a moment , then direct your gratitude toward the group that made it happen : The players .
A smattering opted out , which was wholly understandable .
But the vast majority — The 99 Percent Club — chose to participate in the seven-week grind .
Most of the players missed at least one game .
More than expected ended up in quarantine .
Nobody was hospitalized ( so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And all of them .. every single one of them … had to get tested day after day after day and sacrifice like never before .
It was their choice , of course .
But it was also a remarkable feat — within the Pac-12 and every conference .
Our view remains unchanged : The decision to play college football in a pandemic should be judged on a relative , not absolute basis .
This was not a play-or-don ’ t-play calculation .
It was about the risks associated with playing vs. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There is no evidence of transmission on the field , nor are we aware of instances in which players became infected during organized team activities .
Was football putting their health in greater danger than if they had not played and become untethered from their teams for months on end ?
It ’ s easier to avoid high-risk social gatherings when you know there ’ s an antigen test coming the next morning … when you know a positive result could land 10 teammates in quarantine for two weeks .
Yes , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools .
But there also were mental health considerations for the players .
With college football as with everything COVID , it ’ s complicated .
Every answer is written in some shade of gray .
For all the teams , just getting to this point is a massive accomplishment .
And we hope everyone involved — players , coaches and staff — enjoys some time away from the nasal swabs .
2 .
USC is done for the year The news came just before 6 p.m. , and it was a whopper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t accept a bid to the Alamo or Armed Forces bowl and are finished for 2020 .
“ The decision was made following a recommendation from the USC medical team and discussions with the Trojan football leadership council.
” Coronavirus was a factor , of course — the Trojans have experienced a recent uptick in cases — but it was not the only consideration .
A spate of injuries , which the school attributed to playing three games in 13 days ( Sunday , then Saturday , then Friday ) , has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the point that the Trojans are approaching the recommended threshold of 53 healthy scholarship players .
Also , the players are tired and — like so many others — more interested in seeing their families for the first time in months than traveling halfway across the country to sit in a hotel for a few days and play a meaningless game .
Without the usual tourist activities associated with the bowl games , the endeavors are no different than road games .
A few hours later , Arizona State ( 2-2 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passing on the postseason .
“ We are going to give our athletes a rest , ” coach Herm Edwards said .
Without USC and ASU , the Pac-12 will send two teams — TWO !
— to the postseason .
Oregon is headed to the New Year ’ s Six ( likely the Fiesta Bowl ) , while Colorado , which finished 4-1 but wasn ’ t given a chance to play this weekend , is headed to the Alamo Bowl .
Stanford , Utah and Washington are also eligible but have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ postseason is a fitting end to such an unusual , and difficult , season .
3 .
Cristobal is off the market On Monday , the second-place Ducks were elevated into the conference championship game with a decided competitive advantage .
On Friday , they rose to the occasion and handled USC 31-24 to win their second-consecutive Pac-12 title .
And in between , they agreed to , and formalized , a contract extension with coach Mario Cristobal .
The two-time conference champion will earn $ 27.3 million over six years .
Or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the marketplace ) : Cristobal will earn only $ 27.3 million .
The deal averages to $ 4.55 million annually , which is less than the coach he beat for the title last year ( Utah ’ s Kyle Whittingham ) and less than the coach he beat for the title this year ( USC ’ s Clay Helton ) .
Whittingham earned $ 5 million in 2020 ( before pandemic-related reductions ) , while Helton collected $ 4.6 million , according to USA Today ’ s salary database .
Clearly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Oregon administration and has a sense of loyalty to the Ducks , who gave him a second chance to be a head coach .
Presumably , the move takes him off the market for Auburn .
For SEC and Big Ten schools that might come calling in a year , or two years , the $ 4.55 million average would be easily topped .
The Ducks can worry about that if and when the time comes .
4 .
Arizona is on the clock The only coaching search currently underway in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now that the Mountain West championship game is over .
San Jose State handled Boise State to complete a 7-0 season under coach Brent Brennan — this , just two years after the Spartans were 1-11 .
We presume Brennan will now make himself available to interview , and he should be at the top of Arizona ’ s list for reasons we outlined earlier in the week .
The Wildcats are reportedly interested in Oklahoma defensive coordinator Alex Grinch .
And we ’ re sure the short list features several other names @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who is close with Arizona president Robert Robbins .
But Brennan , a relentless recruiter who was a former graduate assistant at Arizona , should be the No .
1 target .
And although the early signing period closed on Friday , the Wildcats should move quickly ( but not hastily ) .
The massive number of players in the transfer portal and the February signing date make the next month a critical evaluation time .
Arizona needs to get the search wrapped up before Christmas , if at all possible .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with news from the court , where the Pac-12 on Saturday played what just might have been the most significant non-conference game of the season .
UCLA was unable to topple No .
20 Ohio State in Cleveland .
The seven-point defeat dropped the Pac-12 ’ s record against AP top-25 opponents to … wait for it … 0-6 .
And its record against Power Six conference opponents ( ACC , Big Ten , Big East , Big 12 and SEC ) fell to 5-9 .
We thought the Pac-12 was set up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ influx of talent and number of teams that had key returnees .
And on that matter , we couldn ’ t have been more wrong .
The Pac-12 ’ s performance thus far has been awful .
It ’ s only 4-3 against the West Coast Conference and is 0-3 against the Mountain West , with two double-digit losses ( by UCLA and ASU ) to San Diego State .
The reason UCLA ’ s duel with Ohio State today carried so much significance was the timing : It was the last chance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ win outside of league play .
There are a few dates remaining with lower-tier opponents , followed by the eat-your-own conference season .
Instead of collecting six or seven NCAA bids , the conference will be fortunate to send five teams to the tournament .
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Instant reaction to Pac-12 developments on and off the field …
1. The finish line
The most unusual, chaotic, grueling regular season in conference history is history.
If you have enjoyed even a moment, then direct your gratitude toward the group that made it happen: The players.
A smattering opted out, which was wholly understandable.
But the vast majority — The 99 Percent Club — chose to participate in the seven-week grind.
(In reality, it was a months-long grind when you account for the offseason workouts, the ramp-up period and training camp.)
Most of the players missed at least one game.
More than expected ended up in quarantine.
Some got sick.
Nobody was hospitalized (so far as we’re aware).
And all of them .. every single one of them … had to get tested day after day after day and sacrifice like never before.
It was their choice, of course.
But it was also a remarkable feat — within the Pac-12 and every conference.
Our view remains unchanged: The decision to play college football in a pandemic should be judged on a relative, not absolute basis.
This was not a play-or-don’t-play calculation.
It was about the risks associated with playing vs. the risks associated with not playing.
There is no evidence of transmission on the field, nor are we aware of instances in which players became infected during organized team activities.
Was football putting their health in greater danger than if they had not played and become untethered from their teams for months on end?
It’s easier to avoid high-risk social gatherings when you know there’s an antigen test coming the next morning … when you know a positive result could land 10 teammates in quarantine for two weeks.
Yes, there was huge money at stake for the schools.
But there also were mental health considerations for the players.
With college football as with everything COVID, it’s complicated. Every answer is written in some shade of gray.
For all the teams, just getting to this point is a massive accomplishment.
And we hope everyone involved — players, coaches and staff — enjoys some time away from the nasal swabs.
2. USC is done for the year
The news came just before 6 p.m., and it was a whopper: The Trojans (5-1) won’t accept a bid to the Alamo or Armed Forces bowl and are finished for 2020.
Per the USC news release:
“The decision was made following a recommendation from the USC medical team and discussions with the Trojan football leadership council.”
Coronavirus was a factor, of course — the Trojans have experienced a recent uptick in cases — but it was not the only consideration.
A spate of injuries, which the school attributed to playing three games in 13 days (Sunday, then Saturday, then Friday), has combined with COVID to deplete the roster to the point that the Trojans are approaching the recommended threshold of 53 healthy scholarship players.
Also, the players are tired and — like so many others — more interested in seeing their families for the first time in months than traveling halfway across the country to sit in a hotel for a few days and play a meaningless game.
Without the usual tourist activities associated with the bowl games, the endeavors are no different than road games.
A few hours later, Arizona State (2-2) announced that it, too, was passing on the postseason.
“We are going to give our athletes a rest,” coach Herm Edwards said.
Without USC and ASU, the Pac-12 will send two teams — TWO! — to the postseason.
Oregon is headed to the New Year’s Six (likely the Fiesta Bowl), while Colorado, which finished 4-1 but wasn’t given a chance to play this weekend, is headed to the Alamo Bowl.
Stanford, Utah and Washington are also eligible but have said no.
Two teams in the postseason is a fitting end to such an unusual, and difficult, season.
3. Cristobal is off the market
Oregon had a memorable week:
On Monday, the second-place Ducks were elevated into the conference championship game with a decided competitive advantage.
On Friday, they rose to the occasion and handled USC 31-24 to win their second-consecutive Pac-12 title.
And in between, they agreed to, and formalized, a contract extension with coach Mario Cristobal.
The two-time conference champion will earn $27.3 million over six years.
Or should we say (with an eye on the marketplace): Cristobal will earn only $27.3 million.
The deal averages to $4.55 million annually, which is less than the coach he beat for the title last year (Utah’s Kyle Whittingham) and less than the coach he beat for the title this year (USC’s Clay Helton).
Whittingham earned $5 million in 2020 (before pandemic-related reductions), while Helton collected $4.6 million, according to USA Today’s salary database.
Clearly, Cristobal likes Eugene, is aligned with the Oregon administration and has a sense of loyalty to the Ducks, who gave him a second chance to be a head coach.
Presumably, the move takes him off the market for Auburn.
For SEC and Big Ten schools that might come calling in a year, or two years, the $4.55 million average would be easily topped.
The Ducks can worry about that if and when the time comes.
4. Arizona is on the clock
The only coaching search currently underway in the Pac-12 should gain speed on Sunday, now that the Mountain West championship game is over.
San Jose State handled Boise State to complete a 7-0 season under coach Brent Brennan — this, just two years after the Spartans were 1-11.
(Don’t be surprised if SJSU is ranked higher than any Pac-12 team when the final selection committee rankings are released Sunday morning.)
We presume Brennan will now make himself available to interview, and he should be at the top of Arizona’s list for reasons we outlined earlier in the week.
The Wildcats are reportedly interested in Oklahoma defensive coordinator Alex Grinch. And we’re sure the short list features several other names, including Patriots quarterbacks coach Jedd Fisch, who is close with Arizona president Robert Robbins.
But Brennan, a relentless recruiter who was a former graduate assistant at Arizona, should be the No. 1 target.
And although the early signing period closed on Friday, the Wildcats should move quickly (but not hastily).
The massive number of players in the transfer portal and the February signing date make the next month a critical evaluation time.
Arizona needs to get the search wrapped up before Christmas, if at all possible.
5. On the hardwood …
We’ll end Saturday Night Five with news from the court, where the Pac-12 on Saturday played what just might have been the most significant non-conference game of the season.
Played, and lost.
UCLA was unable to topple No. 20 Ohio State in Cleveland. The seven-point defeat dropped the Pac-12’s record against AP top-25 opponents to … wait for it … 0-6.
And its record against Power Six conference opponents (ACC, Big Ten, Big East, Big 12 and SEC) fell to 5-9.
We thought the Pac-12 was set up for a solid season, given the influx of talent and number of teams that had key returnees.
And on that matter, we couldn’t have been more wrong.
The Pac-12’s performance thus far has been awful.
It’s only 4-3 against the West Coast Conference and is 0-3 against the Mountain West, with two double-digit losses (by UCLA and ASU) to San Diego State.
The reason UCLA’s duel with Ohio State today carried so much significance was the timing:
It was the last chance for the Pac-12 to collect a top-25 win outside of league play.
There are a few dates remaining with lower-tier opponents, followed by the eat-your-own conference season.
The end-game is taking shape quickly:
Instead of collecting six or seven NCAA bids, the conference will be fortunate to send five teams to the tournament.
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mercurynews--2020-12-20--Canelo Alvarez, nearing his peak, brings down another mountain

The bigger Canelo Alvarez ’ s opponents are , the harder they fall , although Callum Smith might have found it easier.. Smith walked into the ring in San Antonio Saturday night and peered down at Canelo , as if he were walking a little brother to school .
Smith was at least six inches taller , and his wingspan was seven and a half inches longer .
All it meant was that there was more of Smith to hit , and Canelo spent most of 12 rounds compressing every rib and trimming every limb .
Smith finished the fight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but will make the rest of his body rebel on Sunday morning .
The decision was simple , as is the identity of the best boxer in the world .
Canelo won the fight 11-1 on two cards , 9-3 on the other .
He thus won the WBA and WBC super-middleweight championships , at 168 pounds , and has now won title fights in four divisions .
He has a vast array of opponents and no real challengers .
“ I don ’ t run from anybody , ” Canelo said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the best .
Now we go for more.
” Smith was the most credentialed 168-pounder in the world .
The Liverpudlian ( cq ) came into this fight 27-0 and was known as a hyperactive jabber and a willing trade of power shots .
It was the fourth time in Canelo ’ s past eight fights that he has met an unbeaten opponent .
After measuring the giant and adjusting his slingshot , Canelo went Braveheart beginning in Round 3 .
You could have given Smith Round 6 because he finally found ways @ @ @ @ @ @ @ uglier as it went on .
Smith couldn ’ t orchestrate the night by using his jab , because it was having little effect , and he was a sitting giraffe for Canelo ’ s hurtful body shots and uppercuts , with either hand .
Smith did get to the finish line , but his nose was bloodied and his face swollen , and he was holding his arm awkwardly , as rumors flew that he had detached a bicep somewhere along the way .
Canelo goes to 54-1-1 and said he wanted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1168 .
That would set up matches with Caleb Plant and Billy Joe Saunders , both of whom are unbeaten .
If you ’ re talking physical equality , the best 168-pound showdown could be with David Benavidez , but Benavidez has surrendered a super-middle belt twice , for PED use and also for missing weight .
There are also possibilities at light-heavyweight , where Canelo beat Sergey Kovalev in the fall of 2019 .
He would find Artur Beterbiev there , and maybe Gilberto Ramirez .
Neither of them has lost .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 160 ) , where Jermall Charlo could possibly stun-gun him with his right hand .
However , Canelo no longer has to starve himself to get credible fights .
“ I don ’ t want to fight with a scale , ” he said .
What no one should want to see , at least no one with an ounce with mercy in the soul , is the third summit meeting between Canelo and 38-year-old Gennady Golovkin .
It was too hard to get them in the ring in the first place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a draw in a fight Golovkin probably won , before Canelo took a majority decision in the rematch .
Along the way Golovkin mocked Canelo ’ s positive drug test and Canelo simmered over the assumption that he needed Golovkin more than vice versa .
When Golovkin joined Canelo in signing a contract with DAZN , the streaming service , a third act seemed inevitable .
Since then Golovkin has atrophied .
He was breathtakingly fortunate to get past Sergey Derevyanchenko in October of 2019 .
He didn ’ t fight again until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Szeremeta four times in seven rounds and got the TKO in between rounds .
Szeremeta was immobile and relatively skill-challenged , but he rose from the canvas four times , indicating Golovkin has lost his intimidating fastball .
Both Canelo and Golovkin are helplessly indignant whenever they ’ re asked about the rivalry , but Golovkin would be putting his reputation and molecular composition in jeopardy .
Canelo is incalculably better , and certainly scarier , than he was in the first GGG fight .
Smith , remarkably , was able to speak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consumed him .
“ He was the better man tonight , ” Smith said .
“ He ’ s just smart .
He holds his ground , and then he sets little traps .
Before you know it , he has closed the ground on you .
“ His jab was very good for a shorter guy , and his defense was very good .
He ’ s hard to hit clean .
I ’ ve reached the top of the mountain and then I got knocked off it tonight .
I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a great fighter.
” Nine years ago Alvarez won his first real belt , at 154 pounds over Matthew Hatton at the Honda Center .
Along the way he has beaten Shane Mosley , Miguel Cotto , Amir Khan , Erislandy Lara and Daniel Jacobs , in addition to Golovkin , Kovalev and Smith .
It ’ s true that most of those champions were on the back nine of their careers , but Canelo still hadn ’ t gotten his merit badge when he took his only loss , a majority decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , before Canelo fully knew himself .
The critics who thought Canelo was too strategic are speaking in whispers now , rendered audible by historians who look for his rightful place .
Fortunately for the serious boxing fan , Canelo does , too .

The bigger Canelo Alvarez’s opponents are, the harder they fall, although Callum Smith might have found it easier..
Smith walked into the ring in San Antonio Saturday night and peered down at Canelo, as if he were walking a little brother to school. Smith was at least six inches taller, and his wingspan was seven and a half inches longer.
All it meant was that there was more of Smith to hit, and Canelo spent most of 12 rounds compressing every rib and trimming every limb. Smith finished the fight, a decision that smoothed his ego but will make the rest of his body rebel on Sunday morning.
I’M BACK! 👑
✅ WBC Super Middleweight Champion
✅ WBA Super Middleweight Champion
✅ Ring Magazine Super Middleweight Champion#CaneloSmith #TheP4PKingIsBack@CANELOTEAM pic.twitter.com/dQjrwXWcQZ — Canelo Alvarez (@Canelo) December 20, 2020
The decision was simple, as is the identity of the best boxer in the world. Canelo won the fight 11-1 on two cards, 9-3 on the other. He thus won the WBA and WBC super-middleweight championships, at 168 pounds, and has now won title fights in four divisions. He has a vast array of opponents and no real challengers.
“I don’t run from anybody,” Canelo said. “I just showed I fought against the best. Now we go for more.”
Smith was the most credentialed 168-pounder in the world. The Liverpudlian (cq) came into this fight 27-0 and was known as a hyperactive jabber and a willing trade of power shots. It was the fourth time in Canelo’s past eight fights that he has met an unbeaten opponent.
After measuring the giant and adjusting his slingshot, Canelo went Braveheart beginning in Round 3. You could have given Smith Round 6 because he finally found ways of answering, but the night got uglier as it went on.
Smith couldn’t orchestrate the night by using his jab, because it was having little effect, and he was a sitting giraffe for Canelo’s hurtful body shots and uppercuts, with either hand. Smith did get to the finish line, but his nose was bloodied and his face swollen, and he was holding his arm awkwardly, as rumors flew that he had detached a bicep somewhere along the way.
Canelo goes to 54-1-1 and said he wanted to gather the other two belts at 1168. That would set up matches with Caleb Plant and Billy Joe Saunders, both of whom are unbeaten.
If you’re talking physical equality, the best 168-pound showdown could be with David Benavidez, but Benavidez has surrendered a super-middle belt twice, for PED use and also for missing weight.
There are also possibilities at light-heavyweight, where Canelo beat Sergey Kovalev in the fall of 2019. He would find Artur Beterbiev there, and maybe Gilberto Ramirez. Neither of them has lost.
The real danger could be at middleweight (160), where Jermall Charlo could possibly stun-gun him with his right hand. However, Canelo no longer has to starve himself to get credible fights. “I don’t want to fight with a scale,” he said.
What no one should want to see, at least no one with an ounce with mercy in the soul, is the third summit meeting between Canelo and 38-year-old Gennady Golovkin.
It was too hard to get them in the ring in the first place, and then they wound up with a draw in a fight Golovkin probably won, before Canelo took a majority decision in the rematch.
Along the way Golovkin mocked Canelo’s positive drug test and Canelo simmered over the assumption that he needed Golovkin more than vice versa. When Golovkin joined Canelo in signing a contract with DAZN, the streaming service, a third act seemed inevitable.
Since then Golovkin has atrophied. He was breathtakingly fortunate to get past Sergey Derevyanchenko in October of 2019. He didn’t fight again until Friday night, when he floored Kamil Szeremeta four times in seven rounds and got the TKO in between rounds. Szeremeta was immobile and relatively skill-challenged, but he rose from the canvas four times, indicating Golovkin has lost his intimidating fastball.
Both Canelo and Golovkin are helplessly indignant whenever they’re asked about the rivalry, but Golovkin would be putting his reputation and molecular composition in jeopardy. Canelo is incalculably better, and certainly scarier, than he was in the first GGG fight.
Smith, remarkably, was able to speak with perspective about the storm that had consumed him.
“He was the better man tonight,” Smith said. “He’s just smart. He holds his ground, and then he sets little traps. Before you know it, he has closed the ground on you.
“His jab was very good for a shorter guy, and his defense was very good. He’s hard to hit clean. I’ve reached the top of the mountain and then I got knocked off it tonight. I’m devastated, but he’s a great fighter.”
Nine years ago Alvarez won his first real belt, at 154 pounds over Matthew Hatton at the Honda Center. Along the way he has beaten Shane Mosley, Miguel Cotto, Amir Khan, Erislandy Lara and Daniel Jacobs, in addition to Golovkin, Kovalev and Smith. It’s true that most of those champions were on the back nine of their careers, but Canelo still hadn’t gotten his merit badge when he took his only loss, a majority decision to the shrewd Floyd Mayweather in 2013, before Canelo fully knew himself.
The critics who thought Canelo was too strategic are speaking in whispers now, rendered audible by historians who look for his rightful place. Fortunately for the serious boxing fan, Canelo does, too.


mercurynews--2020-12-20--What San Jose State is saying after winning the Mountain West football title

San Jose State ’ s magical season reached new heights Saturday as the undefeated Spartans beat Boise State 34-20 to win their first Mountain West championship .
The victory in Las Vegas improved San Jose State ’ s record to 7-0 , the team ’ s best mark after seven games since going 13-0 in 1939 , and sends them into the Arizona Bowl on New Year ’ s Eve Here is what the Spartans were saying after the game : “ What a night for San Jose State University .
What a night for our players and our fans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beautiful journey .
It ’ s been magical .
It ’ s been incredibly challenging .
“ These players that have been with us the last two , three , four years , I have just been through a really , really incredible ride .
It ’ s been an awesome blessing that we can learn if you just work hard and stick together , then incredible things can happen .
“ There were so many great incredible individual performances tonight .
I thought our defense was lights out .
Obviously , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moving the football .
Nick Starkel threw the ball all over the yard .
We had multiple guys catch passes .
I can ’ t get over our defense .
“ Obviously we gave up the big punt return to the best punt returner I have coached against maybe ever .
But our team just kept answering .
They kept finding a way to answer .
I couldn ’ t be more proud of this football team .
We ’ re going to enjoy this.
” On the message before the game “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really all season … I know we have the Climb the Mountain theme .
It was really here is a process to winning this game .
There is a process to building a winning football program .
there is a process to being a good player and just focusing on right now is the biggest part of that .
Consistency of that .
In pregame , we talked about this whole season , this whole story has been about us and this game ’ s the same .
It ’ s about us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ downs , how we respond to the good things and bad things that happen in the game .
I thought our response tonight on so many occasions was fantastic.
” “ I thought our defense was incredible early on .
Our defense kept finding ways to get them off the field .
That was just incredible .
We had multiple fourth-down stops in the game .
Made them punt a bunch of times .
“ No body surfing .
Last week , I bruised ribs .
I had to breathe shallow all week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be a part of it .
The best moment of the night for me was our whole team and all of our coaches and staff in there — and our athletic director — singing , ‘ Lean on Me.
’ It was absolute magic .
It was incredible.
” “ Climbing the mountain was just a good metaphor for us because we had been so far from the top for so long .
If you look going backward , our last winning season was 2012 .
Our last winning season before that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The reason that teams sits there and screams ‘ Lean on Me ’ arm in arm like that is the exact same reason they play good football together .
They love each other and they care about each other and no one wanted to let each other down .
Also the journey , our COVID discipline has been crazy good.
” On seeing their families “ We fly back tomorrow morning to the Bay .
These players have been away from their families for a long time .
They are all really excited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their families .
Most of them haven ’ t seen their parents since July 14 , which is such a unique thing .
Normally the players see their parents every week , every game .
Even if it ’ s road games , most parents attend them or a big chunk of them do .
Not being able to share this with our families has been the saddest part of this .
It ’ s been the absolute saddest part of this incredible season.
” On where this win ranks “ This one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the parts of it — how far we ’ ve come , what we went through this year , who we were playing and the fact it was for the Mountain West championship .
We have so much respect for Boise.
” On the excitement of the postgame locker room “ That celebration was everything .
It was the culmination of just this whole season .
We sang ‘ Lean on Me.
’ That ’ s how this team fights .
We lean on each other.
” “ That gives me supreme confidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is in the game is going to be able to go make a play .
It speaks to our receivers coach as well .
All of those guys that were in there catching passes , they were ready because our receivers coach made sure there were ready .
You don ’ t have guys in there messing around , not knowing the plays .
It happens at some schools , where guys that are third string on the depth chart don ’ t necessarily know the offense .
But here they do , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have a lot of success.
” “ This team has been resilient the entire time .
No matter what happens — no matter if it ’ s , ‘ Hey , we can ’ t practice at home , practice at Scotts Valley ’ or ‘ Hey .
we ’ re going to have to leave and go play a home game in Hawaii and then go to Vegas , ’ our team just says , ‘ All right .
Let ’ s go.
’ It ’ s a motto that as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — ‘ So what .
Next play ’ or ‘ So what , now what ?
’ That happens , so what .
Can ’ t do anything about it .
Now , what are we going to do ?
How are we going to get our mind right to go finish this season off ?
” • San Jose State headed to Arizona for New Year ’ s Eve bowl game • San Jose State football bowl projections : Where will the Spartans play ?
• San Jose State football : What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boise State “ We are inexperienced with the postseason .
But this is why we play college football , to be playing meaningful games at the end of seasons .
So that means championships .
That means bowl games .
And maybe one day the College Football Playoff.
” “ We ’ ve been through more than any team in this conference .
We ’ ve had more adversity and more challenges that we ’ ve had to make it through .
We knew that coming in .
I think that ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I just kept telling myself and the guys around me , teammates and guys that are close to me , ‘ No matter what happens , good or bad , it ’ s just going to make it that much sweeter in the end when we get it done .
I think I was right .
It really feels incredible .
From being on this team two seasons ago , from 1-11 to 5-7 last season , and this season , finally getting it done , 7-0 , I can ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @

San Jose State’s magical season reached new heights Saturday as the undefeated Spartans beat Boise State 34-20 to win their first Mountain West championship.
The victory in Las Vegas improved San Jose State’s record to 7-0, the team’s best mark after seven games since going 13-0 in 1939, and sends them into the Arizona Bowl on New Year’s Eve
Here is what the Spartans were saying after the game:
Coach Brent Brennan
On the historic win
“What a night for San Jose State University. What a night for our players and our fans. It’s just been a beautiful journey. It’s been magical. It’s been incredibly challenging.
“These players that have been with us the last two, three, four years, I have just been through a really, really incredible ride. It’s been an awesome blessing that we can learn if you just work hard and stick together, then incredible things can happen.
San Jose State players celebrate after defeating Boise State in an NCAA college football game for the Mountain West championship, Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
(AP Photo/John Locher) San Jose State cornerback Nehemiah Shelton holds the trophy while celebrating with teammates after defeating Boise State in an NCAA college football game for the Mountain West championship, Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 19: San Jose State Spartans players celebrate with the championship trophy after defeating the Boise State Broncos 34-20 to win the Mountain West Football Championship at Sam Boyd Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 19: Quarterback Hank Bachmeier #19 of the Boise State Broncos gets rid of the ball as he is brought down by defensive end Viliami Fehoko #42 of the San Jose State Spartans in the second half of the Mountain West Football Championship at Sam Boyd Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Spartans defeated the Broncos 34-20. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 19: Quarterback Hank Bachmeier #19 of the Boise State Broncos is tackled on fourth down short of a first down by safety Tre Webb #3 of the San Jose State Spartans in the second half of the Mountain West Football Championship at Sam Boyd Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Spartans defeated the Broncos 34-20. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
San Jose State tight end Sam Olson (88) celebrates after scoring a 2-point conversion against Boise State during the second half of an NCAA college football game for the Mountain West championship, Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 19: Cornerback Nehemiah Shelton #23 of the San Jose State Spartans celebrates with the championship trophy after the team defeated the Boise State Broncos 34-20 to win the Mountain West Football Championship at Sam Boyd Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 19: Tight end Derrick Deese Jr. #87 of the San Jose State Spartans catches a 1-yard touchdown pass in the end zone against safety JL Skinner #0 and safety Evan Tyler #5 of the Boise State Broncos in the second half of the Mountain West Football Championship at Sam Boyd Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Spartans defeated the Broncos 34-20. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
San Jose State head coach Brent Brennan speaks with players during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Boise State for the Mountain West championship, Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
(AP Photo/John Locher) San Jose State head coach Brent Brennan speaks with his players during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Boise State for the Mountain West championship, Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
San Jose State head coach Brent Brennan speaks with players during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Boise State for the Mountain West championship, Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
San Jose State defensive lineman Cade Hall (92) sacks Boise State quarterback Hank Bachmeier (19) during the first half of an NCAA college football game for the Mountain West championship, Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Boise State quarterback Hank Bachmeier (19) throws against San Jose State defensive end Viliami Fehoko (42) during the first half of an NCAA college football game for the Mountain West championship, Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 19: Head coach Brent Brennan San Jose State Spartans looks on in the first half of the Mountain West Football Championship against the Boise State Broncos at Sam Boyd Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
San Jose State wide receiver Bailey Gaither (84) runs against Boise State cornerback Avery Williams (26) during the first half of an NCAA college football game for the Mountain West championship, Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
(AP Photo/John Locher) San Jose State wide receiver Tre Walker (10) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against Boise State during the first half of an NCAA college football game for the Mountain West championship, Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 19: Wide receiver Tre Walker #10 of the San Jose State Spartans reacts after missing a pass against in the first half of the Mountain West Football Championship against the Boise State Broncos at Sam Boyd Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Tight end Jackson Burrill #30 of the San Jose State Spartans reacts after making a tackle on a kickoff return against the Boise State Broncos in the first half of the Mountain West Football Championship at Sam Boyd Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 19: Wide receiver Tre Walker #10 of the San Jose State Spartans is tackled by linebacker Ezekiel Noa (L) #7 and cornerback Jalen Walker #2 of the Boise State Broncos in the first half of the Mountain West Football Championship at Sam Boyd Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 19: Safety JL Skinner #0 of the Boise State Broncos tackles tight end Sam Olson #88 of the San Jose State Spartans after a catch in the first half of the Mountain West Football Championship at Sam Boyd Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
San Jose State's athletic department is facing more scrutiny, this time a wrongful termination suit by the former deputy athletics director. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
San Jose State Spartans Director of Athletics Marie Tuite (C) looks up as players, including quarterback Nick Starkel (L) #17 and defensive lineman Cade Hall #92, hold up the championship trophy after defeating the Boise State Broncos 34-20 to win the Mountain West Football Championship at Sam Boyd Stadium on Dec. 19, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“There were so many great incredible individual performances tonight. I thought our defense was lights out. Obviously, the offense did a lot of good things moving the football. Nick Starkel threw the ball all over the yard. We had multiple guys catch passes. I can’t get over our defense.
“Obviously we gave up the big punt return to the best punt returner I have coached against maybe ever. But our team just kept answering. They kept finding a way to answer. I couldn’t be more proud of this football team. We’re going to enjoy this.”
On the message before the game
“What we talked about pregame, and really all season … I know we have the Climb the Mountain theme. It was really here is a process to winning this game. There is a process to building a winning football program. there is a process to being a good player and just focusing on right now is the biggest part of that. Consistency of that. In pregame, we talked about this whole season, this whole story has been about us and this game’s the same. It’s about us, how we handle the ups and downs, how we respond to the good things and bad things that happen in the game. I thought our response tonight on so many occasions was fantastic.”
On setting the early tone:
“I thought our defense was incredible early on. Our defense kept finding ways to get them off the field. That was just incredible. We had multiple fourth-down stops in the game. Made them punt a bunch of times.
On the celebration
“No body surfing. Last week, I bruised ribs. I had to breathe shallow all week. It’s an awesome thing to be a part of it. The best moment of the night for me was our whole team and all of our coaches and staff in there — and our athletic director — singing, ‘Lean on Me.’ It was absolute magic. It was incredible.”
On the bowl game
“Climbing the mountain was just a good metaphor for us because we had been so far from the top for so long. If you look going backward, our last winning season was 2012. Our last winning season before that was 2006. That was Everest. The reason that teams sits there and screams ‘Lean on Me’ arm in arm like that is the exact same reason they play good football together. They love each other and they care about each other and no one wanted to let each other down. Also the journey, our COVID discipline has been crazy good.”
On seeing their families
“We fly back tomorrow morning to the Bay. These players have been away from their families for a long time. They are all really excited to see their families spend Christmas with their families. Most of them haven’t seen their parents since July 14, which is such a unique thing. Normally the players see their parents every week, every game. Even if it’s road games, most parents attend them or a big chunk of them do. Not being able to share this with our families has been the saddest part of this. It’s been the absolute saddest part of this incredible season.”
On where this win ranks
“This one’s the best because of all the parts of it — how far we’ve come, what we went through this year, who we were playing and the fact it was for the Mountain West championship. We have so much respect for Boise.”
Quarterback Nick Starkel
On the excitement of the postgame locker room
“That celebration was everything. It was the culmination of just this whole season. We sang ‘Lean on Me.’ That’s how this team fights. We lean on each other.”
On the team’s depth:
“That gives me supreme confidence as a quarterback, knowing that whoever is in the game is going to be able to go make a play. It speaks to our receivers coach as well. All of those guys that were in there catching passes, they were ready because our receivers coach made sure there were ready. You don’t have guys in there messing around, not knowing the plays. It happens at some schools, where guys that are third string on the depth chart don’t necessarily know the offense. But here they do, and I think that’s why we have a lot of success.”
On the travel
“This team has been resilient the entire time. No matter what happens — no matter if it’s, ‘Hey, we can’t practice at home, practice at Scotts Valley’ or ‘Hey. we’re going to have to leave and go play a home game in Hawaii and then go to Vegas,’ our team just says, ‘All right. Let’s go.’ It’s a motto that as an offense we love to talk about — ‘So what. Next play’ or ‘So what, now what?’ That happens, so what. Can’t do anything about it. Now, what are we going to do? How are we going to get our mind right to go finish this season off?”
On lack of postseason experience
“We are inexperienced with the postseason. But this is why we play college football, to be playing meaningful games at the end of seasons. So that means championships. That means bowl games. And maybe one day the College Football Playoff.”
Defensive lineman Cade Hall
On the team’s journey
“We’ve been through more than any team in this conference. We’ve had more adversity and more challenges that we’ve had to make it through. We knew that coming in. I think that’s what gave us an edge tonight.”
Kicker Matt Mercurio
On the team’s rise
“I just kept telling myself and the guys around me, teammates and guys that are close to me, ‘No matter what happens, good or bad, it’s just going to make it that much sweeter in the end when we get it done. I think I was right. It really feels incredible. From being on this team two seasons ago, from 1-11 to 5-7 last season, and this season, finally getting it done, 7-0, I can’t put it into words.”


mercurynews--2020-12-20--Warriors fail in plan to add Jeremy Lin to G League team

Plans to make Jeremy Lin a part of their G League program broke down Saturday when the Warriors were unable to obtain an official Letter of Clearance from FIBA by the deadline .
Lin , who played with the Chinese Basketball Association ’ s Beijing Ducks last season , had been working with Golden State ’ s front office to be signed and waived this weekend so that he could join its G League affiliate in Santa Cruz .
When plans fell a part , the Warriors pivoted , signing and waiving guard Eli Pemberton so they could acquire his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All-CAA Second Team selection last season , averaged 17.6 points , 5.6 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 34 games as a senior at Hofstra .
However , he does not have the name recognition or the Bay Area connection of Lin , who went to high school in Palo Alto and got his NBA start with the Warriors in 2010 .
• Steve Kerr : James Wiseman will be Warriors starting center ‘ before too long ’ • Bay Area native Jeremy Lin is nearing a deal to return to the Warriors • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the Warriors in the preseason

Plans to make Jeremy Lin a part of their G League program broke down Saturday when the Warriors were unable to obtain an official Letter of Clearance from FIBA by the deadline.
Lin, who played with the Chinese Basketball Association’s Beijing Ducks last season, had been working with Golden State’s front office to be signed and waived this weekend so that he could join its G League affiliate in Santa Cruz. When plans fell a part, the Warriors pivoted, signing and waiving guard Eli Pemberton so they could acquire his G League rights.
Pemberton, an All-CAA Second Team selection last season, averaged 17.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 34 games as a senior at Hofstra. However, he does not have the name recognition or the Bay Area connection of Lin, who went to high school in Palo Alto and got his NBA start with the Warriors in 2010.