newyorkpost--2020-09-11--Stream It Or Skip It: ‘Make It Big, Make It Small’ On HBO Max, Where Two Kids Turn Their Adventures

Stream It Or Skip It: ‘Make It Big, Make It Small’ On HBO Max, Where Two Kids Turn Their Adventures Into Cool Crafts

Make It Big , Make It Small is one of two Canadian kids shows that make their debut on HBO Max this weekend , and from the first seconds of this adventure-crafting hybrid series , we knew it would be a winner .
Why ?
Because the kids who host the show , Jenny Stevens and Lucas Dufor — imagine this — act like real kids .
Read on to see if this is something you ’ ll want to watch with your little ones .
MAKE IT BIG , MAKE IT SMALL : STREAM IT OR SKIP IT ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Jenny Stevens and Lucas Dufor , our kid hosts .
They meet one of their adult crafting friends , Lisa Carnwith , at Niagra Falls .
The Gist : In each episode of Make It Big , Make It Small , Jenny and Lucas go one one sort of adventure or another , usually on a pretty large scale .
Then they work with crafters like Carnwith and Jackie Farquhar to create cool craft projects based on their adventures .
The first episode takes the kids to Niagra Falls , where Carnwith @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the falls .
They both seem to be amazed at how much water goes over the falls per minute ( millions of showers worth ) , but Jenny is especially interested in the fact that people have gone over the falls in a barrel .
Then the trio go on Maid of the Mist , where they experience how much wind and current the falls kick up as they get a close-up , very wet view .
They also go in a tunnel behind the falls .
Then they work with Jackie to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pots .
A pump with a long stem , four pots and some decorative rocks and plants are added , and the kids paint a couple of the pots .
“ It ’ s like a mini , mini , mini , mini , mini , mini Niagra Falls , ” says Jenny , though she may have thrown in a few more minis .
Jenny and Lucas then visit the Niagra butterfly conservatory , where they learn the names of a few species , like the Postman , whose red stripes on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a postman ’ s uniform .
They also find out that butterflies like the saltiness in people ’ s sweat , but also like sweet things , like nectar and fruit .
In the craft room , the kids work with Jackie to make a mosaic butterfly feeder .
They cut a butterfly pattern to trace onto a clay plate , then put down tile pieces , glue them in place , then add grout .
What Shows Will It Remind You Of ?
Make It Big , Make It Small is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a kids crafting show .
Not sure if there are any comparisons that can be made .
Our Take : It ’ s not a stretch to say a show like Make It Big , Make It Small really depends on the kids who star in it .
Jenny and Lucas are our favorite things about the show , mainly because they ’ re funny and friendly , but act like kids .
They both have their interests , and they both are a tiny bit awkward – we love Jenny ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they ’ re very curious and love to learn .
And when kids see kids who love to learn , that rubs off on them .
The adventure aspect will hopefully encourage kids to want to explore their world when this lockdown is over .
Jenny and Lucas get to ride roller coasters , visit museums , do indoor sky diving , learn to blow glass , learn 3D printing and more .
We ’ re all in favor of taking kids as many places as possible where they can learn and explore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do the exploring , as opposed to adult children like Blippi [ shudder ] , reinforces that desire in kids ’ minds .
The crafts are a mite too complicated to show in these five-minute segments ; it seems like a lot of the more involved steps are already done before Jenny and Lucas even enter the craft room .
But it ’ s a fun way to illustrate how a kid can take their experiences in the outside world and translate them to something crafty and interesting .
What Age Group Is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rated TV-Y7 , and that feels about right ; kids under 7 may be interested , but 7 seems to be a good age for kids to really get engaged with this material .
Parting Shot : Jenny , Lucas and Jackie put oranges and oregano leaves in the already-completed butterfly feeder to go and , well , feed some butterflies .
Sleeper Star : This is where we mention that Jackie went way up on our cool meter when we saw that she had a tattoo of the Atari logo on her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the banter between the kids and adults on location sounds a bit scripted , but that ’ s to be expected on a show like this .
Kids won ’ t even notice that kind of stuff .
Our Call : STREAM IT .
Make It Big , Make It Small will inspire your kids to explore their worlds , as well as maybe do some crafts that are very cool .
Joel Keller ( @ joelkeller ) writes about food , entertainment , parenting and tech , but he doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a TV junkie .
His writing has appeared in the New York Times , Slate , Salon , RollingStone.com , VanityFair.com , Fast Company and elsewhere .
Stream Make It Big , Make It Small On HBO Max

Make It Big, Make It Small is one of two Canadian kids shows that make their debut on HBO Max this weekend, and from the first seconds of this adventure-crafting hybrid series, we knew it would be a winner. Why? Because the kids who host the show, Jenny Stevens and Lucas Dufor — imagine this — act like real kids. Read on to see if this is something you’ll want to watch with your little ones.
MAKE IT BIG, MAKE IT SMALL: STREAM IT OR SKIP IT?
Opening Shot: We’re introduced to Jenny Stevens and Lucas Dufor, our kid hosts. They meet one of their adult crafting friends, Lisa Carnwith, at Niagra Falls.
The Gist: In each episode of Make It Big, Make It Small, Jenny and Lucas go one one sort of adventure or another, usually on a pretty large scale. Then they work with crafters like Carnwith and Jackie Farquhar to create cool craft projects based on their adventures.
The first episode takes the kids to Niagra Falls, where Carnwith gives them a lot of facts about the falls. They both seem to be amazed at how much water goes over the falls per minute (millions of showers worth), but Jenny is especially interested in the fact that people have gone over the falls in a barrel. Then the trio go on Maid of the Mist, where they experience how much wind and current the falls kick up as they get a close-up, very wet view. They also go in a tunnel behind the falls.
Then they work with Jackie to make a fountain made from clay flower pots. A pump with a long stem, four pots and some decorative rocks and plants are added, and the kids paint a couple of the pots. “It’s like a mini, mini, mini, mini, mini, mini Niagra Falls,” says Jenny, though she may have thrown in a few more minis.
Jenny and Lucas then visit the Niagra butterfly conservatory, where they learn the names of a few species, like the Postman, whose red stripes on each wing look like a epaulets on a postman’s uniform. They also find out that butterflies like the saltiness in people’s sweat, but also like sweet things, like nectar and fruit.
In the craft room, the kids work with Jackie to make a mosaic butterfly feeder. They cut a butterfly pattern to trace onto a clay plate, then put down tile pieces, glue them in place, then add grout.
What Shows Will It Remind You Of? Make It Big, Make It Small is a fun hybrid of a kids travel show and a kids crafting show. Not sure if there are any comparisons that can be made.
Our Take: It’s not a stretch to say a show like Make It Big, Make It Small really depends on the kids who star in it. Jenny and Lucas are our favorite things about the show, mainly because they’re funny and friendly, but act like kids. They both have their interests, and they both are a tiny bit awkward – we love Jenny’s nerdiness and glasses collection — but they’re very curious and love to learn. And when kids see kids who love to learn, that rubs off on them.
The adventure aspect will hopefully encourage kids to want to explore their world when this lockdown is over. Jenny and Lucas get to ride roller coasters, visit museums, do indoor sky diving, learn to blow glass, learn 3D printing and more. We’re all in favor of taking kids as many places as possible where they can learn and explore, and we think seeing kids themselves do the exploring, as opposed to adult children like Blippi [shudder], reinforces that desire in kids’ minds.
The crafts are a mite too complicated to show in these five-minute segments; it seems like a lot of the more involved steps are already done before Jenny and Lucas even enter the craft room. But it’s a fun way to illustrate how a kid can take their experiences in the outside world and translate them to something crafty and interesting.
What Age Group Is This For?: The show is rated TV-Y7, and that feels about right; kids under 7 may be interested, but 7 seems to be a good age for kids to really get engaged with this material.
Parting Shot: Jenny, Lucas and Jackie put oranges and oregano leaves in the already-completed butterfly feeder to go and, well, feed some butterflies.
Sleeper Star: This is where we mention that Jackie went way up on our cool meter when we saw that she had a tattoo of the Atari logo on her shoulder.
Most Pilot-y Line: Some of the banter between the kids and adults on location sounds a bit scripted, but that’s to be expected on a show like this. Kids won’t even notice that kind of stuff.
Our Call: STREAM IT. Make It Big, Make It Small will inspire your kids to explore their worlds, as well as maybe do some crafts that are very cool.
Joel Keller (@joelkeller) writes about food, entertainment, parenting and tech, but he doesn’t kid himself: he’s a TV junkie. His writing has appeared in the New York Times, Slate, Salon, RollingStone.com, VanityFair.com, Fast Company and elsewhere.
Stream Make It Big, Make It Small On HBO Max


newyorkpost--2020-09-12--College football: Three games for bettors to consider

LAS VEGAS — In his second season at Kansas State , coach Chris Klieman faces a rebuilding job and an uphill climb .
This is not his first rodeo , though .
Klieman made a successful leap to the Big 12 after coaching North Dakota State to four FCS national championships .
He ’ s not exactly in the same class with Alabama ’ s Nick Saban and Clemson ’ s Dabo Swinney , but Klieman compiled a 77-11 record the past six years and proved he can win at both levels by guiding the Wildcats to an 8-5 finish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he can win with a new-look Kansas State team that lost eight offensive starters and five defensive starters .
The biggest challenge will be replacing an entire offensive line that totaled 159 career starts .
A chaotic offseason should increase the importance of coaching and quarterback continuity in college football this fall .
A team with experienced leadership figures to be better prepared and have an early edge .
The Wildcats are still in good hands with Klieman and Skylar Thompson , a senior dual-threat quarterback , running the show .
Klieman is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Wildcats , 24-point underdogs , to a 48-41 victory over Oklahoma last year .
Thompson rushed for four touchdowns in the upset .
Kansas State opens its season Saturday against Arkansas State , which could have an advantage of its own by already playing a game .
The Red Wolves were 18-point underdogs last week in a 37-24 loss at Memphis .
Logan Bonner and Layne Hatcher , a former Alabama walk-on , split playing time and combined to pass for 299 yards while the offense totaled 424 yards .
Still , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the second straight week and taking another step up in class .
The Wildcats did not rank ninth in the nation and first in the Big 12 in time of possession last year by accident .
Klieman prefers to win with a ball-control running game , and Kansas State has the horsepower to wear down Arkansas State ’ s weak defense .
Coastal Carolina ( +6¹/₂ ) over KANSAS : The Chanticleers were 7-point underdogs in a 12-7 win at Kansas last year .
If the Jayhawks get revenge , it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carolina returns eight starters on offense , including a 1,000-yard rusher and a line with more than 100 total starts .
The Chanticleers also were the only FBS team to get in all 15 spring practices .
Jayhawks coach Les Miles did not get in one spring practice .
If playing in the spring means anything , the ’ dog should be dangerous .
Duke-NOTRE DAME Under 53¹/₂ : This was a mismatch last year , when the Irish rolled to a 38-7 win at Duke .
It ’ s still a mismatch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ points .
The Blue Devils are banking on quarterback Chase Brice , a Clemson transfer , to revive their offense but the ND defense is too strong for this to turn into a high-scoring shootout .

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LAS VEGAS — In his second season at Kansas State, coach Chris Klieman faces a rebuilding job and an uphill climb. This is not his first rodeo, though.
Klieman made a successful leap to the Big 12 after coaching North Dakota State to four FCS national championships. He’s not exactly in the same class with Alabama’s Nick Saban and Clemson’s Dabo Swinney, but Klieman compiled a 77-11 record the past six years and proved he can win at both levels by guiding the Wildcats to an 8-5 finish last year.
Now he must prove he can win with a new-look Kansas State team that lost eight offensive starters and five defensive starters. The biggest challenge will be replacing an entire offensive line that totaled 159 career starts.
A chaotic offseason should increase the importance of coaching and quarterback continuity in college football this fall. A team with experienced leadership figures to be better prepared and have an early edge. The Wildcats are still in good hands with Klieman and Skylar Thompson, a senior dual-threat quarterback, running the show.
Klieman is capable of magic tricks. He guided the Wildcats, 24-point underdogs, to a 48-41 victory over Oklahoma last year. Thompson rushed for four touchdowns in the upset.
Kansas State opens its season Saturday against Arkansas State, which could have an advantage of its own by already playing a game. The Red Wolves were 18-point underdogs last week in a 37-24 loss at Memphis. Logan Bonner and Layne Hatcher, a former Alabama walk-on, split playing time and combined to pass for 299 yards while the offense totaled 424 yards.
Still, the Red Wolves are hitting the road for the second straight week and taking another step up in class. The Wildcats did not rank ninth in the nation and first in the Big 12 in time of possession last year by accident. Klieman prefers to win with a ball-control running game, and Kansas State has the horsepower to wear down Arkansas State’s weak defense.
The pick: Kansas State, -12½.
Coastal Carolina (+6¹/₂) over KANSAS: The Chanticleers were 7-point underdogs in a 12-7 win at Kansas last year. If the Jayhawks get revenge, it’s unlikely to come easily. Coastal Carolina returns eight starters on offense, including a 1,000-yard rusher and a line with more than 100 total starts. The Chanticleers also were the only FBS team to get in all 15 spring practices. Jayhawks coach Les Miles did not get in one spring practice. If playing in the spring means anything, the ’dog should be dangerous.
Duke-NOTRE DAME Under 53¹/₂: This was a mismatch last year, when the Irish rolled to a 38-7 win at Duke. It’s still a mismatch, with Notre Dame favored by 20 points. The Blue Devils are banking on quarterback Chase Brice, a Clemson transfer, to revive their offense but the ND defense is too strong for this to turn into a high-scoring shootout.
2019 Season: 33-33-3.


newyorkpost--2020-09-12--Cops searching for man who kidnapped Majesty Brown, 3, from Hell’s Kitchen playground

Police are searching for a man they say kidnapped his ex-girlfriend ’ s son from a Hell ’ s Kitchen @ @ @ @ @ , was playing at the McCaffrey Playground on West 43rd Street and 9th Avenue Thursday @ @ @ @ @ when his mom , 22 , and her ex-boyfriend , 20-year-old Dale Smith , got @ @ @ @ @ said .
At some point during the squabble , Smith allegedly grabbed Majesty without his @ @ @ @ @ and fled the playground , cops said .
The boy ’ s mom hasn ’ @ @ @ @ @ , police said .
Majesty was last seen wearing braids , a gray T-shirt and @ @ @ @ @ not Majesty ’ s biological father , cops said .
Smith is described as 5-feet-eight-inches-tall @ @ @ @ @ , and tattoos on his arms that say “ Dale ” and “ Loyalty .
@

Police are searching for a man they say kidnapped his ex-girlfriend’s son from a Hell’s Kitchen playground.
Three-year-old Majesty Brown, was playing at the McCaffrey Playground on West 43rd Street and 9th Avenue Thursday evening at around 5 p.m. when his mom, 22, and her ex-boyfriend, 20-year-old Dale Smith, got into an argument, police said.
At some point during the squabble, Smith allegedly grabbed Majesty without his mom’s permission, and fled the playground, cops said.
The boy’s mom hasn’t seen her son since, police said.
Majesty was last seen wearing braids, a gray T-shirt and black jeans.
Smith is not Majesty’s biological father, cops said.
Smith is described as 5-feet-eight-inches-tall, also with braided hair, and tattoos on his arms that say “Dale” and “Loyalty.”


newyorkpost--2020-09-12--College football picks: The unprecedented season is here

It ’ s like when Michael Scott boarded a plane and left Scranton , or like when Dylan McKay rode his motorcycle to anywhere but 90210 .
The shows went on , when it didn ’ t feel right .
But even as the subpar episodes and cringeworthy scenes piled up , many fans continued watching .
And so shall those who love college football , even without the Big Ten and Pac-12 , even with a Heisman Trophy race and playoff chase that will feel like reproductions of boycotted Olympics .
How much we ’ ll be able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , nine games scheduled for this weekend had been postponed due to COVID-19 outbreaks .
More are certain to come .
Too many college presidents and administrators invited students back to campus , where kids proceeded predictably to act their ages .
Soon , the weather will get colder .
Keeping everyone healthy will only become harder .
So , enjoy every slate of games you get ( home teams in CAPS ) : NORTH CAROLINA ( -23 ) over Syracuse : The Tar Heels closed last season with three victories by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ winning first season for Mack Brown , who inherited a team coming off a two-win campaign .
North Carolina will be even more explosive this season , led by sophomore quarterback Sam Howell , a future Heisman candidate .
The Orange won ’ t be able to keep up , with four offensive linemen returning from a unit that ranked third-worst in the country in sacks allowed .
Louisiana-Lafayette ( +11½ ) over IOWA STATE : The Cyclones could be on upset alert again after being taken to overtime in last year ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Ragin ’ Cajuns bring back the core of an 11-win team — which ranked eighth in the nation in total offense — including senior quarterback Levi Lewis ( 26 touchdowns , four interceptions ) .
Charlotte ( +16¹/₂ ) over APPALACHIAN STATE : The 49ers went 12-36 during their first four seasons in the FBS .
Coach Will Healy , 35 , needed just one season to produce the school ’ s first-ever winning season and bowl game appearance .
After opening 2-5 last year , Charlotte closed by winning five of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more comfortable in Healy ’ s system now .
Appalachian State , which won last year ’ s meeting , 56-41 , will be without coach Eli Drinkwitz , who departed for Missouri .
Louisiana-Monroe ( +20½ ) over ARMY : In the past three weeks , the Warhawks have seen their defensive coordinator resign , their team suffer a coronavirus outbreak and their community struck by Hurricane Laura .
It ’ s no surprise more than 70 percent of bettors are backing Army , which is coming off a 42-0 win over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no surprise that I ’ m fading the public .
NOTRE DAME ( -19¹/₂ ) over Duke : Daniel Jones isn ’ t walking through that door .
After an upset over the Fighting Irish with the future Giants quarterback in 2016 , the Blue Devils suffered a 38-7 home loss last year .
This year , Notre Dame will be even better , with star quarterback Ian Book still protected by one of the country ’ s best offensive lines .
Georgia Tech ( +12½ ) over FLORIDA STATE : Seniors on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ head coach .
Though Mike Norvell will benefit from being able to clear the historically low bar set by predecessor Willie Taggart , an irregular offseason will make the team ’ s adjustment to a new system and staff take longer .
Utsa ( +8 ) over TEXAS STATE : The Bobcats have earned the overwhelming support of bettors because of their effort in a 31-24 loss to SMU .
The Roadrunners , however , have won both head-to-head matchups since 2017 , have covered their past four road games and should see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarterback Josh Adkins .
Arkansas State ( +10½ ) over KANSAS STATE : Home-field advantage will be largely negated , with tailgating prohibited and no more than 12,500 fans allowed in Bill Snyder Family Stadium .
The Wildcats ’ talent advantage will be reduced , too , with the team likely shorthanded at wide receiver and offensive line , due to positive COVID-19 cases .
Clemson ( -33½ ) over WAKE FOREST : If there ’ s one team that should be immune from the effects of a chaotic offseason it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coming off his only college loss , Trevor Lawrence will lead the Tigers to their 12th straight win in the series .
The past two have come by an average of 54.5 points .
SOUTH ALABAMA ( +7½ ) over Tulane : After spending their entire existence playing home games nine miles from their Mobile , Ala. , campus , the Jaguars open the nearly $ 80 million Hancock Whitney Stadium , following a season-opening road win at Southern Mississippi .
The 25 percent attendance limit doesn ’ t hurt as much when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -11¹/₂ ) over Western Kentucky : Doak Walker Award candidate Gaej Walker was limited to 41 yards on 14 carries in a 38-21 loss to Louisville last year .
The Hilltoppers are in for another long day in the trenches .
Utep ( +42¹/₂ ) over TEXAS : Even if Tom Herman propels the Longhorns back to prominence in his fourth year , the talented team isn ’ t likely to be at its best right off the bat .
In two of three season openers at Texas , Herman ’ s team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) over Coastal Carolina : Last year , the Jayhawks opened with a 12-7 loss to the Chanticleers .
Should it happen again , Kansas should be subject to relegation .

The unprecedented feels familiar.
It’s like when Michael Scott boarded a plane and left Scranton, or like when Dylan McKay rode his motorcycle to anywhere but 90210. The shows went on, when it didn’t feel right. But even as the subpar episodes and cringeworthy scenes piled up, many fans continued watching.
And so shall those who love college football, even without the Big Ten and Pac-12, even with a Heisman Trophy race and playoff chase that will feel like reproductions of boycotted Olympics.
How much we’ll be able to enjoy remains uncertain.
As of Wednesday, nine games scheduled for this weekend had been postponed due to COVID-19 outbreaks. More are certain to come. Too many college presidents and administrators invited students back to campus, where kids proceeded predictably to act their ages. Soon, the weather will get colder. Keeping everyone healthy will only become harder.
So, enjoy every slate of games you get (home teams in CAPS):
NORTH CAROLINA (-23) over Syracuse: The Tar Heels closed last season with three victories by a total of 122 points, clinching a winning first season for Mack Brown, who inherited a team coming off a two-win campaign. North Carolina will be even more explosive this season, led by sophomore quarterback Sam Howell, a future Heisman candidate. The Orange won’t be able to keep up, with four offensive linemen returning from a unit that ranked third-worst in the country in sacks allowed.
Louisiana-Lafayette (+11½) over IOWA STATE: The Cyclones could be on upset alert again after being taken to overtime in last year’s season opener by Northern Iowa. The Ragin’ Cajuns bring back the core of an 11-win team — which ranked eighth in the nation in total offense — including senior quarterback Levi Lewis (26 touchdowns, four interceptions).
Charlotte (+16¹/₂) over APPALACHIAN STATE: The 49ers went 12-36 during their first four seasons in the FBS. Coach Will Healy, 35, needed just one season to produce the school’s first-ever winning season and bowl game appearance. After opening 2-5 last year, Charlotte closed by winning five of six games, and will be even more comfortable in Healy’s system now. Appalachian State, which won last year’s meeting, 56-41, will be without coach Eli Drinkwitz, who departed for Missouri.
Louisiana-Monroe (+20½) over ARMY: In the past three weeks, the Warhawks have seen their defensive coordinator resign, their team suffer a coronavirus outbreak and their community struck by Hurricane Laura. It’s no surprise more than 70 percent of bettors are backing Army, which is coming off a 42-0 win over Middle Tennessee. It also should be no surprise that I’m fading the public.
NOTRE DAME (-19¹/₂) over Duke: Daniel Jones isn’t walking through that door. After an upset over the Fighting Irish with the future Giants quarterback in 2016, the Blue Devils suffered a 38-7 home loss last year. This year, Notre Dame will be even better, with star quarterback Ian Book still protected by one of the country’s best offensive lines.
Georgia Tech (+12½) over FLORIDA STATE: Seniors on the Seminoles are playing under their third head coach. Though Mike Norvell will benefit from being able to clear the historically low bar set by predecessor Willie Taggart, an irregular offseason will make the team’s adjustment to a new system and staff take longer.
Utsa (+8) over TEXAS STATE: The Bobcats have earned the overwhelming support of bettors because of their effort in a 31-24 loss to SMU. The Roadrunners, however, have won both head-to-head matchups since 2017, have covered their past four road games and should see an improved offense with New Mexico transfer quarterback Josh Adkins.
Arkansas State (+10½) over KANSAS STATE: Home-field advantage will be largely negated, with tailgating prohibited and no more than 12,500 fans allowed in Bill Snyder Family Stadium. The Wildcats’ talent advantage will be reduced, too, with the team likely shorthanded at wide receiver and offensive line, due to positive COVID-19 cases.
Clemson (-33½) over WAKE FOREST: If there’s one team that should be immune from the effects of a chaotic offseason it’s the top-ranked team in the country. Coming off his only college loss, Trevor Lawrence will lead the Tigers to their 12th straight win in the series. The past two have come by an average of 54.5 points.
SOUTH ALABAMA (+7½) over Tulane: After spending their entire existence playing home games nine miles from their Mobile, Ala., campus, the Jaguars open the nearly $80 million Hancock Whitney Stadium, following a season-opening road win at Southern Mississippi. The 25 percent attendance limit doesn’t hurt as much when capacity is only 25,000.
LOUISVILLE (-11¹/₂) over Western Kentucky: Doak Walker Award candidate Gaej Walker was limited to 41 yards on 14 carries in a 38-21 loss to Louisville last year. The Hilltoppers are in for another long day in the trenches.
Utep (+42¹/₂) over TEXAS: Even if Tom Herman propels the Longhorns back to prominence in his fourth year, the talented team isn’t likely to be at its best right off the bat. In two of three season openers at Texas, Herman’s team has suffered upsets.
KANSAS (-6¹/₂) over Coastal Carolina: Last year, the Jayhawks opened with a 12-7 loss to the Chanticleers. Should it happen again, Kansas should be subject to relegation.
Best bets: Louisiana-Lafayette, Louisiana-Monroe, Notre Dame
2014-19 record: 772-756-13


newyorkpost--2020-09-12--Celtics dethrone defending champion Raptors in hard-fought Game 7 win

LAKE BUENA VISTA , Fla. — It took every bit of seven games , but Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics are headed to the Eastern Conference finals .
And they dethroned the NBA champions to get there .
Tatum scored 29 points , Jaylen Brown had 21 and the Celtics topped the Toronto Raptors 92-87 on Friday night in Game 7 of the East semifinal series .
Marcus Smart scored 16 points and Kemba Walker added 14 for third-seeded Boston .
The Celtics will face the fifth-seeded Miami Heat in the East finals , that series starting Tuesday night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something great , if you want to win , it ’ s not going to be easy , ” Tatum said .
“ That ’ s what we ’ re here for.
” Fred VanVleet scored 20 points for Toronto , which got 16 from Kyle Lowry , 14 from Serge Ibaka , 13 from Pascal Siakam and 11 from Norman Powell .
The Raptors were bidding to become the seventh franchise in NBA history to win four consecutive Game 7 ’ s .
Boston scored the first seven points of the fourth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Celtics never trailed in the final quarter , though it was close all the way to the end .
“ We should definitely be hardened , ” Celtics coach Brad Stevens said .
“ We should definitely have a lot more in our toolbox to go back to .
But we also have to get ready for a different , more unique team now in Miami.
” It was the sixth consecutive Game 7 decided by five points or less , though it wasn ’ t always played like a classic .
Toronto @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 31 points ; the Celtics shot 9-for-38 from 3-point range and 13-for-23 from the line .
“ Man , it was a tough game to lose , ” an emotional Lowry said .
“ But they won .
Tip your hats to them .
They have a chance to go on and play against Miami and get to the championship.
” Powell had a chance to tie it on a drive with just under a minute left , his layup erased by Smart with a block that preserved an 89-87 lead .
Lowry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a call the Raptors argued and challenged to no avail .
Grant Williams missed both free throws , but Powell fouled Tatum going for the rebound .
Tatum made one of two , the lead was three and all Boston needed was one more stop .
The Celtics got just that ; VanVleet was well short on a 3-point try , Walker sealed it with free throws with 7.9 seconds left , and Toronto ’ s reign was about to end .
It was exactly one year ago Friday when four Celtics — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — were part of the USA Basketball team in China that fell apart in the fourth quarter of a Basketball World Cup quarterfinal against France , a loss that kept the Americans out of the Final Four of that tournament .
Not this time .
Not this year .
Next week , there will be four NBA teams left standing .
The Celtics will be one of them .
“ It ’ s about will , determination , resiliency , ” Brown said .
“ A lot of that stuff you can ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The back-and-forth started from the jump .
Boston quickly put together what became a 13-0 run on the way to an early 19-7 edge .
Toronto ripped off 10 straight to lead after the first quarter .
Boston then went on a 15-2 spurt to reclaim the lead and the Celtics ended up taking a 50-46 lead into the break .
And the fight never stopped .
In the third , Boston pushed the lead to nine .
Toronto scored the next eight and eventually took the lead before the Celtics claimed it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 72-71 going into the fourth , making this the 21st Game 7 in NBA history where the margin was zero or one going into the final 12 minutes .
And this time , the Raptors didn ’ t have the final answer .
“ They gave everything they had , ” Raptors coach Nick Nurse said .
“ Special team .
”

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — It took every bit of seven games, but Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics are headed to the Eastern Conference finals.
And they dethroned the NBA champions to get there.
Tatum scored 29 points, Jaylen Brown had 21 and the Celtics topped the Toronto Raptors 92-87 on Friday night in Game 7 of the East semifinal series.
Marcus Smart scored 16 points and Kemba Walker added 14 for third-seeded Boston. The Celtics will face the fifth-seeded Miami Heat in the East finals, that series starting Tuesday night.
“If you want to achieve something great, if you want to win, it’s not going to be easy,” Tatum said. “That’s what we’re here for.”
Fred VanVleet scored 20 points for Toronto, which got 16 from Kyle Lowry, 14 from Serge Ibaka, 13 from Pascal Siakam and 11 from Norman Powell. The Raptors were bidding to become the seventh franchise in NBA history to win four consecutive Game 7’s.
Boston scored the first seven points of the fourth, taking an eight-point lead. The Celtics never trailed in the final quarter, though it was close all the way to the end.
“We should definitely be hardened,” Celtics coach Brad Stevens said. “We should definitely have a lot more in our toolbox to go back to. But we also have to get ready for a different, more unique team now in Miami.”
It was the sixth consecutive Game 7 decided by five points or less, though it wasn’t always played like a classic. Toronto had 18 turnovers that Boston turned into 31 points; the Celtics shot 9-for-38 from 3-point range and 13-for-23 from the line.
“Man, it was a tough game to lose,” an emotional Lowry said. “But they won. Tip your hats to them. They have a chance to go on and play against Miami and get to the championship.”
Powell had a chance to tie it on a drive with just under a minute left, his layup erased by Smart with a block that preserved an 89-87 lead. Lowry fouled out on the next possession, a call the Raptors argued and challenged to no avail. Grant Williams missed both free throws, but Powell fouled Tatum going for the rebound.
Tatum made one of two, the lead was three and all Boston needed was one more stop.
The Celtics got just that; VanVleet was well short on a 3-point try, Walker sealed it with free throws with 7.9 seconds left, and Toronto’s reign was about to end.
It was exactly one year ago Friday when four Celtics — Walker, Smart, Brown and Tatum — were part of the USA Basketball team in China that fell apart in the fourth quarter of a Basketball World Cup quarterfinal against France, a loss that kept the Americans out of the Final Four of that tournament.
Not this time. Not this year.
Next week, there will be four NBA teams left standing. The Celtics will be one of them.
“It’s about will, determination, resiliency,” Brown said. “A lot of that stuff you can’t find on the stat sheet.”
The back-and-forth started from the jump. Boston quickly put together what became a 13-0 run on the way to an early 19-7 edge. Toronto ripped off 10 straight to lead after the first quarter. Boston then went on a 15-2 spurt to reclaim the lead and the Celtics ended up taking a 50-46 lead into the break.
And the fight never stopped. In the third, Boston pushed the lead to nine. Toronto scored the next eight and eventually took the lead before the Celtics claimed it back — for good.
Boston led 72-71 going into the fourth, making this the 21st Game 7 in NBA history where the margin was zero or one going into the final 12 minutes. And this time, the Raptors didn’t have the final answer.
“They gave everything they had,” Raptors coach Nick Nurse said. “Special team.”


newyorkpost--2020-09-12--Luke Voit backs up talk with two homer night in Yankees’ win

From kind of a sad thing to kind of a crazy thing , all within a few days .
As Luke Voit ’ s World Turns , things are looking far better since the Yankees ’ first baseman spoke his mind .
After talking the talk , hobbling the walk is proving more than sufficient .
The Yankees swept past the Orioles in a Friday doubleheader at Yankee Stadium , 6-0 and 10-1 , and Voit , starting both games at first base despite an unspecified left foot malady , contributed a first-inning single and scored a run in Game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , slugging a pair of three-run homers .
His six RBI set a personal record , and the two round-trippers gave him 16 for the season , tying him with three-time Most Valuable Player Mike Trout for the major league lead entering the Angels ’ game Friday .
“ Where would be without him ?
” Aaron Boone asked .
“ Just a complete hitter , ” DJ LeMahieu , Voit ’ s offensive partner in crime during the injury absences of Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton , said of his teammate .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , hits the crap out of mistakes and you want him in big situations .
… He ’ s on quite a roll right now.
” Consequently , so are the Yankees , having won three in a row in the wake of an awful , 5-15 stretch that concluded with a 2-1 loss to the Blue Jays in Buffalo .
Following that game , Voit called out his team in an unprecedented manner for him , saying , “ We have to get back to what the New York Yankees are .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ really scared of us right now and it is kind of a sad thing because we are the New York Yankees and obviously the favorite to win the division this year , and that ’ s obviously gone away so we have to step it up.
” He proceeded to opine that guys had lost their edge and were making mental errors .
“ I think it was something that needed to be said , and I think this locker room took it and we ran with it .
We ’ ve been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who then insisted he wasn ’ t taking credit for the turnaround .
“ It ’ s not a bad thing we went through that rut , because I think it shows that good teams have to figure out a way to get through it and we did .
Even though it was very frustrating , this is a good time to get hot.
” For Voit , he is hot despite not being healthy , as indicated by the way he struggled to round the bases after his homers off Baltimore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and fifth innings .
His left foot was heavily taped , and he wouldn ’ t get more precise in his description than calling it “ a minor foot problem.
” “ The foot ’ s been bothering me for the last couple of weeks .
I just had to get it retaped .
Little too much pressure in there , ” he said .
“ I got ta be out here with the boys .
I ’ ll do everything to grind through it .
Do everything to help us win.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the future Hall of Famer Trout , saying , “ It ’ s pretty cool man .
The guy ’ s the face of baseball .
Best player in the game .
… It ’ s awesome.
” Asked who he was picking in the homer race , LeMahieu said , “ Right now I ’ ve got Lukey for sure .
The way he ’ s hitting mistakes , great at-bats , seems like he ’ s putting one out almost every game .
He ’ s on quite a roll .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Watching and listening , it appears , the Yankees are following Voit ’ s lead .

From kind of a sad thing to kind of a crazy thing, all within a few days.
As Luke Voit’s World Turns, things are looking far better since the Yankees’ first baseman spoke his mind. After talking the talk, hobbling the walk is proving more than sufficient.
The Yankees swept past the Orioles in a Friday doubleheader at Yankee Stadium, 6-0 and 10-1, and Voit, starting both games at first base despite an unspecified left foot malady, contributed a first-inning single and scored a run in Game 1 before going berserk in Game 2, slugging a pair of three-run homers. His six RBI set a personal record, and the two round-trippers gave him 16 for the season, tying him with three-time Most Valuable Player Mike Trout for the major league lead entering the Angels’ game Friday.
“Where would be without him?” Aaron Boone asked.
“Just a complete hitter,” DJ LeMahieu, Voit’s offensive partner in crime during the injury absences of Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, said of his teammate. “Goes the other way really well, hits the crap out of mistakes and you want him in big situations. … He’s on quite a roll right now.”
Consequently, so are the Yankees, having won three in a row in the wake of an awful, 5-15 stretch that concluded with a 2-1 loss to the Blue Jays in Buffalo. Following that game, Voit called out his team in an unprecedented manner for him, saying, “We have to get back to what the New York Yankees are. I feel like teams aren’t really scared of us right now and it is kind of a sad thing because we are the New York Yankees and obviously the favorite to win the division this year, and that’s obviously gone away so we have to step it up.” He proceeded to opine that guys had lost their edge and were making mental errors.
“I think it was something that needed to be said, and I think this locker room took it and we ran with it. We’ve been playing good since,” said Voit, who then insisted he wasn’t taking credit for the turnaround. “It’s not a bad thing we went through that rut, because I think it shows that good teams have to figure out a way to get through it and we did. Even though it was very frustrating, this is a good time to get hot.”
For Voit, he is hot despite not being healthy, as indicated by the way he struggled to round the bases after his homers off Baltimore’s Asher Wojciechowski in the fourth and fifth innings. His left foot was heavily taped, and he wouldn’t get more precise in his description than calling it “a minor foot problem.”
“The foot’s been bothering me for the last couple of weeks. I just had to get it retaped. Little too much pressure in there,” he said. “I gotta be out here with the boys. I’ll do everything to grind through it. Do everything to help us win.”
Voit expressed humility at catching up to the future Hall of Famer Trout, saying, “It’s pretty cool man. The guy’s the face of baseball. Best player in the game. … It’s awesome.”
Asked who he was picking in the homer race, LeMahieu said, “Right now I’ve got Lukey for sure. The way he’s hitting mistakes, great at-bats, seems like he’s putting one out almost every game. He’s on quite a roll. It’s fun to watch.”
Watching and listening, it appears, the Yankees are following Voit’s lead.


newyorkpost--2020-09-12--Lorenzo Carter determined to do part for Giants, social justice fight

The Other Side of Lorenzo Carter , the thoughtful , emotional side of a young black man anguished over the injustice he too often sees in a country he believes can and must do better , came as no surprise to those who know him best .
“ That ’ s Lorenzo , ” his father , Leo Carter , told The Post from Grayson , Ga. “ A lot of people never saw that side of Lorenzo before .
We ’ re always sitting at the table , we ’ re always talking , we ’ re always discussing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of having a balance .
Don ’ t just see one side — see the full picture .
And Lorenzo loves all people .
That ’ s why he stated what he stated .
He truly believes we can be great , but it ’ s going to take all of us.
” “ It was very heavy on his heart , everything that ’ s going on , just everything , ” his mother , Lisa Carter , told The Post .
“ The social unrest , the racial tensions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ love everybody .
It doesn ’ t matter what color you are — we love everybody .
Everybody has feelings , everybody has a desire to succeed and be great .
And it really hurts him.
” During Lorenzo Carter ’ s impassioned post-scrimmage “ Enough Is Enough ” plea 57 years after Dr. Martin Luther King had a dream , he referenced a grandfather , and a great-grandfather , and the inequality they endured in their lives .
“ He has a grandfather here in Atlanta , and he has a grandfather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both of them , ” Lisa Carter said .
“ They share a lot of grandson-grandfather time together.
” Leo and Lisa grew up seven houses apart and have known each other since elementary school .
They made certain to share a lot of parent-son time together about their own experiences .
Lorenzo is the only boy and youngest of three children .
“ With us , ” Leo Carter said , “ we always talk about balance .
We talked about not just those experiences , we talked about a lot of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my wife ’ s experiences in college , and when Lorenzo went off to college , the conversations we had to have with him .
We talk as a family , that ’ s what we do.
” “ There definitely are some things that we need to do as a country to come together , ” Carter told The Post .
“ We ’ re just going to have to keep working on that .
That ’ s nothing that can happen overnight , and I understand that .
But as long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ using our voices , I feel like we actually can get this stuff going in the right direction.
” On the football field or off it , Lorenzo Carter is someone you should want on your side .
“ He always took up for the underdog , ” Lisa Carter said .
“ Whenever Lorenzo was around , there was no bullying , or anything of that sort .
He didn ’ t allow that to happen in his presence.
” “ Lorenzo did a lot of after-school tutoring , ” she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were maybe struggling in certain areas .
If he saw them not in class , or not doing the right thing , he ’ d pull ’ em off to the side and say , ‘ Look , can we just talk about this ?
You ’ re going to have to come to class , ’ as a peer mentor tutor thing .
Lorenzo just never let anybody say , ‘ Hey , that kid in the special ed class , ’ — ‘ Hey hey hey , don ’ t do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ” Basketball was Lorenzo ’ s first love before he conceded that 6-foot-5 NBA power forwards had gone the way of the dinosaur .
But he never met a challenge he didn ’ t like .
“ Even in middle school when he played basketball , they were telling me middle schoolers can ’ t dunk , they ’ re not supposed to dunk , ” Lisa said , “ And I remember in a game he got the ball in the open court and it ’ s like , ‘ He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t do it.
’ ” He did it .
“ As a matter of fact , it was his first dunk , and it was a two-hand dunk , and everybody in the gym went crazy , ” Leo said .
“ You don ’ t sit at middle school games and see a kid dunk on somebody with two hands.
” Perhaps Lorenzo wasn ’ t too tender to be a tiger .
“ Lorenzo has that Go switch , ” Leo said .
“ When it ’ s time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turn it on and go.
” Lorenzo ’ s Go switch has registered 8.5 sacks in his first two NFL seasons .
“ We always tell him , ‘ If God gives you the ability to be great , don ’ t accept just being good .
Work for being great , ’ ” Leo said .
“ Now he ’ s looking forward to this season .
He ’ s gotten stronger , he ’ s coming into his man strength , and just watching tape .
… Hey , I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It ’ s just exciting knowing that I have a chance to make a big impact on this team , ” he said .
His new coaches , starting with head coach Joe Judge and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham , have opened his eyes to the importance of fundamentals .
“ They teach us a lot about football , ” Lorenzo said .
“ I ’ ve always been confident in myself and my abilities , ” Lorenzo said .
“ I feel like I ’ m more comfortable .
I feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of things going on around me .
We do a lot of focus on situations , understanding what situations give you opportunities to play faster .
That ’ s the thing , knowing when you can take your shots and knowing what ’ s about to happen before it happens.
” Leo ’ s message to his son : Go get the quarterback .
“ I truly believe that he will be the next great linebacker coming out of the Giants , and will be there for years to come , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is excited to get the New York Giants back to where they have been before.
” He is determined to do his part .
For the Giants .
For the country .

The Other Side of Lorenzo Carter, the thoughtful, emotional side of a young black man anguished over the injustice he too often sees in a country he believes can and must do better, came as no surprise to those who know him best.
“That’s Lorenzo,” his father, Leo Carter, told The Post from Grayson, Ga. “A lot of people never saw that side of Lorenzo before. We’re always sitting at the table, we’re always talking, we’re always discussing things like that. That’s part of having a balance. Don’t just see one side — see the full picture. And Lorenzo loves all people. That’s why he stated what he stated. He truly believes we can be great, but it’s going to take all of us.”
“It was very heavy on his heart, everything that’s going on, just everything,” his mother, Lisa Carter, told The Post. “The social unrest, the racial tensions. We believe you bleed red, we love everybody. It doesn’t matter what color you are — we love everybody. Everybody has feelings, everybody has a desire to succeed and be great. And it really hurts him.”
During Lorenzo Carter’s impassioned post-scrimmage “Enough Is Enough” plea 57 years after Dr. Martin Luther King had a dream, he referenced a grandfather, and a great-grandfather, and the inequality they endured in their lives.
“He has a grandfather here in Atlanta, and he has a grandfather in Memphis, and he talks with both of them,” Lisa Carter said. “They share a lot of grandson-grandfather time together.”
Leo and Lisa grew up seven houses apart and have known each other since elementary school. They made certain to share a lot of parent-son time together about their own experiences. Lorenzo is the only boy and youngest of three children.
“With us,” Leo Carter said, “we always talk about balance. We talked about not just those experiences, we talked about a lot of experiences. My experiences in college, my wife’s experiences in college, and when Lorenzo went off to college, the conversations we had to have with him. We talk as a family, that’s what we do.”
Lorenzo Carter has a dream, too.
“There definitely are some things that we need to do as a country to come together,” Carter told The Post. “We’re just going to have to keep working on that. That’s nothing that can happen overnight, and I understand that. But as long as we keep making strides and keep using our voices, I feel like we actually can get this stuff going in the right direction.”
On the football field or off it, Lorenzo Carter is someone you should want on your side.
“He always took up for the underdog,” Lisa Carter said. “Whenever Lorenzo was around, there was no bullying, or anything of that sort. He didn’t allow that to happen in his presence.”
An example?
“Lorenzo did a lot of after-school tutoring,” she said. “He helped the students who were maybe struggling in certain areas. If he saw them not in class, or not doing the right thing, he’d pull ’em off to the side and say, ‘Look, can we just talk about this? You’re going to have to come to class,’ as a peer mentor tutor thing. Lorenzo just never let anybody say, ‘Hey, that kid in the special ed class,’ — ‘Hey hey hey, don’t do that, that’s not cool.’ ”
Basketball was Lorenzo’s first love before he conceded that 6-foot-5 NBA power forwards had gone the way of the dinosaur. But he never met a challenge he didn’t like.
“Even in middle school when he played basketball, they were telling me middle schoolers can’t dunk, they’re not supposed to dunk,”
Lisa said, “And I remember in a game he got the ball in the open court and it’s like, ‘He can’t do it, he can’t do it.’ ”
He did it.
“As a matter of fact, it was his first dunk, and it was a two-hand dunk, and everybody in the gym went crazy,” Leo said. “You don’t sit at middle school games and see a kid dunk on somebody with two hands.”
Perhaps Lorenzo wasn’t too tender to be a tiger.
“Lorenzo has that Go switch,” Leo said. “When it’s time to Go, he knows how to turn it on and go.”
Lorenzo’s Go switch has registered 8.5 sacks in his first two NFL seasons.
“We always tell him, ‘If God gives you the ability to be great, don’t accept just being good. Work for being great,’ ” Leo said. “Now he’s looking forward to this season. He’s gotten stronger, he’s coming into his man strength, and just watching tape. … Hey, I’m looking forward to this one.”
So is Lorenzo Carter.
“It’s just exciting knowing that I have a chance to make a big impact on this team,” he said.
His new coaches, starting with head coach Joe Judge and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, have opened his eyes to the importance of fundamentals.
“They teach us a lot about football,” Lorenzo said.
And he’s a sponge.
“I’ve always been confident in myself and my abilities,” Lorenzo said. “I feel like I’m more comfortable. I feel I didn’t understand a lot of things going on around me. We do a lot of focus on situations, understanding what situations give you opportunities to play faster. That’s the thing, knowing when you can take your shots and knowing what’s about to happen before it happens.”
Leo’s message to his son: Go get the quarterback.
“I truly believe that he will be the next great linebacker coming out of the Giants, and will be there for years to come,” he says.
Lorenzo prefers to talk about winning.
“Everybody in the building is excited to get the New York Giants back to where they have been before.”
He is determined to do his part. For the Giants. For the country.


newyorkpost--2020-09-12--Steven Matz could return to Mets’ rotation in next few days

BUFFALO — Steven Matz ’ s return to the Mets could occur within the next few days .
The left-hander was scheduled to throw a side session Friday at the Mets ’ alternate training site in Brooklyn , after which manager Luis Rojas said Matz would be evaluated for a return .
Matz has spent the last two weeks on the injured list with left shoulder bursitis and likely would rejoin the bullpen upon in his return , though he could be asked to replace struggling Michael Wacha in the rotation .
Rojas is yet to commit beyond the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Seth Lugo and David Peterson scheduled for Saturday and Sunday against the Blue Jays .
There is a chance Rojas simply will employ a four-man rotation for this week , as Monday ’ s off day will allow him to use Rick Porcello on normal rest for Tuesday ’ s series opener in Philadelphia .
The Mets won ’ t need a fifth starter until next Saturday , at which time Rojas could choose between Matz and Wacha .
“ We are working on keeping Matz stretched out , ” Rojas said before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Blue Jays Matz has ensured his own struggles this season , pitching to an 8.63 ERA in six appearances , five of which have come as a starter .
Dellin Betances also is throwing at the Mets ’ alternate training site in his rehab from a right lat strain .
Much of the Mets ’ pre-series preparation centered on getting to know Sahlen Field , a Triple-A ballpark that is serving as the Blue Jays ’ home this season .
Several Mets played here as opponents in the International League .
Rojas said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defensive work , allowing the Mets to get an idea about the playing surface and how the ball travels on the ground .
But the Mets couldn ’ t prepare for the stadium lighting , which has received poor reviews .
Rojas noted that the earlier 6:37 p.m. starts on Friday and Saturday will provide for extra natural light .

BUFFALO — Steven Matz’s return to the Mets could occur within the next few days.
The left-hander was scheduled to throw a side session Friday at the Mets’ alternate training site in Brooklyn, after which manager Luis Rojas said Matz would be evaluated for a return.
Matz has spent the last two weeks on the injured list with left shoulder bursitis and likely would rejoin the bullpen upon in his return, though he could be asked to replace struggling Michael Wacha in the rotation.
Rojas is yet to commit beyond the next two days in the rotation, with Seth Lugo and David Peterson scheduled for Saturday and Sunday against the Blue Jays. There is a chance Rojas simply will employ a four-man rotation for this week, as Monday’s off day will allow him to use Rick Porcello on normal rest for Tuesday’s series opener in Philadelphia. The Mets won’t need a fifth starter until next Saturday, at which time Rojas could choose between Matz and Wacha.
“We are working on keeping Matz stretched out,” Rojas said before the Mets’ 18-1 victory over the Blue Jays
Matz has ensured his own struggles this season, pitching to an 8.63 ERA in six appearances, five of which have come as a starter.
Dellin Betances also is throwing at the Mets’ alternate training site in his rehab from a right lat strain.
Much of the Mets’ pre-series preparation centered on getting to know Sahlen Field, a Triple-A ballpark that is serving as the Blue Jays’ home this season. Several Mets played here as opponents in the International League.
Rojas said he planned to focus the pregame on defensive work, allowing the Mets to get an idea about the playing surface and how the ball travels on the ground. But the Mets couldn’t prepare for the stadium lighting, which has received poor reviews. Rojas noted that the earlier 6:37 p.m. starts on Friday and Saturday will provide for extra natural light.


newyorkpost--2020-09-12--Jets’ George Fant rips Chiefs fans for booing during ‘unity’ moment

The NFL returned Thursday night .
The Jets open their season on Sunday .
But George Fant has more pressing issues on his mind — such as using his voice to express his concerns about social injustice and police brutality in this country .
The new Jets right offensive tackle used his media availability on Friday to let his feelings be known , politely declining to talk about football .
“ First and foremost I just want to start this off with keeping my attention on social injustices , ” the former Seahawk said over Zoom following practice .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area , something that sticks so close to me is having the chance to be around the family of Breonna Taylor .
I just want to keep my focus on Breonna Taylor and social injustices , so let ’ s just focus on there.
” The 26-year-old Taylor was killed at her home by the Louisville police department on March 13 .
Charges have yet to be brought up thus far .
In the wake of her death , and the deaths of black men such as Ahmaud Arbery , George Floyd and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to speak up against systematic racism .
In the NFL opener Thursday night between the Chiefs and Texans , players from the two teams locked arms after the national anthem as an act of unity against racism .
A good portion of the crowd of roughly 17,000 voiced their displeasure .
“ Anytime you get some guys to show the unity in the NFL and the people not to like it and to try to bring up different things about it that ’ s not positive , is never good , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Green , Ky. , who played college football at Western Kentucky .
“ Personally , I ’ m still taking it in , I ’ m still looking into it .
But for me , that ’ s horrible .
… We just want to be treated equally .
We just want to be treated the same .
Everyone needs to be held accountable .
For people to boo , it ’ s unbelievable.
” The Jets have yet to decide how they will proceed before Sunday ’ s game against the Bills @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They have talked about it a few times and will meet again Saturday , when a decision will be made about a peaceful protest of some kind .
Fant , one of five team captains , may choose to honor Taylor ’ s memory somehow as well .
“ Just to sit on those steps [ at a protest ] with her family , to feel that hurt and talk to her family a little bit , it ’ s heartbreaking , ” Fant said .
“ I just want them to know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and can help anytime anyway I can.
” Growing up , he was mostly shielded by racial inequality by his mother .
But one day he experienced it , getting stopped for something he described as “ scary.
” He has three children , and he isn ’ t sure how to talk to his kids about it yet , as more examples of police brutality against African-American men have come to light in recent months .
“ Everyone I feel like has that story of , ‘ It could ’ ve been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my kids .
And it ’ s sickening , man .
It ’ s so scary , man , ” Fant said .
“ That honestly could ’ ve been me .
”

The NFL returned Thursday night. The Jets open their season on Sunday.
But George Fant has more pressing issues on his mind — such as using his voice to express his concerns about social injustice and police brutality in this country.
The new Jets right offensive tackle used his media availability on Friday to let his feelings be known, politely declining to talk about football.
“First and foremost I just want to start this off with keeping my attention on social injustices,” the former Seahawk said over Zoom following practice. “Me being a person from the Kentucky area, something that sticks so close to me is having the chance to be around the family of Breonna Taylor. I just want to keep my focus on Breonna Taylor and social injustices, so let’s just focus on there.”
The 26-year-old Taylor was killed at her home by the Louisville police department on March 13. Charges have yet to be brought up thus far. In the wake of her death, and the shootings of black men such as Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd and Jacob Blake, more athletes have begun to speak up against systematic racism.
In the NFL opener Thursday night between the Chiefs and Texans, players from the two teams locked arms after the national anthem as an act of unity against racism. A good portion of the crowd of roughly 17,000 voiced their displeasure.
“Anytime you get some guys to show the unity in the NFL and the people not to like it and to try to bring up different things about it that’s not positive, is never good,” said Fant, a 28-year-old native of Bowling Green, Ky., who played college football at Western Kentucky. “Personally, I’m still taking it in, I’m still looking into it. But for me, that’s horrible. … We just want to be treated equally. We just want to be treated the same. Everyone needs to be held accountable. For people to boo, it’s unbelievable.”
The Jets have yet to decide how they will proceed before Sunday’s game against the Bills, coach Adam Gase said Friday. They have talked about it a few times and will meet again Saturday, when a decision will be made about a peaceful protest of some kind. Fant, one of five team captains, may choose to honor Taylor’s memory somehow as well.
“Just to sit on those steps [at a protest] with her family, to feel that hurt and talk to her family a little bit, it’s heartbreaking,” Fant said. “I just want them to know that I’m here for them and can help anytime anyway I can.”
Growing up, he was mostly shielded by racial inequality by his mother. But one day he experienced it, getting stopped for something he described as “scary.” He has three children, and he isn’t sure how to talk to his kids about it yet, as more examples of police brutality against African-American men have come to light in recent months.
“Everyone I feel like has that story of, ‘It could’ve been me.’ Or it could have been my kids. And it’s sickening, man. It’s so scary, man,” Fant said. “That honestly could’ve been me.”


newyorkpost--2020-09-12--Spencer Dinwiddie: ‘Left-field’ pick Steve Nash will succeed

Steve Nash saw the questions coming as clearly as he ...

Yogi Berra said baseball is 90 percent mental — the other half is physical. The Nets’ Spencer Dinwiddie claims managing mindsets is almost as important to coach in the NBA — and that’s why Steve Nash can succeed with his Nets.
No, Nash didn’t spend a single second as an assistant before shockingly landing the Nets job last week. But his Hall of Fame career commands respect from stars like Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. That will let him handle the biggest part of the job: Juggling egos.
“It was definitely out of left field,” Dinwiddie told Forbes. “I think overall, it makes sense from the relationship perspective.
“And to me coaching at this level, especially with the talent that we have, it’s like 80% psychologist, 10% temperament, 10% x’s and o’s,” Dinwiddie said. “It’s mostly about managing the egos. That’s why Phil Jackson was phenomenal. He knew how to speak to Kobe (Bryant). He knew how to speak to Michael (Jordan).”
The Nets parted ways with Kenny Atkinson after his voice stopped carrying weight in the locker room. In seeking a successor, Nets owner Joe Tsai and general manager Sean Marks sought somebody with enough gravitas to redress that situation.
“As we spread the net in our search for the next leader, the next connector, a communicator and a cultural driver, we look for these qualities,” said Marks, who referred to Nash’s Hall of Fame resume.
“Joe Tsai and I were in lockstep throughout this entire search process, and we were completely aligned in the intangibles we’d be looking for in the next Nets leader. And as Joe put it clearer than ever, we’d be looking not only as I mentioned before, for a connector, but we’d be looking for a conductor.”
We’ve seen stars’ egos derail contenders before. So keeping the Nets on track may be more about relationships than schemes and gameplans, for which Nash kept Jacque Vaughn to help. What matters most may be managing the egos of Durant, Irving, DeAndre Jordan and the like.
“It’s more like if we’re losing three, four games in a row and KD gets mad or Kyrie gets mad, how do we make sure that everybody stays together, make sure things are OK,” Dinwiddie said. “And OK, DJ hasn’t gotten a lob in seven plays, how do we get him a touch? It’s moreso that type of management than it is ‘call this play.’”
Nash’s long standing friendship with Durant is well-documented. But Caris LeVert also worked out with Durant and Nash two or three summers ago, and again with the latter last summer. And Irving worked out with Nash in New York a few years ago as well.
LeVert said Nash’s Hall of Fame cred will help him command instant respect in the locker room, and aid in his rookie coaching campaign.
“It means a lot,” LeVert said on the R2C2 podcast with Nets broadcaster Ryan Ruocco and CC Sabathia. “From a lot of players you hear “oh, well he didn’t really play when you’re talking about a coach. He didn’t play at the highest level.” That’s not the case for Steve.
“Steve was a two-time MVP, All-Star, Hall of Fame. He has all those things, so he knows what he’s talking about, he knows what he’s doing out there. … Personally, I can’t wait to soak up as much knowledge as I can from him.”
Assistants Phil Handy (Lakers) and Royal Ivey (Knicks) have been linked with spots on Nash’s staff. Handy is close with Irving, and Durant is godfather to Ivey’s child according to Scoop B. The Nets would need permission to talk to either.
“If any of our assistants have an opportunity to have an advancement opportunity, then we typically would grant permission. But it’d be case-by-case and I don’t know anything about [Nets interest in Handy],” Lakers coach Frank Vogel said.
“Phil Handy brings great experience to our team. He’s been in the Finals the last five years, and obviously has great experience and background working with LeBron [James], does a great job with our whole group in player development and has been an integral part of our success this year.”


newyorkpost--2020-09-12--Gerrit Cole resurgence couldn’t come at better time for Yankees

Gerrit Cole earned his Yankees fan bona fides in 2001 .
Did he just prove his pinstriped mettle on Sept. 11 ?
Sure , sure , true Yankees moments , especially for a player who received a $ 324 million commitment , must come in October .
Nevertheless , this one felt quite big for the Yankees ’ first-year ace , and profound too .
In throwing a two-hit shutout Friday afternoon in The Bronx , mowing down the Orioles , 6-0 , to open a doubleheader sweep — Masahiro Tanaka ( five innings , one run ) prevailed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a personal three-start losing streak and kicked off this surprisingly critical weekend on a great note , striking out nine while walking one and permitting just a pair of singles ; his no-hitter ended with two outs in the fifth .
The Yankees ( 24-21 ) now have put 3 ½ games between themselves and the O ’ s and the Tigers ( 20-24 ) in the race for the American League ’ s final postseason spot , and thanks to a Mets rout of the Blue Jays in Buffalo , they trail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ half a game in the AL East .
As they move further away from crisis mode , the Yankees can start envisioning a playoff rotation headed by Cole pitching as he did Friday .
“ It was nice to see him go out and absolutely dominate a game from beginning to end , ” Aaron Boone said .
This goes down as easily Cole ’ s biggest start as a Yankee so far , and he pulled it off wearing a cap not with his employer ’ s iconic interlocking NY , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s insignia as the Yankees — sporting NYPD and Fire Department of New York caps as well as 9/11 patches on their uniform tops — honored those we lost on Sept. 11 , 2001 .
“ I think everybody remembers that day , ” said Cole , who was 11 at the time .
“ My mom woke me up , me and my sister , before school , and before she took us downstairs she talked to us — both of my parents talked to us for a minute — about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it ’ s just a really sad day .
“ So hopefully we honor the people that passed away that day .
We honor the people that worked to save lives in the NYPD and the FDNY .
This is a very somber day , but hopefully we were able to provide some joy for the people that are having a rough day today in New York.
” Less than two months after that horribly historic day , the Cole family traveled from its Southern California home to Phoenix to watch the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ World Series at Bank One Ballpark .
Young Gerrit got some pub holding his “ YANKEE FAN TODAY TOMORROW FOREVER ” sign in the outfield .
Cole brought that sign out of hiding , 18-plus years old and discolored , last December at his Yankee Stadium introductory news conference , captivating social media .
If the right-hander , delayed and devalued by the pandemic shutdown—_ that contract now is worth $ 301.3 million — didn ’ t embarrass himself in the early going of his maiden voyage here , he didn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ either ; the last game of his losing streak began in spectacular fashion , with five innings of shutout , nine-strikeout ball against the Orioles in Baltimore , only to unravel with a five-run sixth to continue a grotesque , 5-15 stretch for the club that put the Yankees ’ playoff qualification in peril .
On Friday , therefore , Cole , deploying an improved curveball , pulled his weight while pushing the Orioles further away .
The doubleheader , he noted , would allow him to wear an FDNY cap ( the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as he watched Game 2 from the dugout .
“ I wasn ’ t going to switch hats out during the game , ” the creature of habit said , “ but I did want to wear both.
” Cole did fine work all around on this always meaningful anniversary .
If he can keep going like this on the mound , he might just inspire some youngster in Southern California , where the American League Championship Series likely will be held , to become a Yankees fan today , tomorrow and forever @

Gerrit Cole earned his Yankees fan bona fides in 2001. Did he just prove his pinstriped mettle on Sept. 11?
Sure, sure, true Yankees moments, especially for a player who received a $324 million commitment, must come in October. Nevertheless, this one felt quite big for the Yankees’ first-year ace, and profound too.
In throwing a two-hit shutout Friday afternoon in The Bronx, mowing down the Orioles, 6-0, to open a doubleheader sweep — Masahiro Tanaka (five innings, one run) prevailed in the nightcap, 10-1 — Cole halted a personal three-start losing streak and kicked off this surprisingly critical weekend on a great note, striking out nine while walking one and permitting just a pair of singles; his no-hitter ended with two outs in the fifth. The Yankees (24-21) now have put 3 ½ games between themselves and the O’s and the Tigers (20-24) in the race for the American League’s final postseason spot, and thanks to a Mets rout of the Blue Jays in Buffalo, they trail second-place Toronto (24-20) by just half a game in the AL East.
As they move further away from crisis mode, the Yankees can start envisioning a playoff rotation headed by Cole pitching as he did Friday.
“It was nice to see him go out and absolutely dominate a game from beginning to end,” Aaron Boone said.
This goes down as easily Cole’s biggest start as a Yankee so far, and he pulled it off wearing a cap not with his employer’s iconic interlocking NY, but rather with the New York Police Department’s insignia as the Yankees — sporting NYPD and Fire Department of New York caps as well as 9/11 patches on their uniform tops — honored those we lost on Sept. 11, 2001.
“I think everybody remembers that day,” said Cole, who was 11 at the time. “My mom woke me up, me and my sister, before school, and before she took us downstairs she talked to us — both of my parents talked to us for a minute — about what we were about to see, and it’s just a really sad day.
“So hopefully we honor the people that passed away that day. We honor the people that worked to save lives in the NYPD and the FDNY. This is a very somber day, but hopefully we were able to provide some joy for the people that are having a rough day today in New York.”
Less than two months after that horribly historic day, the Cole family traveled from its Southern California home to Phoenix to watch the Yankees take on the Diamondbacks in the World Series at Bank One Ballpark. Young Gerrit got some pub holding his “YANKEE FAN TODAY TOMORROW FOREVER” sign in the outfield. Cole brought that sign out of hiding, 18-plus years old and discolored, last December at his Yankee Stadium introductory news conference, captivating social media.
If the right-hander, delayed and devalued by the pandemic shutdown—_ that contract now is worth $301.3 million — didn’t embarrass himself in the early going of his maiden voyage here, he didn’t distinguish himself as the Yankees dreamed, either; the last game of his losing streak began in spectacular fashion, with five innings of shutout, nine-strikeout ball against the Orioles in Baltimore, only to unravel with a five-run sixth to continue a grotesque, 5-15 stretch for the club that put the Yankees’ playoff qualification in peril.
On Friday, therefore, Cole, deploying an improved curveball, pulled his weight while pushing the Orioles further away. The doubleheader, he noted, would allow him to wear an FDNY cap (the players chose between FDNY and NYPD) as he watched Game 2 from the dugout. “I wasn’t going to switch hats out during the game,” the creature of habit said, “but I did want to wear both.”
Cole did fine work all around on this always meaningful anniversary. If he can keep going like this on the mound, he might just inspire some youngster in Southern California, where the American League Championship Series likely will be held, to become a Yankees fan today, tomorrow and forever.


newyorkpost--2020-09-12--Joe Judge pokes fun at his Giants’ tough-love gambit

On the day he was introduced as the head coach ...

A day after ripping into his team for a lackluster start to practice and making them start all over again from stretches, Joe Judge on Friday poked a little fun at his unusual move.
“It really wasn’t much. Sometimes I schedule a second stretching period after the first couple periods of individuals, so a normal day for us right there,” Judge deadpanned before breaking out in a grin. “No, hey listen, I thought the guys responded really well. We actually had a really productive, really good practice. I was happy coming off the field. Sometimes we just have to go ahead and keep in mind that it’s important that we lock in and start fast.”
The Giants had a quicker practice on Friday as they continued to prepare for Monday’s season opener against the Steelers, doing so with a better mentality from the start.
“Today, I think we came out focused, great attention to detail and I think we stacked another great day,” safety Jabrill Peppers said.
The Giants’ discussions on how they will handle the national anthem Monday remain ongoing, but whatever decisions they come to will stay “in house,” Evan Engram said.
“It’s definitely an important subject, but right now, we’re focused on this game,” Engram said. “Those discussions are being had, but it’s definitely going to stay in house.”
Wide receiver Golden Tate was limited in practice for the second straight day with a hamstring injury, but Judge said he was “moving well right now.”
“We’ve been mixing him into some of the things we have been doing in practice,” Judge said. “Individuals, a little bit of team work, some group work. He looks like he’s coming along nice. He’s working hard every day and doing what he can to get back.”
LB Markus Golden (illness) and DB Adrian Colbert (illness) returned to full practice participants while LB Tae Crowder (hamstring) and TE Levine Toilolo (hamstring) remained limited.
Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson also returned to a full practice after missing Thursday’s with a foot injury.
Judge plunged into the world of social media Thursday night, making a Twitter account (@_JoeJudge) where he said he plans to “amplify the good work our players are doing in the community to inspire change.”


newyorkpost--2020-09-12--College football Top 25: Many usual contenders not in rankings

Last season , Joe Burrow became one of the most unlikely ...

College football is back for the ACC and the Big 12. In two weeks, the SEC is scheduled to join.
It was just one month ago that the Big Ten and Pac-12 decided to postpone their respective football seasons, seemingly triggering the shutdown of the sport until the spring or following fall.
Instead, Trevor Lawrence will be back on the field. Nick Saban will be back on the sideline. Fans will be in attendance.
Usually, we all try to predict how the season will end. Now, we’ll all just hope the end comes with the scheduled College Football Playoff National Championship in Miami on Jan. 11.
Here is The Post’s Top 25:
1. Clemson
Even before the Big Ten and Pac-12 sidelined themselves, Clemson was our No. 1 team — and nothing has changed. Trevor Lawrence, the overwhelming Heisman Trophy favorite, still will be under center. Travis Etienne may be the best running back in the country. And two-time national champion Dabo Swinney will still be in charge. Everyone in the ACC is playing for second place.
2. Alabama
The Crimson Tide were playoff spectators for the first time last season. Don’t bank on them being left on the sidelines again. Losing Tua Tagovailoa hurts, but Nick Saban won five national championships with lesser quarterbacks. Supporting Mac Jones or five-star freshman Bryce Young is a nation-high six AP Preseason All-Americans — WRs DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle, RB Najee Harris, OT Alex Leatherwood, LB Dylan Moses and CB Patrick Surtain II — and the nation’s most talented defense.
3. Georgia
The Bulldogs are the best team in the SEC East until proven otherwise. Winning a fourth straight division crown won’t be easy, though, after losing QB Jake Fromm, RB D’Andre Swift and four starters on the offensive line, in addition to seeing Fromm’s replacement, Wake Forest grad-transfer Jamie Newman, opt out because of COVID-19 concerns. The defense, led by playmaking safety Richard LeCounte III and a deep group of experienced linebackers, will have to carry the load early on.
4. Oklahoma
The expectations are the same in Norman, even with the team’s fourth starting quarterback in four years. Looking for their sixth straight Big 12 title and fourth straight playoff appearance, five-star redshirt freshman QB Spencer Rattler will follow the massive footsteps of Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray and Jalen Hurts, directing an offense that has averaged at least 40 points per game in each of the past five seasons. Rattler will be assisted by one of the nation’s best offensive lines, but may lack the usual backfield firepower, following starter Kennedy Brooks’ decision to opt out.
5. Florida
Dan Mullen has made Florida a contender, winning 21 games in his first two seasons in Gainesville. Now comes the hard part: taking the next step and overtaking Georgia atop the SEC East. The situation at quarterback is worth following as Mullen will look to use both established starter Kyle Trask and high-ceiling youngster Emory Jones, who can add a lethal dimension as a runner.
6. LSU
The defending national champions are almost unrecognizable. The Tigers return just eight starters from one of the most dominant teams in the sport’s history. Gone are Heisman winner Joe Burrow, RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire and WRs Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase — who opted out of the season — in addition to defensive coordinator Dave Aranda and key offensive assistant Joe Brady. To retain the title, junior QB Myles Brennan will have to make a more improbable leap than Burrow.
7. Auburn
Auburn’s 13th-ranked defense was able to make up for Bo Nix’s shortcomings as a true freshman starter at quarterback. Now, it’s his turn to lead, and he will have his two favorite targets, WRs Seth Williams and Anthony Schwartz, back to help. The defense — the one group that was able to slow down LSU last year — will be a work in progress after losing standouts Derrick Brown and Marlon Davidson to the NFL. The hope is DE Big Kat Bryant and LB K.J. Britt will emerge.
8. Notre Dame
Brian Kelly was on the hot seat less than four years ago, following a 4-8 season. Since then, the Fighting Irish have gone 33-5. Now, a second playoff berth in three years is in sight. With senior QB Ian Book and the entirety of the nation’s best offensive line back to recreate an attack that put up nearly 37 points per game, the ACC will struggle to stop its new, temporary member, which remains just as strong on the defensive end.
9. Oklahoma State
Nobody had a better offseason than the Cowboys. Chuba Hubbard, the nation’s leading rusher and the Big 12 Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, and dynamic WR Tylan Wallace both passed on the NFL, and West Virginia grad transfer G Josh Sills picked Oklahoma State. Factor in the defense returning 10 starters, and it’s easy to see coach Mike Gundy’s team challenging for the Big 12 crown.
10. Texas A&M
The Aggies don’t want to wait any longer to see their $75 million investment in Jimbo Fisher pay off. After going 17-9 in Fisher’s first two seasons and finishing last year unranked, Texas A&M has 16 starters back to make a run, led by senior quarterback Kellen Mond. Nevertheless, the group must fare better in big games, having gone 0-4 against ranked SEC teams last season.
11. Texas
While QB Sam Ehlinger declared the Longhorns “back” in the aftermath of a 2019 Sugar Bowl win, Texas couldn’t handle the hype, watching a top-10 preseason ranking precede a forgettable 8-5 campaign. So, Tom Herman returns for his fourth season with a new offensive and defensive coordinator (former Rutgers coach Chris Ash). While Ehlinger will shine, a defense bringing back nine starters could be the key to the program’s first league title since 2009.
12. Iowa State
Since the formation of the Big 12 in 1996, Iowa State has produced a winning conference record four times, with coach Matt Campbell accomplishing the feat each of the last three years. The Cyclones can take an even bigger leap this year behind exceptional junior QB Brock Purdy, all-conference TE Charlie Kolar and a defense that returns nine starters.
13. North Carolina
The one ACC school that made Clemson sweat last year returns its two best players: conference Rookie of the Year Sam Howell at quarterback and LB Chazz Surratt, a first team All-ACC selection a year ago and the team’s leading tackler. The goal is simple: challenge for the league crown for the first time since 2015.
14. Cincinnati
The Group of Five may never be invited to the playoff in its current format, but the Bearcats hold the best chance for the little guys to break through, due to the absence of the Big Ten and Pac-12. Following back-to-back 11-win seasons, the Bearcats appear ready to finally claim the AAC championship, with nine starters returning on defense. Luke Fickell, who inherited a four-win team in 2018, turned down the head coaching job at Michigan State this winter to return for his fourth season.
15. UCF
A 10-3 campaign was a step back for the Knights after going 25-1 the previous two years, but the AAC crown could be theirs again. Sophomore QB Dillon Gabriel will lead an offense that averaged 43.4 points last season and is supported by a balanced, veteran defense, which ranked 11th in the nation in yards allowed per play (4.6). Nevertheless, Central Florida had 10 players — including two starters — opt out of the season.
16. Memphis
Even with the opt-out of standout rusher Kenneth Gainwell and the departure of coach Mike Norvell, there are high hopes for the Tigers. Eight returning defensive starters and the explosive QB-WR tandem of Brady White and Damonte Coxie — the duo connected 76 times for 1,276 yards and nine touchdowns a year ago — gives new coach Ryan Silverfield a strong base to work with. A second straight AAC crown and fourth title game berth in a row remains possible.
17. Louisville
One of the most improved teams in the nation has more room for growth. In Scott Satterfield’s first season as coach, the Cardinals had a six-win improvement. This year, he has even more talent, including RB Javian Hawkins — who had 1,525 rushing yards last season — and dual threat QB Micale Cunningham. Points won’t be a problem. Preventing them will be after ranking 109th in the nation in scoring defense (33.4) last season.
18. Tennessee
After closing last season with a six-game winning streak — securing the Vols’ first winning season in three years — Tennessee returns with a top 10 recruiting class. Fifth-year senior QB Jarrett Guarantano reclaims the starting job he lost last season after completing 59.1 percent of his passes, but returns without three of last year’s top four receivers. One of the nation’s most talented offensive lines should give him the chance to be more consistent for a roster full of potential.
19. Virginia Tech
Losing projected first-round pick Caleb Farley stings — he opted out because of the coronavirus — but the secondary has the depth to still be strong, with the addition of Illinois State transfer Devin Taylor. If QB Hendon Hooker can build off a quality sophomore season, Virginia Tech will be a factor in the ACC. Expect the Hokies, who return 15 starters, to play in a record 27th straight bowl this year.
20. Baylor
Matt Rhule left for the NFL after elevating the Bears from one win to 11 wins in just two years. Replacing him is former LSU defensive coordinator Dave Aranda, who will have to rebuild a unit that lost nine starters from the Big 12’s best defense last season. Offensively, Baylor brought in former North Carolina coach Larry Fedora, who’ll need senior QB Charlie Brewer to keep pace with the conference’s elite offenses.
21. Appalachian State
The Mountaineers are best known for their stunning 2007 upset of Michigan. But for the second straight year, they will be a top-25 fixture. Appalachian State hasn’t had a losing record since joining the Sun Belt Conference in 2014 and is gunning for its third straight league title this year with its third different coach. Get to know the name Shaun Jolly, a junior cornerback who had five interceptions and eight passes defensed a year ago.
22. Kentucky
The Wildcats’ strength isn’t sexy and it may bore fans, but it’s obvious: the big guys up front. According to Pro Football Focus, they return four of the top-seven-rated offensive linemen in the SEC, led by OT Darian Kinnard. With the loss of do-it-all QB-RB-WR Lynn Bowden, the group will be essential to Kentucky’s success.
23. Miami
The Hurricanes suffered one of the nation’s biggest blows when potential top-10 pick and defensive anchor Gregory Rousseau opted out of the season, but Manny Diaz also landed two of the most important additions of the offseason. The offense has former Houston QB D’Eriq King, who ranked third in the nation in total touchdowns during his most recent full season (2018), while preseason All-American DE Quincy Roche comes from Temple.
24. Florida State
There is good news for new coach Mike Norvell: There is nowhere to go but up. The one-time national powerhouse has averaged six wins the last three seasons, leading to Willie Taggart’s dismissal and Norvell’s arrival following a 12-1 campaign at Memphis. Norvell inherits one of the premier defensive players in the country, All-American DT Marvin Wilson.
25. Kansas State
Chris Klieman’s first year was a surprise, an eight-win season that included a massive upset of eventual Big 12 champion Oklahoma. Building off that won’t be easy after losing 15 starters, including the entire starting offensive line, and defensive coordinator Scottie Hazelton. Sophomore Johsua Youngblood was a revelation as a kick returner, scoring three touchdowns and averaging 27.8 yards per return, and could make an impact on offense this year for senior QB Skylar Thompson.
Kussoy’s playoff picks: Clemson, Alabama, Florida, Texas
National champ: Clemson
Braziller’s playoff picks: Clemson, Alabama, Notre Dame, Oklahoma State
National champ: Alabama


newyorkpost--2020-09-12--Islanders’ top two lines come up big in Game 3

They were on the verge of saying goodbye to America ...

The Islanders had gone through the first two games of the conference finals with only one goal from a top-six forward, Jordan Eberle’s Game 1 power play goal standing alone.
But in a league where, as Tampa Bay coach Jon Cooper often says, “Your best players have to be your best players,” the Islanders needed their best goal-scorers to, well, score goals.
And so, second-line center Brock Nelson scored the winner at 16:25 of the third period in Friday’s 5-3 Islanders victory over the Lightning in Game 3 on a set-up from Anthony Beauvillier after second-line winger Beauvillier had scored the 3-1 goal in the second period off a nifty feed from Nelson.
Beauvillier, who recorded 18 goals in 68 games on the season, leads the team with nine playoff goals. Nelson and Jean-Gabriel Pageau, who recorded an empty-netter, each have eight goals in the postseason.
Cooper had said he would be “mildly shocked” if Alex Killorn were suspended for the late hit from behind that sent Nelson’s face into the glass 5:55 into the first period of Game 2.
But the Lightning coach was less judgmental and expressive after the winger was indeed set down for one game by the Department of Player Safety for the blow that drew a five-minute major and game misconduct.
“It’s pointless now. What’s done is done,” Cooper said hours before Game 3. “I think there have been a lot of hits that have been similar, and there’s a fine line.
“I think when you look at any hit, you’re fighting for your guy. But if you were to reverse the roles and say, ‘Well, what if that were your guy getting hit?’ Then I can see where they’re coming from. So the decision has been made and so it’s pointless for me to comment on how I feel about it.”
Barry Trotz did not campaign for Killorn’s suspension for the hit that sidelined Nelson for 25 game-time minutes bridging the first two periods, but the Islanders coach believes justice was done in this instance.
“I thought Killorn would get one [game],” Trotz said. “It looks very fair.”
The coach, though, was not exactly thrilled that the league did not take any action whatsoever against Barclay Goodrow for his unpenalized cross check that sent Nelson’s head into the glass again almost immediately after No. 29’s return to the ice midway through the second period.
“I knew the league would look at Goodrow, and they look at it frame by frame, so I’m good with whatever they decide. I’m probably a little disappointed, but at the same time I have a lot of respect for Player Safety and what they look at. They probably looked at that a thousand times.”
Casey Cizikas missed the game with an unidentified injury while Andrew Ladd was a healthy scratch. Derick Brassard and Michael Dal Colle were inserted into the lineup in their place.
“I had an inclination [Thursday] that Casey might not be available,” Trotz said. “We’ll see where it is. We have another day here.”


newyorkpost--2020-09-12--Serena Williams’ hunt for grand slam record won’t get any easier

In recent years , Victoria Azarenka may not have possessed the ...

Serena Williams heads now to the French Open to play on her least-favorite surface — clay — that blunts her massive serve. She’s won just three of her 23 Grand Slam titles at Roland Garros — in her prime. So temper the expectations later this month.
And forever.
Williams turns 39 on Sept. 26 — four days after the French begins. Expecting Williams to win her record-tying 24th Grand Slam title is growing slimmer after a semifinal exit late Thursday against Victoria Azarenka.
Williams hasn’t won a Slam since January, 2017. That shouldn’t be shocking. The oldest man or woman to win a major is Ken Rosewall at age 37.
Her reputation, popularity and dazzling power made Las Vegas’ Westgate Sportsbook put her as second choice at the 2020 Open (5-1 to Naomi Osaka’s 4-1).
This was the weakest field she will ever face in a Grand Slam (six of the top eight players didn’t show). The French will be a deeper draw. A miracle may be in order for her to tie Margaret Court before she retires, still the greatest women’s player ever.
As Williams may have hinted, the Compton legend played almost as good as she could — and it wasn’t enough.
“It’s obviously disappointing,’’ Williams said after losing to Azarenka. “At the same time, I did what I could today. I feel like other times I’ve been close and I could have done better. Today I felt like I gave a lot.’’
Williams played four straight three-set matches — and by late Thursday night looked ready to drop.
She was breathing so heavy, she kneeled at the waist after long rallies. Williams asked for a five-minute injury timeout for an Achilles twinge while on the ropes early in the third set. It appeared more like a chance to steal a five-minute breather.
She ain’t 28 anymore.
ESPN’s tennis guru Pam Shriver said she still believes if Williams can get in better shape, then 24 will come.
“I go back and forth but she can still do it,’’ Shriver told The Post. “She was still in the final four, still can play like she did in the first set and dug out the third against [Maria] Sakkari [in the quarterfinals]. As long as she’s motivated and thinks she can win 24, I think she’s going to win. She’s very motivated to win one as a mom. But I still want to see her get in better shape so she can move better going out wide.’’
Credit that relentless will to allow her to play at such a ferocious level. That first set against Azarenka was pure lethal as she jumped to a 4-0 lead. Azarenka looked frozen — as if she had been put in a cage with a tiger. But Williams couldn’t keep up that violent pace.
“The way she started [Thursday] night is how she would’ve finished in the third set,’’ Shriver said. “Once she hits the top level, she knew how to maintain it. She has doubts now and that translates to the opponents.’’
As a wife and mother of a 3-year-old, asking her to be even more dedicated than she’s ever been won’t be easy. Shriver would like to see Serena travel to a remote training spot to work on stamina before the 2021 Australian Open.
Maybe Williams can join rehabbing Roger Federer in Qatar and train in the 105-degree desert the way The Swiss Maestro once did. Federer is approaching 40.
Shriver said Williams, listed by the WTA at 156 pounds, will never lose that “Herschel Walker frame”. But if she wants to be a Slam champion again, her fitness needs to improve. It also wouldn’t be the worst if Williams also added a chance-of-pace to augment her fastball.
“She’s got to get down to a playing weight she had when she was in her mid-20’s,’’ Shriver said. “It will help her cardio she needs to get two steps better on defense to get to 24.’’
At 39, Williams will need more than her blistering serve, groundstrokes and unprecedented competitiveness. She is the survivor of two pulmonary embolisms and those bones aren’t getting younger.
It is a testament to Williams’ will, greatness and raw talent that observers still think 24 is possible. Because it sure looks unfair to expect it anymore.


newyorkpost--2020-09-12--Fantasy football: Players to start, sit for NFL Week 1

Jimmy Garoppolo just took the 49ers to a Super Bowl ... .

The Post’s Drew Loftis evaluates all the relevant fantasy football news ahead of Week 1 of the 2020 NFL season.
Big Weeks
Ryan Fitzpatrick QB, Dolphins, at Patriots (FanDuel $6,400/DraftKings $5,300)
He was on fire to finish last season, averaging better than 300 yards passing and two TDs per game over the final five weeks. Pats have lost some secondary pieces.
Mark Ingram RB, Ravens, vs. Browns (FD $7,000/DK $5,500)
We don’t expect Baltimore to hand backfield keys to rookie RB J.K. Dobbins from the outset. Ingram will still be heavily involved.
Chris Thompson RB, Jaguars, vs. Colts (FD $4800/DK $4,000)
A lot of uncertainty in the Jaguars backfield to start the season. One thing seems clear: Thompson will have the passing-down role. One of our favorite cheap DFS plays.
Noah Fant TE, Broncos, vs. Titans (FD $5,400/DK $4,200)
The Titans were one of the five worst defending tight ends last season. With Courtland Sutton injured, Fant could get extra looks.
Small Weaks
Daniel Jones QB, Giants, vs. Steelers (FD $7,200/DK $6,100)
A second-year QB, learning a new offense, under a new coach, without a real offseason, against one of the league’s best pass defenses? No thanks.
Joe Burrow QB, Bengals, vs. Chargers (FD $6,600/DK $5,800)
First-year QB, learning a new offense, under a new coach, without a real offseason, against a fearsome Chargers pass rush? Next.
Antonio Gibson RB, Washington, vs. Eagles (FD $4,600/DK $4,000)
A rookie RB, learning a new offense, under a new coach, without a real offseason, against … does it matter?
D’Andre Swift RB, Lions, vs. Bears (FD $5,100/DK $4,900)
A rookie RB, learning an NFL offense, having battled a training camp injury, without a real offseason … Are you sensing a theme?