Two casinos in the Inland Empire are hiring for hundreds of positions in the months ahead.

In Highland, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians is looking to fill 500 jobs at San Manuel Casino as part of a $550 million expansion that will add more than 2,000 full-time employees this year.

Some 35 miles away in Cabazon, the Morongo Casino Resort & Spa is hiring dozens of workers to man food and beverage operations.

Casinos, many of which are open, have adopted new technology in the COVID-19 pandemic with additions made to protect employees and clientele. Thermal cameras can scan patrons temperatures or run facial recognition to identify customers or employees. Antiviral coatings can be applied to touchscreens to minimize contact with biohazards.

The San Manuel Casino will hold a virtual hiring fair from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Feb 18 where job seekers can visit with hiring managers, book on-the-spot interviews and browse a collection of videos to learn more about the casino.

Those interested in attending the online job fair should go to careerexpo.sanmanuel.com to be assigned an interview time based on availability.

Phase one of the resorts upgrades will feature an expanded gaming space, a 24-hour restaurant and a high-end dining venue, as well as new retail shops. The second phase will include 429 luxury rooms and suites, premium dining venues, an elevated pool and spa, new retail spaces and an event venue.

San Manuel broke ground on its expansion more than two years ago and has already completed some elements of the project, including multiple new high-limit rooms, an expanded gift shop and a six-story parking structure.

A variety of openings are available in cage operations, human resources, information technology, slots, security and table games, among other areas.

Unlike many other casinos, San Manuel offers dealers a table-for-table tip structure that allows them to keep the tips they earn on that table.

The casino reopened in June after being closed for months during the early days of the coronavirus pandemic.

The venue has implemented a number of safeguards aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19. Masks must be worn by all workers and guests. Other measures include social distancing, frequent hand washing, proper ventilation, routine sanitizing of hard surfaces and health and safety communication with guests and employees.

The casino generates more than $1 billion in annual revenue for California.

The Morongo Casino Resort & Spa will hold a job fair from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11 in the Morongo Grand Ballroom at 49020 Seminole Drive in Cabazon.

Available positions include assistant servers, bakers, beverage porters, cashiers, cooks, dishwashers, food runners, hosts, liquor control clerks, pastry cooks and food and beverage supervisors.

Job applicants are asked to complete an online application at morongocasinoresort.com/employment.before attending the event.

Benefits include medical, dental and vision insurance for full-time employees and dependents, and life insurance options for full and part-time team workers. Additional benefits include a 401(k) plan, vacation tie, jury duty pay, paid meal breaks and free meals.

Employees are also entitled to discounts at Morongo restaurants and various enterprises, including Sage Spa, Canyon Lanes Bowling and the Morongo Golf Club at Tukwet Canyon.

The casino, owned by the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, reopened in May after being closed because of COVID-19 mandates. Guests must wear a face covering to enter and keep it on while in the casino.

Health screenings will be conducted upon entry and those with a temperature of 100.4F or above will not be allowed to enter.

As one of the largest employers in Riverside County, Morongo provides thousands of local jobs and generates nearly $3 billion in annual economic activity.

Read more:
San Manuel, Morongo casinos to fill hundreds of positions at upcoming hiring fairs - The Whittier Daily News

With three weeks left in Black History Month, there is still plenty of dedicated programming to be found on television and the streaming services that spotlight Black stories and highlight issues of particular relevance to the community.

ABC Owned Television Stations

The eight stations (in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Houston, Raleigh-Durham and Fresno) will each air local premium content for Black History Month.

ABC7/WABC-NY New York, No. 1 in the nation for 17 straight years, has a near-daily slate of programming on such subjects including medical mistrust (Feb. 9), Black pandemic frontline workers (Feb. 11), a gospel salute (Feb. 14), next-gen activists (Feb. 18) and women (Feb. 28). The channels Here and Now, the longest-running African American public affairs show, is also featuring virtual Black History Month events from the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.

Meanwhile, ABC7/KABC-TV Los Angeles is doing profiles on the African American Board Leadership Institute, the L.A. chapter of Tuskegee Airmen, the California African American Museum and Paul Revere Williams, the first licensed Black architect in California.

And the television groups lifestyle network Localish will premiere hyperlocal stories touting Black culture, such as a spotlight on L.A.s oldest Black-owned businesses, in addition to reposting and promoting long-form and short-form content across its platforms.

Amazon

Regina Kings One Night in Miami, Steve McQueens film anthology series Small Axe, Stacey Abrams documentary All In: The Fight for Democracy and period romance Sylvies Love are all streaming now alongside Amazon originals from previous years including the second season of Homecoming (starring Janelle Monae) and the Donald Glover/Rihanna trip Guava Island.

Amazons free streaming service, IMDb TV, is also making available originals such as Top Class: The Life and Times of the Sierra Canyon Trailblazers, which follows the team stocked with some of the nations most elite high school basketball players (among them Bronny James, Shy Odom and Zaire Wade).

ESPN

Back in January on MLK Day, the Worldwide Leader in Sports launched the Black History Always initiative to declare its commitment to Black stories beyond one month a year. Powered by the companys The Undefeated, which explores the intersections of sports, race and culture, highlights of the initiative across ABC and ESPNs platforms include:

The Undefeated Presents: A Room of our Own: ESPN will air the hourlong special, about the relationship Black athletes have to music, on Feb. 28, followed by a repeat airing on ABC on March 7. An EP featuring some of the sounds from the special, Music For the Movement/Black History Always, will be released Feb. 26 on Hollywood Records.

First Take: Every Wednesday in February, the morning debate show will showcase a different HBCU each week, with students lobbing hot take subjects at panelists Stephen A. Smith and Max Kellerman. Smiths own alma mater, Winston-State, was first on the hot seat Feb. 3, and it will be followed by Howard (Feb. 10), Morehouse (Feb. 17) and Jackson State (Feb. 24).

SC Featured: On Feb. 28, SportsCenters longform storytelling brand will air Black Diamond, a segment about the 1973 formation of the National Brotherhood of Skiers, whose goal is to place a member on the U.S. Olympic team. Michigan teenager Flyin Brian Rice is their most promising prospect yet.

Fox

Fox has curated a week-by-week playlist of content to binge on its free streaming service, Tubi. Highlights include documentaries such as I Am Not Your Negro and Believe: The Barack Obama Story and movies from Spike Lees Get On the Bus to Tyler Perrys Daddys Little Girls.

HBO Max

The streaming service has launched a Black History is Our History spotlight page showcasing a range of content across genres and for all ages from HBOs library. Highlights (as categorized by HBO Max) include:

Our Past (docs, biopics and original films): 4 Little Girls, Amistad, Being Serena, Bessie, Between the World and Me, Black Art: The Absence of Light, Harriet, Just Mercy, Ray, Red Tails, Roots, Say Her Name: The Life and Death of Sandra Bland, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, True Justice: Bryan Stevensons Fight for Equality

Our Joy (classic comedy series, films and stand-up specials): A Black Lady Sketch Show, Chris Rock: Bigger and Blacker, Dave Chappelle: Killing Them Softly, Insecure, Key & Peele, Lil Rel Howery: Live in Crenshaw, Love and Basketball, Love Jones, Purple Rain, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (and its reunion), The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, The Photograph, Yvonne Orji: Momma, I Made It!

Our Future (groundbreaking series and films): 2 Dope Queens, Above the Rim, Beasts of the Southern Wild, David Makes Man, Euphoria, Flight, He Got Game, Industry, I May Destroy You, Lovecraft Country, Native Son, New Jack City, Queen and Slim, Random Acts of Flyness, The Color Purple, The Last King of Scotland, The Little Things, True Detective, Watchmen

Our Imagination (animation): Black Dynamite, gen:LOCK, Laser Wolf, Static Shock, Steven Universe, Teen Titans, The Boondocks, Todd McFarlanes Spawn, Vixen, Young Justice

NBCUniversal

The entertainment networks have selected History Made. History in the Making. as its theme for this years Black History Month, creating a collection of original content, on-air spots, vignettes, interstitials and bumpers. Highlights include:

NBC: Each week, the network will air a new installment from its Candid Conversations about Representation series featuring interviews with its stable of talent, including Sterling K. Brown and Susan Kelechi Watson (This is Us), Dwayne Johnson (Young Rock), Chris Redd (Saturday Night Live), Akbar Gbajabiamila (American Ninja Warrior), Miranda Rae Mayo (Chicago Fire) and Jocko Sims (New Amsterdam).

Syfy: In partnership with content creation platform Tongal, the cable network has tapped six Black animators and filmmakersBrannick Green, Jeremy Protails Kowsloleea, Sky Shields, Eric Stine, Leonardo Viotti/2P and Adante Wattsto create video shorts that will air on Syfy and be promoted on its website and social media accounts throughout the month.

In addition, the news groups plans include the Changemakers series, which includes town halls, feature stories, digital profiles and interviews across multiple programs all month:

Today: Led by Craig Melvin, Al Roker and Sheinelle Jones, the morning show will take deep dives on such topics as 2020 (Feb. 11), faith (Feb. 15) and the Detroit Underground Railroad (Feb. 22)

Nightly News: The Lester Holt-anchored program will interview such icons as athlete-activists John Carlos and Nneka Ogwumike, ballerinas Misty Copeland and Erica Lall and astronaut Dr. Mae Jemison (and aspiring scientist Taylor Denise Richardson).

CNBC: The financial news network is borrowing its entertainment sisters theme to air reports on the racial wealth gap, with anchor Shepard Smith exploring Black-owned businesses, race and policing and diversity in healthcare. In addition, popular reality franchises The Profit, Shark Tank and Undercover Boss will air marathons featuring Black business owners and entrepreneurs all month.

Peacock: The streamer is also getting into the action with segments about people and issues relevant to the Black community on its news programs such as The Choice, Zerlina. and The Mehdi Hasan Show, along with Black Changemakers docs and highlights in the daily Trending section.

Samsung TV Plus

The ad-supported Smart TV video service offers more than 160 free channels, many of which are celebrating Black History Month:

Maverick Black Cinema has more than 900 features from Black filmmakers across a variety of genres, including action, thriller, comedy, inspiration, romance and horror.

Vevo will air 72-hour music video marathons spotlighting iconic artists.

Whistle TV is offering two documentaries about two iconic athletes: Muhammad Ali: Fighting Spirit and Tiger Woods: Back.

Revry will air the documentary short I Cant Breathe, about the Los Angeles protests following George Floyds murder.

PlayersTV will air the documentary feature Olympic Pride, American Prejudice, about the 17 forgotten Black U.S. Olympians who competed alongside Jesse Owens in the 1936 Berlin Games.

Cheddar will produce a special edition of All Hands called Race Toward Inclusion, spotlighting the highs and lows of race and business.

IGN will host a charity livestream on Feb. 19 featuring gaming and conversation on the history and progress in the video game industry.

MovieSphere is a classic movie channel that this month will feature Madeas Tough Love.

Spectrum

Throughout the month, the cable provider is rolling out special On Demand categories, including Black Musicians (Dreamgirls, Hustle & Flow, Mo Better Blues), Black Heroes (MLK/FBI, Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am, 12 Years a Slave), Social Cinema (Fruitvale Station, A Raisin in the Sun, Lee Daniels The Butler) and Black Comedians (specials and movies from Eddie Murphy, Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart and Tiffany Haddish).

theGrio

Byron Allens digital news communitys Black History Amplified content includes the relaunch of podcasts Dear Culture and Whats In It For Us? with Black History Month-themed episodes, as well as video series Heres the Deal with April Ryan (featuring the political analyst and White House correspondent) and How Hollywood Highlights Our History, which reports on Black creators and the impact of media narratives on the Black community.

Xfinity

The Comcast-owned channel has launched Black Experience on Xfinity, a content destination curated by the African American Film Critics Association available to all Xfinity customers at no additional cost. In addition to films and TV series that have been recognized by the AAFCA, Black Experience will also combine programming from across Xfinitys roster of networks, streaming video and music providers including TVOne, Cleo, AspireTV, REVOLT, Afro, KweliTV, The Africa Channel, BET, Bet Her, Impact, Up Faith & Family and OWN. Classic movies that are part of the collection include Pursuit of Happyness, Jumping the Broom, Poetic Justice, Two Can Play That Game, Death at a Funeral and Guess Who. Whats more, the Black Experience will continue to receive additions from new Black content creators even after Black History Month draws to a close.

YouTube

On Feb. 26, YouTube Originals will premiere the special Black Renaissance, a showcase of Black artists, creators and storytellers across dance, music, fashion, photography, literature and more, featuring Barack and Michelle Obama, Jason Reynolds, Killer Mike, Desus and Mero, Jemele Hill, Shantell Martin and Tobe Nwigwe. Created in partnership with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, the Howard University Graduate Film Program and NAL Media, the special will feature vignettes by young Howard film grads Raafi Rivero and Naomi Merlan. Black Renaissance is the latest special from the #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund, which also presented last falls HBCU Homecoming 2020: Meet Me on the Yard.

See the original post:
Black History Month Programming Available on TV and Streaming - Hollywood Reporter

Ready for the sequel? Call it Impeachment, Part II.

Today, the Senate will begin the impeachment trial of a U.S. president. Or, in this case, a former president.

Most Americans know the gist of what is happening today. The Senate will hold a trial to determine whether Donald Trump should be convicted of stirring up the mob that stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6.

But what about the details?

If youre looking for exactly all that happened and what will happen next, heres a must-see read: its The New York Times Weiyi Cai with A Step-by-Step Guide to the Second Impeachment of Donald J. Trump. This is the kind of explanatory journalism that serves its readers by making them smarter and more informed. And isnt that a big part of what journalism is supposed to do?

Here are some other pieces to get you ready for today:

Washington Post opinion columnist Colbert I. King with The Only Question Facing Senators in Trumps Impeachment Trial.

New York Times opinion columnists Gail Collins and Bret Stephens with What if They Held an Impeachment Trial and Nobody Came?

The Atlantics David Frum with Impeachment Is WorkingJust Not as the Framers Expected.

In a video, Bloomberg talks with pollster Frank Luntz, who says, Trump Impeachment Trial Will Further Divide the Country.

The Washington Posts Karen Heller with Bruce Castor is a Magnet for Controversy. Naturally, Hes Trumps Impeachment Attorney.

And, if youre interested in getting into the details from the Trump side, you can read, from NPR, Trumps impeachment brief.

Oh, one last one. This trial likely wont last very long. We probably know how this is all going to turn out thanks to The Washington Posts Ashlyn Still and JM Rieger with Senate Impeachment Whip Count: Where Democrats and Republicans Stand.

All the major networks and, of course, the cable news networks, are scheduled to carry at least portions of the trial.

Mediaites Colby Hall reports Fox News will have a quarterly address to employees on Wednesday. This often is the time of year when such meetings are often held among news organizations. The New York Times, for example, recently had a quarterly financial update.

Hall reports that Fox News CEO Suzanne Scott told staff in a memo, We will be updating everyone on various initiatives and sharing the good news taking place across our platforms.

There also is plenty of other news to discuss and not all of it is good. Fox News Media was just hit with a $2.7 billion defamation lawsuit by Smartmatic, the election technology company. One of the names included in the suit was Lou Dobbs, whose show on Fox Business was abruptly canceled last week. (Fox released a statement Monday evening saying it has filed a motion to have the lawsuit dismissed. In the statement, Fox said, If the First Amendment means anything, it means that Fox cannot be held liable for fairly reporting and commenting on competing allegations in a hotly contested and actively litigated election. We are proud of our election coverage which stands in the highest tradition of American journalism.)

The meeting also comes at a time when Fox News is moving forward in a post-Trump world. In January, Fox News ratings slipped behind CNN and MSNBC, while two right-wing, very pro-Trump networks Newsmax and One America News are starting to gain a bit of traction.

Larry Kudlow (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

With Lou Dobbs out, Fox Business has an opening. That opening just got filled. Fox Business announced Monday that former National Economic Council director and Fox News contributor Larry Kudlow is getting a show. It will start a week from today and will air weekdays at 4 p.m. Eastern with an encore at 7 p.m. Eastern. Thats when the Dobbs show used to rerun. Fox Business says Kudlows show will feature closing market analysis as well as interviews with major industry leaders influencing Wall Street, Washington and business in America.

Now, technically, the show that Dobbs used to host Fox Business Tonight is staying on the air. It will continue in the 5 p.m. Eastern hour and, Fox says, will have rotating co-hosts for the foreseeable future.

Tampa Bay Bucs quarterback Tom Brady after winning the Super Bowl on Sunday. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Tom Brady is still a very big deal in New England even though he is no longer with the Patriots. And heres more proof.

According to Sports Business Journals John Ourand, ratings for Sundays Super Bowl show the Boston area drew higher ratings than Tampa Bay. Thats saying something considering Bradys new team, the Tampa Bay Bucs, beat the Kansas City Chiefs for Bradys seventh Super Bowl title. His six previous championships were won with the Patriots.

Kansas City led all markets with a 59.9 rating. That means 59.9% of TVs in that market were tuned into the game. Boston was actually second in the nation with a 57.6 rating, followed by Tampa Bay with a 52.3 rating.

Brady has been good for the media business. Last week, Poynters Amaris Castillo did a terrific story about how the Tampa Bay Times website tampabay.com has benefited from Bradys move to the Bucs. According to numbers shared with Castillo, the Times website had 910,248 Massachusetts visitors from March 1, 2019, to March 1, 2020. Thats the year before Brady arrived in Tampa Bay.

In the year since Bradys arrival, there have been 2,502,087 visitors from Massachusetts, making it the fifth-highest state with visitors to the website, after Florida, California, New York and Texas. The Times reports a lot of that traffic comes from two cities in Massachusetts: Boston and Lowell.

As the sporting world was watching Brady put the finishing touches on another Super Bowl masterpiece, horrific news rocked the sports media world. ESPN announced Sunday night that baseball reporter Pedro Gomez had died suddenly at home. No cause of death has been made public. He was 58.

In a statement, ESPN and Sports Content Chairman Jimmy Pitaro said, We are shocked and saddened to learn that our friend and colleague Pedro Gomez has passed away. Pedro was an elite journalist at the highest level and his professional accomplishments are universally recognized. More importantly, Pedro was a kind, dear friend to us all. Our hearts are with Pedros family and all who love him at this extraordinarily difficult time.

Tributes immediately poured in from the sports media world. While many spoke of Gomezs excellent reporting skills, many more talked about what a wonderful person Gomez was.

Former ESPN journalist Jemele Hill tweeted, Pedro Gomez was one of the nicest and warmest people I ever encountered during my time at ESPN. This is just brutal. My heart goes out to his friends, family and loved ones.

ESPNs Jeremy Schaap tweeted, Devastating news about Pedro Gomez. Such a lovely, kindhearted, talented human being. So proud of his family.

Former ESPN anchor Bob Ley tweeted, More than an elite journalist, Pedro Gomez was a good and decent man, so proud of his family, and his heritage. His loss is a hammer blow to all who knew this life force. Send one up tonight for his family and friends.

Before joining ESPN in 2003, Gomez was a sports columnist and national baseball writer at The Arizona Republic. He also covered baseball at The Sacramento Bee, The (San Jose) Mercury News and Miami Herald. He covered 25 World Series and 22 Major League Baseball All-Star Games.

A son of Cuban immigrants, Gomez grew up in South Florida and studied journalism at the University of Miami.

Gomez is survived by his wife, Sandra; sons, Rio and Dante; and daughter, Sierra. In a statement, Gomezs family said, Pedro was far more than a media personality. He was a dad, loving husband, loyal friend, coach and mentor. He was our everything and his kids biggest believer.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki during Mondays White House press briefing. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

New White House press secretary Jen Psaki had her first viral dustup with a reporter on Monday. It wasnt that big of a deal and it didnt get nasty, but she certainly showed she comes prepared. The exchange was with Fox News Peter Doocy, who tried to make a point that President Joe Biden was not keeping his promise on creating green energy jobs.

Doocy asked Psaki, When is it that the Biden administration is going to let the thousands of fossil fuel industry workers whether its pipeline workers or construction workers who are either out of work or will soon be out of work because of a Biden (executive order) when it is and where it is that they can go for their green job?

Psaki shot back, I would certainly welcome you to present your data of all the thousands and thousands of people who wont be getting a green job. Maybe next time youre here, you can present that.

Doocy tried to follow up by quoting AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, but Psaki quickly called out Doocy for not including the entirety of Trumkas interview. Psaki said, Would you like to include the rest?

Psaki then went on to point out the rest of Trumkas quote, as well as Bidens plans.

By the way, that Psaki-Doocy exchange? I found this amusing and a prime example of how some people watch the exact same clip and view it entirely differently based on their politics.

Sawyer Hackett, senior adviser to former Obama cabinet member Julian Castro, tweeted out the exchange and said, Man, @PressSec came with the damn receipts for Doocys bad faith question.

Meanwhile, Curtis Houck is from NewsBusters, whose mission is exposing and combating liberal media bias. His tweet said, Fox Newss Peter Doocy is back and hes brought the receipts on energy to Jen Psaki.

Sounds like a lot of receipts.

Talk about journalism making a difference. Check out this wild story. A woman in Columbus, Wisconsin, has been charged in federal court for trying to hire someone on the dark web to kill a man. Turns out, authorities were tipped off by the intended victim and journalists.

Chris Rickert from Wisconsin State Journal has the story and wrote, Police were called to a home in Sun Prairie on Jan. 12 and spoke with the intended victim and a local journalist who were meeting by video-conference with two other journalists. One of the latter journalists told police that while investigating a murder-for-hire site on the dark web, they uncovered information showing someone wanted to kill the man.

According to Rickert, the intended victim turned over to authorities what journalists had told him. The journalists also met with the FBI to show what they had found.

The Atlantic announced a couple of big hires on Monday. Tim Alberta, who was the chief political correspondent at Politico, and Jennifer Senior, who was a columnist at The New York Times, will soon join The Atlantic.

Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, said in a statement, We are trying and succeeding, I think to make The Atlantic the premier home in America for brilliant magazine writing, and Tim and Jen represent crucial additions to our roster of outstanding talent.

Alberta tweeted, Exciting news: Im joining @TheAtlantic. Ive been eager for the opportunity to look beyond politics and tell stories about culture, religion, crimeeven sports!and this is the perfect fit.

He added, Its been a wonderful ride @politico with so many great friends and talented colleagues. (More on them later.) For now, Ive got one final POLITICO story coming this Friday and can promise you wont want to miss it.

Here are more media moves from the past few days:

Have feedback or a tip? Email Poynter senior media writer Tom Jones at tjones@poynter.org.

The Poynter Report is our daily media newsletter. To have it delivered to your inbox Monday-Friday, sign up here.

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Here we go: the impeachment trial of Donald Trump - Poynter

The shortest month of the year will once again be packing a punch when it comes to new releases as well take you through below. Heres an updating preview of everything coming to Netflix in the United States throughout February 2021.

If youre in the UK, youll want to refer to the UK specific monthly preview for February 2021 and if youre just looking for the Netflix Originals, you can check those out here.

As per our big previews, we typically learn of the Netflix Originals coming in the next month throughout the previous month as and when theyre announced. We also learn of more titles via various locations which well be updating as and when we learn of them. Netflix themselves then put out a bigger list which is expected between January 18th and the 22nd.

Note: this was first published on January 10th, 2021 and is updated every other day (assuming new releases are announced).

What are you looking forward to watching on Netflix in February? Let us know in the comments down below.

Read the rest here:
Whats Coming to Netflix in February 2021 - What's on Netflix

The year is now 2021, in hindsight is so 20/20, but today we take a look at the potentially championship-caliber team the As could have put together still on a relatively modest payroll.

I dont think As fans are frustrated because Oakland didnt land Trevor Bauer. We know that the team operates on a modest payroll, that revenues are way down, and that the beauty of this organization is its ability to seek out and identify value without paying top dollar.

But this off-season, where are the deals for a hidden star like Ramon Laureano, the moderate commitments to sneaky good relievers like Yusmeiro Petit (which my speech-to-text program mistakes for use metal petite), and so on? So much absolutely nothing this off-season so far, with a middle infield and bullpen that needs some serious additions.

And then perhaps most aggravating is to see some players signing deals the As absolutely could have matched, if only they were willing to have a modest payroll, instead of the shoestring remnant of one, despite coming three straight 97 win seasons (prorating may apply) and being in the middle of a strong contention window.

As an example, the As could have bolstered their current $72M payroll with a handful of key affordable free agent additions whose price tags are now known, and called it a successful off-season.

Imagine that Oakland had committed $10.5M to Andrelton Simmons for one year, and $9M to Kolten Wong for 2-3 years, after adding non-tendered relievers Keynan Middleton, Matt Wisler, and AJ Cole, for a total of $3M.

Granted, Wong and Simmons are not heavy hitters but their presence in between the two Matts would have given the As one of the best defensive infields in, quite literally, history, while adding a couple strong contact hitters to a lineup with plenty of power, and too much swing-and-miss, in it.

Middleton, Wisler, and Cole represented opportunities to add appreciable bullpen talent at barely league minimum prices. These are the kinds of deals Oakland is supposed jump at. And while nothing is certain in the world of relievers, that trio, joining Jake Diekman, J.B. Wendelken, Lou Trivino, Nik Turley, plus depth of Jordon Weems, Burch Smith, Daulton Jefferies, and James Kaprelian, suddenly offers the strong chance to find a core of 8 solid relievers with enough depth to navigate a full season.

Just those moves would have greatly solidified the team for 2021, and solved second base for at least 2022, without hamstringing the organization on any long or unduly expensive contracts. And it would have brought payroll to all of about $93M, still comfortably under $100M but with many strengths, no holes, and a realistic path deep into the postseason.

Now the quickest rebuttal to this kind of analysis is that Oakland simply does not have $93M to work with for 2021, period, end of story. And that becomes less of a financial question than a philosophical one around how much of a 1-year loss is a strong long term investment.

And its not as if Simmons, Wong, Middleton, Wisler, or Cole represent star power. But they have ample talent, at positions of need for the As, and their asking prices were utterly reasonable both for AAV and length. There were also other cheaper options, including the trade market, thus far still unexplored by the usually creative Oakland front office.

Kozma to Kemp for one, relay to 1B on a couple of hops... Sigh.

Continue reading here:
Hindsight Is 2021 - Athletics Nation

(Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)

The Western Athletic Conference on Thursday announced the addition of four teams formerly of the Southland Conference, plus the addition of one Big Sky team.

Abilene Christian, Lamar, Sam Houston State and Stephen F. Austin will join the WAC for the 2021-22 academic year, while Southern Utah out of the Big Sky will follow them to the conference in 2022-23.

While that changes the 13-team leagues football landscape, the Grand Canyon Antelopes who do not have a football team said the additions boost the WACs basketball prospects.

Particularly in basketball, GCU has had the makings of a top-20 program because of its incredible facilities, a game atmosphere that is second to none, a Power Five coaching staff, a competitive mid-major budget and a location as a destination city, GCU President Brian Mueller said in a school release. The last step was participation in a strong athletic conference and this expansion accomplishes that. This is a giant leap forward in our Division I journey.

This is one of the biggest mid-major expansions in NCAA realignment history and puts the WAC in a very strong position moving forward.

More:
GCU believes basketball gets boost from WAC additions - Arizona Sports

Beth Treffeisen|Cape Cod Times

PRINT DECKHED:Historical Commission wants new construction for senior housing to fit in with the character of the existing building

SANDWICH A portion of the Henry T. Wing School is set for demolition after receiving approval from the Sandwich Historical Commission, but plans to build senior housing on the property and rehabilitate the remaining portion of the school are on hold.

We are excited about it, Maria Nye, chair of the historical commission, said at the commission's meeting Wednesday. We are not going to vote...because we need some changes to come through.

The commission unanimously voted Wednesday to allow for partial demolition of the school while keeping the 1927 portion of the building intact.

The demolition will include three additions located behind that school that were added in 1958, 1963 and 1974, according to Maureen Cavanaugh, senior planner at Public Archaeology Laboratory, who spoke on behalf of the project applicant, Stratford Capital Group.

However, Stratford Capital Group will have to return for the second part of its application to rehabilitate the 1927 potion of the school and construct new senior affordable housing units at 33 Water St.

The Henry T. Wing Residences would include 128-units on the Water Street site mainly for low- and moderate-income residents aged 62 or older. The project would retain the facade of the 1927 school building and demolish the remaining structures to create the housing.

The historic school building is made up of red brick, while the new buildings are designed to be a cooler, blue color. Board members felt the new construction contrasted too much with the historic structure and asked the design team to return Jan. 27 with updated plans.

I find the juxtaposition between the old and the new to be jarring, board member Michael Sullivan said.

Nye agreed. Separately they are stunning but together they dont go well together.

The board recommends the design team go with more earth tone colors and possibly consider a brick veneer on the sides that align with the front of the school.

Instead of differentiating the old and new buildings, Nye suggested the design team make it more cohesive.

We would want it to have it look and feel historic, Nye said.

At town meeting in June, there was overwhelming support to transfer the school property to a developer to convert it into age-restricted housing.

Stratford Capital Group is working with the nonprofit organization CHOICE Choice Housing Opportunities for Intergenerational & Community Endeavors on the project.

Construction would take place in three phases. The first phase, from Oct. 2022 until Oct. 2023, will consist of constructing 43 units, with 10 inside the 1927 portion of the building. This phase will include construction of a senior service center, and the community will still have access to the schools existing auditorium.

The second phase, from July 2023 to July 2024, calls for building 41 units within a new three-story building. The third year-long phase will begin immediately afterward and consist of constructing another three-story building with 44 units.

Nye reiterated the commission's desire to see the new buildings, which are currently designed in a Cape Cod-style, designed to look and feel similar to the historic school.

We want to give them the flexibility to come up with acolor that complements, said Nye. You have really nice taste and we want to see what you come up with.

Contact Beth Treffeisen at btreffeisen@capecodonline.com. Follow her on Twitter @BTreffeisenCCT.

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Partial demolition of historic Sandwich school approved - Cape Cod Times

Second-year forward expected to center a line that includes Boone Jenner. Koivu still 'unfit' and didn't travel to Nashville.

The 2021 season will begin Thursday without the Blue Jackets having a key piece of their offseason additions.

Mikko Koivu missed practice Wednesday, his second in a row, and did not make the trip to Nashville with the team while being termed unfitto participate. The37-year-old forward started training camp as the Jackets center on the third line, a role that Boone Jenner handled much of the past two seasons.

Adding Koivu wasgeneral manager JarmoKekalainensideato let Jenner go back tomore of aforecheckingrole at left wing and that wont change despite the veteran pivots absence.The center role for the third line is expected to be handled by Alexandre Texier, whos going into his second season.

I still want to take a look at Tex in the middle,coach John Tortorella said. Ive got him and (Jenner)together. Itll be interesting in how much pressure they can put on a (defense), as far as how hard they work.

Coinciding with that decision, Tortorella is sticking with Mikhail Grigorenko to fill Texiers previousspot at left wing on the top line.The Russian forward, a former first-round pick of the BuffaloSabres, has begun to look more comfortable in that role,paired with center Pierre-Luc Dubois and OliverBjorkstrand.

I thought they had agood scrimmage (Sunday) night, Tortorella said. I thought there was some chemistry right away. Its nice to have a Grigorenko, who can play all three forward positions. I think his camp has gotten better as wevegone along. The biggest key is intensity all the time in a 60-minute hockey game. Im anxious to see him play.

Grigorenko, 26, made his NHL debut with Buffalo and also played with the Colorado Avalanche before heading back to theKontinentalHockey League for the past three years. After excelling there, hes looking to revive his NHL career.

As usual, Tortorella did not reveal whether goalie JoonasKorpisaloor Elvis Merzlikins would start the opener Thursday in Nashville.

He said he informedtheone whowill start, butis not planning tousean extensive road mapfor which games each will playin a crammed56-game schedule.

I told thestarting goalie today whos going (Thursday) and thats as far as Ill ever go, Tortorella said. I mean, we just dont go too far out. But (Im going to be asked) about No. 1 ... and theres really not going to be a No. 1. Theres going to be a tandem here, because I think we have two really good ones and we are going to need them.

The Blue Jackets made their final cutsWednesday,announcingboth their NHL roster and taxi squad.

The NHL rosterhas13 forwards, eight defensemen andthetwo goalies, while the taxi squadconsists of six players:forwardsNathan Gerbe,RyanMacInnisand Stefan Matteau, goalieMatissKivlenieksand defensemen Adam Clendening and Andrew Peeke.

The Blue Jackets also assigned defensemen GavinBayruetherand Jake Christiansen,goalie Cam Johnson andforwards Zac Dalpe, Trey Fix-Wolansky, Cliff Pu and Kole Sherwood to the Cleveland Monsters.

bhedger@dispatch.com

@BrianHedger

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Alexandre Texier to play center for Blue Jackets with Mikko Koivu out - The Columbus Dispatch

The cast of the Dexter revival is starting to take shape. In addition to our original favorites such as Michael C. Hall, the show will also bring on several newcomers. The revival is being marketed as the final chapter of Dexter Morgans story and, from the looks of it, it seems like its going to go out with a bang. Learn more about the revival series and its cast, here.

After nearly seven years and eight seasons, Dexter ended in 2013 with what has been called one of the most disappointing finales ever.

Full of grief and despair for the pain hes caused his loved ones, Dexter drove his boat out to sea as a hurricane approached Miami, seemingly to kill himself. But as it turned out, he was just faking his death amid heat from law enforcement.

In the final moments of the show, it was revealed that Dexter went into self-imposed exile in Oregon, where he started over as a lumberjack.

RELATED: Dexter: The Alternate Ending Makes So Much More Sense to Viewers

While the finale was widely panned by fans, producers defended it. Executive producer Sara Colleton told Entertainment Weekly that it only made sense for Dexter to isolate himself given his past longing for real human connection.

His punishment is banishment. He sends himself into exile. Killing himself is too easy. When he turns and looks into the camera at the end hes stripped everything away, Colleton said.

It seemed like the ending that was most justified, added showrunner Scott Buck.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Showtimes longline for the show says, Set 10 years after Dexter Morgan went missing in the eye of Hurricane Laura, the revival sees the character now living under an assumed name in a world away from Miami.

Showrunner Clyde Phillips said on The Hollywood ReportersTVs Top 5 podcast that the revival will make up for the finale. But he again noted it wont be erasing anything that previously happened.

Ten years, or however many years, have passed by the time this will air, and the show will reflect that time passage. So far as the ending of the show, this will have no resemblance to how the original finale was. Its a great opportunity to write a second finale.

The 10-episode series is expected to air later in 2021, should coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions allow it.

RELATED: Dexter Revival: Release Date, Plot Details, and Everything Else We Know

Earlier in January, TV Line reported that The Crown actor Clancy Brown will star in the revival as Kurt Caldwell, the de facto mayor of a small town in New York who realized the American dream by going from driving big rigs, just like his father did, to now owning several trucks and the local truck stop. Powerful, generous, loved by everyone hes a true man of the people. If hes got your back, consider yourself blessed. But should you cross Kurt, or hurt anyone that he cares for, God help you.

Julia Jones of The Mandalorian will play Angela Bishop, the first Native American Chief of Police in her town in upstate New York, according to a statement from Showtime. Bishop is also the mother of a brash and opinionated teenage daughter named Audrey, who will be played by Believe actor Johnny Sequoyah.

Sylvies Love actor Alano Miller, meanwhile, will play police sergeant and high school assistant wrestling coach Logan.

Then theres Jack Alcott from THE GOOD LORD BIRD as Randall,with whom Dexter (Michael C. Hall) has a meaningful encounter.

Just like before, it sounds like there will be a lot more crime and pressure from law enforcement in the revival. But well have to wait and see what exactly happens. In the meantime, check out more of our TV coverage below.

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'Dexter': New Cast Additions Offer Insight Into the Plot of the Revival Series - Showbiz Cheat Sheet

Even in a 2020 college football season that featured more starts and stops than Los Angeles traffic, there were a handful of near certainties, such as Alabama, Clemson and Ohio State reaching the College Football Playoff.

Even a pandemic couldn't balance power in the most top-heavy sport.

Will we finally see those heavyweights fall back in 2021? Clemson star quarterback Trevor Lawrence has already declared for the NFL draft. Will Alabama's Mac Jones and Ohio State's Justin Fields be next? Will it be enough for programs such as Georgia, North Carolina and Texas A&M to close the gap on teams that have dominated their conferences for much of the past decade?

We'll have to wait about eight months to find out.

For now, here's the first edition of the 2021 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings, featuring projected returning starters, starters who might leave, key additions and outlooks for each team.

( * Denotes players who have already announced they're leaving for the NFL draft, transferring or not returning to their current programs for other reasons.)

2020 record: 10-2, 8-1 ACCProjected returning starters: five offense, 10 defense, one special teams

Projected losses: QB Trevor Lawrence*, RB Travis Etienne*, WR Amari Rodgers*, CB Derion Kendrick, LB Baylon Spector, FS Nolan Turner, OT Jackson Carman*

Key additions: LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr., RB Will Shipley, DT Payton Page, WR Beaux Collins

Outlook: The Tigers' shortcomings were exposed in the CFP for the second season in a row, as they were pushed around on defense and couldn't protect Lawrence. This time, at least, those problems might be blamed on their youth and inexperience. A potential No. 1 pick in the NFL draft, Lawrence, as well as Etienne, will be remembered as one of the best players in school history. Rodgers on the perimeter is another big loss.

The good news is Clemson has a more-than-capable quarterback in waiting: freshman D.J. Uiagalelei, who threw for 781 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions in the two games when Lawrence was sidelined because of COVID-19. Star wide receiver Justyn Ross might be back from a neck injury, along with Joseph Ngata. There isn't an obvious successor at tailback, so that will be a focus in the spring. Three starting offensive linemen are expected back.

The defense was pretty young in 2020 and should only get better; six of its 14 leading tacklers were sophomores, and freshmen Myles Murphy, Bryan Bresee and Trenton Simpson might have been the best players on that unit. Clemson has the clearest path to the CFP, especially with Notre Dame heading back out of the ACC. The Tigers open the season against Georgia in Charlotte, North Carolina, and the winner will be No. 1 in the polls after Week 1.

2020 record: 13-0Projected returning starters: four offense, nine defense, one special teams

Projected losses: QB Mac Jones, RB Najee Harris, WR DeVonta Smith, WR Jaylen Waddle, OT Alex Leatherwood, C Landon Dickerson, G Deonte Brown, LB Dylan Moses, CB Patrick Surtain II, TE Miller Forristall

Key additions: OT Tommy Brockermeyer, OT J.C. Latham, OLB Dallas Turner, DT Damon Payne, ATH Ga'Quincy McKinstry, RB Camar Wheaton, CB Khyree Jackson

Outlook: The Crimson Tide are more than likely going to lose a slew of players to the NFL draft, including potential first-rounders Jones, Smith, Waddle, Surtain and Harris. Perhaps no program has assembled as much talent as Alabama, however, and coach Nick Saban has capable replacements ready to go.

Still, Alabama is losing a lot of experience, as well as offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian, whom Texas hired as its new coach. More times than not, the Tide figure it out. Former Houston Texans coach Bill O'Brien might be Saban's top choice to replace Sarkisian. Bryce Young was the No. 1 dual-threat quarterback prospect in the 2020 ESPN 300 and is Jones' heir apparent. Running backs Brian Robinson Jr., Jase McClellan and oft-injured Trey Sanders will try to fill Harris' shoes. Replacing Smith and Waddle won't be easy; John Metchie III and Slade Bolden are next in line.

Moses was the only senior starting on defense, although a handful of juniors and redshirt sophomores might leave for the NFL draft. The Tide open the 2021 season against Miami and play SEC road games at Auburn, Florida, Mississippi State and Texas A&M.

2020 record: 9-2 (6-2 Big 12)Projected returning starters: six offense, eight defense, two special teams

Projected losses: OT Adrian Ealy*, OT Erik Swenson, C Creed Humphrey*, RB Rhamondre Stevenson*, DE Ronnie Perkins*, CB Tre Brown*, DB Tre Norwood*, WR Charleston Rambo

Key additions: RB Kennedy Brooks, WR Mario Williams Jr., OT Savion Byrd, QB Caleb Williams, WR Billy Bowman Jr., OLB Clayton Smith

Outlook: It has been two decades since the Sooners last won a national championship, and they'll have a chance to end that drought if things fall right in 2021. Quarterback Spencer Rattler improved throughout his first season starting and will be a leading Heisman Trophy contender next season. Five other starters are expected back on offense, although Stevenson's departure stings. OU expects to bring back Brooks, a 1,000-yard rusher in 2019 who opted out this past season. Wide receiver Charleston Rambo, who started the past two seasons, entered the transfer portal.

Defensively, the Sooners have made great strides under coordinator Alex Grinch. This past season, they ranked second in the Big 12 in scoring defense (21.7 points) and run defense (105.1 yards) and third in total defense (350.6). OU's nonconference schedule in 2021 is more than manageable with a road contest at Tulane and home games against Nebraska and FCS program Western Carolina.

2020 record: 8-2 (7-2 SEC)Projected returning starters: nine offense, five defense, two special teams

Projected losses: G Ben Cleveland*, LB Azeez Ojulari*, LB Monty Rice*, LB Jermaine Johnson*, CB Eric Stokes*, CB Tyson Campbell*, S Richard LeCounte*, DE Malik Herring*, C Trey Hill*

Key additions: CB Kelee Ringo, WR Dominick Blaylock, ATH Smael Mondon, OT Amarius Mims, ATH Xavian Sorey, QB Brock Vandagriff

Outlook: Georgia's offense made significant strides with USC transfer JT Daniels playing quarterback in the last four games, and he should be even better with a full offseason in coordinator Todd Monken's offense. He completed 67% of his passes for 1,231 yards with 10 touchdowns and two picks in his four-game audition. There will be plenty of playmakers coming back around him, including wide receivers George Pickens, Jermaine Burton, Arian Smith and Kearis Jackson, as well as tight end Darnell Washington.

The defense will have to replace some of its most productive linebackers, but Adam Anderson, Nolan Smith and Quay Walker are more than capable. The return of Jordan Davis and Devonte Wyatt up front helps tremendously. With Stokes, Campbell and DJ Daniel leaving, building cornerback depth will be a priority in the spring. Georgia has assembled a boatload of talent. Is it enough to get over the hump against Alabama?

2020 record: 7-1Projected returning starters: six offense, five defense, zero special teams

Projected losses: QB Justin Fields, WR Chris Olave, RB Trey Sermon, OT Thayer Munford, C Josh Myers, G Wyatt Davis, LB Pete Werner, LB Tuf Borland, CB Shaun Wade

Key additions: DE Jack Sawyer, RB TreVeyon Henderson, WR Emeka Egbuka, QB Kyle McCord, WR Jayden Ballard

Outlook: The Buckeyes have enjoyed a seamless transition from Urban Meyer to Ryan Day, who has guided them to back-to-back CFP appearances. The Buckeyes don't seem ready to slow down anytime soon. Fields is projected as a top-five pick in the NFL draft, so he's probably leaving after two seasons at OSU. Freshman Jack Miller III, who set the Arizona high school record with 115 career passing touchdowns, was Fields' backup this past season. C.J. Stroud was the No. 2 pocket passer in the 2020 ESPN 300, and incoming freshman McCord was the No. 4 pocket passer in 2021.

There are a handful of other offensive starters who are candidates to leave, including Olave and Sermon. Defensively, the Buckeyes might have big holes to fill on the defensive line and at cornerback and linebacker, depending on who comes back. The Buckeyes' nonconference schedule next season includes home games against Oregon and Tulsa, and they're scheduled to play Big Ten road games at Minnesota, Nebraska, Rutgers, Indiana and Michigan.

2020 record: 9-1 (8-1 SEC)Projected returning starters: six offense, six defense, two special teams

Projected losses: QB Kellen Mond*, OT Dan Moore Jr.*, C Ryan McCollum*, G Jared Hocker*, OT Carson Green, LB Buddy Johnson*, CB Myles Jones

Key additions: DE Shemar Turner, DE Tunmise Adeleye, WR Shadrach Banks, ATH Dreyden Norwood, G Bryce Foster, CB Elijah Blades, LB Ke'Shun Brown, WR Camron Buckley

Outlook: The Aggies finally got a sizable return on their $75 million investment in coach Jimbo Fisher, closing the season with eight straight victories (each of the last seven by 10 or more points), including a 41-27 win over North Carolina in the Capital One Orange Bowl.

Texas A&M might be destined for even bigger things in 2021 if it can replace some key pieces on offense. Mond and at least three starters from a very good offensive line are leaving. Freshmen Zach Calzada and Haynes King will battle for the QB job this spring.

Tailbacks Isaiah Spiller and Devon Achane, utility man Ainias Smith and tight end Jalen Wydermyer give the Aggies a nice core of returning players on offense. More playmakers are needed on the perimeter. The defense, under coordinator Mike Elko's direction, led the SEC in total defense (317.3 yards per game). Top tacklers Johnson and Hansford, as well as top pass-rusher Bobby Brown III, will have to be replaced.

2020 record: 8-4 (7-3 ACC)Projected returning starters: eight offense, 10 defense, two special teams

Projected losses: RB Michael Carter*, RB Javonte Williams*, WR Dazz Newsome*, WR Dyami Brown*, LB Chazz Surratt*

Key additions: DE Keeshawn Silver, QB Drake Maye, LB Raneiria Dillworth, LB Power Echols, WR Gavin Blackwell

Outlook: Mack Brown might only be getting started at UNC. Even with Carter, Williams, Newsome and Brown moving on, UNC should have a high-powered offense coming back in 2021. Quarterback Sam Howell will be a Heisman Trophy favorite, and all five starting offensive linemen are expected to return.

Young wide receivers Josh Downs and Khafre Brown played well against Texas A&M in the Orange Bowl, and injured receiver Beau Corrales should be back after a sports hernia limited him to four games in 2020. Six of UNC's defensive starters were freshmen or sophomores this past season, and the returns of top pass-rusher Tomon Fox and linebacker Tyrone Hopper are big boosts. The Tar Heels will play at Notre Dame this coming season.

2020 record: 9-3 (8-1 Big 12)Projected returning starters: 10 offense, eight defense, zero special teams

Projected losses: DE JaQuan Bailey*, FS Lawrence White IV*

Key additions: OT Tyler Maro, DT Howard Brown, OT Jim Bonifas, RB Deon Silas, S Ben Langston

Outlook: It's difficult to say what is more remarkable: Iowa State coach Matt Campbell leading his teams to 32 victories over the past four seasons -- the most in a four-year span in school history -- or the Cyclones hanging on to Campbell despite overtures from multiple high-profile programs and NFL teams. This past season, the Cyclones tied school records with nine wins total and three victories over ranked opponents, including a 34-17 victory over Oregon in the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl, their first New Year's Six bowl appearance.

With quarterback Brock Purdy (2,750 passing yards, 382 rushing yards and 24 total touchdowns) and tailback Breece Hall (1,572 rushing with 21 touchdowns) returning, the Cyclones might have two Heisman Trophy contenders in 2021. Five offensive line starters will return after senior left tackle Sean Foster opted to come back and star tight end Charlie Kolar did the same on Sunday. Bailey, the school's career sacks leader, has already announced he's entering the NFL draft. Eyioma Uwazurike and linebackers Jake Hummel and Mike Rose opted to come back.

2020 record: 5-1 Pac-12Projected returning starters: eight offense, eight defense, two special teams

Projected losses: OT Alijah Vera-Tucker*, SS Talanoa Hufanga*, WR Tyler Vaughns*, WR Amon-Ra St. Brown*, CB Olaijah Griffin*, DT Marlon Tuipulotu*

Key additions: DE Korey Foreman, DT Ishmael Sophsher, S Xavion Alford, QB Miller Moss, QB Jaxson Dart, ATH Kyron Ware-Hudson, ATH Julien Simon

2 Related

Outlook: The Trojans squandered their chance at winning a Pac-12 title and playing in a New Year's Six bowl by losing to Oregon 31-24 in the league championship game. USC won its first South Division title since 2017, but the loss to the Ducks soiled what might have been some good equity for embattled coach Clay Helton. He is only 18-13 over the past three seasons, so USC needs to continue to show progress in 2021.

The Trojans can start by improving their woefully inadequate running game, which ranked last in the league and 120th in the FBS, averaging 97.3 yards per game. Maybe that's why Helton fired offensive line coach Tim Drevno and strength and conditioning coach Aaron Ausmus. USC's defense improved under new coordinator Todd Orlando; it ranked third in the Pac-12 in scoring defense (26 points) and run defense (153.3 yards). The Trojans are scheduled to play at Notre Dame next season but will avoid Oregon and Washington in conference play.

2020 record: 6-2 (6-1 Big Ten)Projected returning starters: nine offense, 10 defense, one special teams

Projected losses: WR Whop Philyor*, C Harry Crider, DT Jerome Johnson*

Key additions: DE Ryder Anderson, C Zach Carpenter, WR Rashawn Williams, RB Tim Baldwin, WR D.J. Matthews, OT Luke Haggard, G Dylan Powell

Outlook: Indiana put together one of the better seasons in school history, but it never felt as if it got the credit it deserved. The Hoosiers were bypassed for Ohio State in the Big Ten championship game and then dropped in the Big Ten's bowl pecking order. Playing without injured quarterback Michael Penix Jr., the Hoosiers lost to Ole Miss 26-20 in the Outback Bowl.

With potentially 19 starters coming back on offense and defense, it seems as if coach Tom Allen is only getting started. Led by a very talented secondary, the Hoosiers ranked fourth in the Big Ten in scoring defense (20.3 points), although Allen is searching for a new coordinator after Kane Wommack was named South Alabama's head coach.

Penix's recovery from a torn ACL in his right knee will be monitored closely this summer. Matthews, who had 84 catches and 582 punt return yards in 35 games at Florida, transferred to Indiana. Former Ole Miss pass-rusher Anderson plans to join the Hoosiers as well.

2020 record: 9-1 (6-0 AAC)Projected returning starters: eight offense, seven defense, one special teams

Projected losses: S James Wiggins*, S Darrick Forrest*, LB Jarell White, DE Elijah Ponder*, RB Gerrid Doaks*, OT James Hudson*, OT Darius Harper

Key additions: DL Jowon Briggs, QB Evan Prater, WR Jadon Thompson, LB Jaheim Thomas

Outlook: The Bearcats narrowly missed finishing unbeaten, losing to Georgia 24-21 on Jack Podlesny's 53-yard field goal with three seconds left in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl. It was still a memorable season for Cincinnati, which has won 31 games in the past three seasons under coach Luke Fickell. Even with defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman departing for Notre Dame, the Bearcats will again be the top AAC contender in 2021.

The new defensive coordinator will have to replace some key pieces, including Ponder and both starting safeties. The good news is quarterback Desmond Ridder announced he's coming back, along with at least three starting offensive linemen. The Bearcats are scheduled to play road games at Indiana and Notre Dame next season.

2020 record: 6-2 Big TenProjected returning starters: seven offense, six defense, one special teams

Projected losses: OT Alaric Jackson*, DT Daviyon Nixon*, DE Chauncey Golston*, DE Jack Heflin*, WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette*, WR Brandon Smith*, LB Nick Niemann*, G Cole Banwart*, K Keith Duncan*

Key additions: DB Xavior Williams, DE Matt Lorbeck, DE Deontae Craig, WR Keagan Johnson, LB Justice Sullivan

Outlook: Iowa's season was delayed and then cut short when its regular-season finale against Michigan and bowl game against Missouri were canceled because of COVID-19 issues. The Hawkeyes still showed promise in finishing the season with a six-game winning streak after an 0-2 start. Tyler Goodson (762 yards) was one of the top tailbacks in the Big Ten, and he'll carry more of the load in 2021 with Mekhi Sargent leaving for the NFL.

Quarterback Spencer Petras threw eight touchdowns in the final six games. The offensive line got a boost when center Tyler Linderbaum opted to come back. The defensive line will have to be rebuilt, but end Zach VanValkenburg's return was more good news. The secondary will return intact if cornerback Matt Hankins doesn't turn pro.

2020 record: 4-3 (3-2 Pac-12)Projected returning starters: seven offense, seven defense, two special teams

Projected losses: TE Hunter Kampmoyer*, NG Jordon Scott*, DT Austin Faoliu*, CB Deommodore Lenoir*, WR Jaylon Redd, WR Johnny Johnson III, OT George Moore, S Nick Pickett*

Key additions: WR Isaiah Brevard, QB Ty Thompson, WR Troy Franklin, WR Dont'e Thornton

Outlook: It's difficult to put much of a grade on Oregon's performance in 2020 because it played only seven games and was missing a handful of its best players after they opted out before the season, including star tackle Penei Sewell, safety Jevon Holland, linebacker Brady Breeze and cornerback Thomas Graham Jr. The Ducks won a Pac-12 title without winning their division and lost to Iowa State in the Fiesta Bowl. Overall, Oregon fans probably anticipated a little more in coach Mario Cristobal's third season.

First and foremost, the Ducks must decide on a starting quarterback this spring. Tyler Shough, Justin Herbert's former understudy, completed 63.5% of his passes for 1,559 yards with 13 touchdowns and six picks. Boston College graduate transfer Anthony Brown took a lot of snaps in the Pac-12 championship game and the bowl game. It's unclear whether Brown will return for another season.

The Oregon defense has three budding stars in Kayvon Thibodeaux, Mase Funa and Mykael Wright, and more help is on the way in linebacker Justin Flowe and cornerback Dontae Manning, who played sparingly because of injuries. Defensive coordinator Andy Avalos took the head-coaching job at Boise State, his alma mater.

2020 record: 3-1 Pac-12Projected returning starters: 11 offense, eight defense, one special teams

Projected losses: DB Elijah Molden*, DB Keith Taylor*, DL Josiah Bronson*

Key additions: QB Sam Huard, TE Quentin Moore, QB Patrick O'Brien, LB Will Latu, WR Jabez Tinae, G Owen Prentice

Outlook: Jimmy Lake's first season as Washington's head coach was incomplete, as the Huskies played only four games and won the Pac-12 North but couldn't play in the Pac-12 championship game because of COVID-19 issues.

The good news is that all but three starters might return in 2021 and the Huskies added Huard, the No. 1 pocket passer in the 2021 ESPN 300. Three other quarterbacks -- Ethan Garbers, Jacob Sirmon and Kevin Thomson -- left, so the Huskies also added O'Brien, a Colorado State graduate transfer. Huard and O'Brien will compete with returning starter Dylan Morris, who completed 60.9% of his passes for 897 yards with four touchdowns and three picks.

Washington's priorities this spring are finding a bona fide No. 1 receiver and rebuilding the secondary.

2020 record: 10-2 (9-0 ACC)Projected returning starters: three offense, six defense, two special teams

Projected losses: OT Liam Eichenberg*, G Tommy Kraemer, G Aaron Banks*, OT Robert Hainsey*, QB Ian Book*, WR Javon McKinley, WR Ben Skowronek*, LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah*, SS Shaun Crawford*, DE Daelin Hayes*

Key additions: QB Jack Coan, QB Tyler Buchner, TE Cane Berrong, G Rocco Spindler, WR Deion Colzie

Outlook: With their 31-14 loss to Alabama in the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Capital One, the Fighting Irish fell to 0-7 in BCS or New Year's Six bowl games since 1998 and have been outscored by 161 points in those games, with all seven losses by at least 14 points. While the Irish have been very good under coach Brian Kelly, they're still not at the level of Alabama (along with just about every other FBS program).

The Irish will have a face-lift on offense, starting at quarterback. Coan, a Wisconsin transfer, will battle Buchner, Drew Pyne and Brendon Clark for the starting job this spring. Notre Dame has good pieces on offense to build around, including tailbacks Kyren Williams and Chris Tyree and wide receivers Braden Lenzy and Jordan Johnson.

Four starting linemen are gone; center Jarrett Patterson is coming back from a broken foot. Kelly hired Cincinnati's Marcus Freeman to replace defensive coordinator Clark Lea, who left to become Vanderbilt's coach. Freeman will have to rebuild the defensive line and find more depth in the secondary.

2020 record: 8-4 (8-2 SEC)Projected returning starters: five offense, seven defense, one special teams

Projected losses: QB Kyle Trask*, TE Kyle Pitts*, WR Kadarius Toney*, WR Trevon Grimes*, C Brett Heggie*, OT Stone Forsythe*, LB Ventrell Miller, S Brad Stewart Jr., DL Kyree Campbell*, CB Marco Wilson*, K Evan McPherson*

Key additions: RB Demarkcus Bowman, DB Ethan Pouncey, OL Jaelin Humphries, CB Jason Marshall, QB Carlos Del Rio, S Corey Collier, DE Jeremiah Williams, DE Tyreak Sapp

Outlook: Florida's breakthrough season under coach Dan Mullen ended with a big flop, as the Gators lost their last three games, including a 55-20 rout against Oklahoma in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic. Most of Florida's offensive firepower is departing, including Heisman Trophy finalist Trask. Sophomore Emory Jones looks like the quarterback of the future, and the Gators will have to identify reliable pass-catchers with Pitts, Grimes and Toney departing.

The defense also will need a major face-lift after it was gutted for 144 points and more than 1,700 yards of offense in those three late losses. The Gators allowed 28 touchdown passes this season, which ranked next to last among FBS teams. They gave up 30.8 points per game, their most since surrendering 41.2 per contest in six games in 1917. Todd Grantham, one of the highest-paid defensive coordinators in the FBS, seems to be on thin ice. Secondary coaches Ron English and Torrian Gray have already been fired.

2020 record: 4-3 (3-3 Big Ten)Projected returning starters: eight offense, seven defense, two special teams

Projected losses: OT Cole Van Lanen*, G Jon Dietzen*, DE Isaiahh Loudermilk*, DE Garrett Rand*, S Eric Burrell*

Key additions: WR Markus Allen, OT Nolan Rucci, S Hunter Wohler, DE T.J. Bollers, S Braelon Allen

Outlook: Few programs had their seasons disrupted by COVID-19 more than the Badgers, who had two games canceled and another one postponed. They looked like Big Ten West title contenders after an early 49-11 rout at Michigan, but then quarterback Graham Mertz was sidelined after testing positive for the coronavirus.

Wisconsin never seemed to regain its momentum from there. Its offense also played without top wide receivers Danny Davis III and Kendric Pryor for much of the season because of concussions. The Badgers scored fewer than seven points in three straight losses. Mertz should improve after a full offseason, and Pryor has already announced he's coming back.

Jim Leonhard's defense once again ranked in the top 10 in scoring and total defense, and with linebackers Jack Sanborn and Leo Chenal returning, the unit will be among the best in the FBS in 2021.

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The 2021 Way-Too-Early college football top 25 - ESPN