Adrian Peterson can tie a Vikings’ record for most 100 yard games in a season when Minnesota plays in Detroit on Sunday. He has seven and the record is eight by Robert Smith(2000).
Over the last six games the Viking offense is averaging 29 points per game, tied for third best in the NFL. Detroit’s defense ranks 31st in the league.
The Vikings’ all-time record against Detroit is 62-30-2. The Vikings have won 16 of the last 18 games and their 62 wins are the most against any opponent. Detroit is 0-12 this season, the Vikings 7-5.
Quarterback MarQueis Gray and linebacker Spencer Reeves were two outstanding prospects in the Gophers’ 2008 recruiting class but they weren’t academically eligible to play this fall. Now although both are eligible for next season they can’t practice per NCAA policy during the upcoming 15 days the Gophers have to prepare for their bowl game (destination decided on Sunday). However, they both can participate in spring practice and will be true freshmen next season.
Moses Alipate, the Gopher quarterback recruit from Bloomington Jefferson, has been selected to play in the January 5 Under Armour High School All-America game in Orlando, according to ESPN’s web site.
Ralph Sampson II was asked how he evaluates son Ralph III after seven games as a freshman with the Gophers. “I think he’s doing all right, looking good,” Sampson said. “It’s early in the season. Everybody’s got a lot of work to do, but I think they’re coming along pretty good.”
Sampson, a 6-11 center from the Atlanta area, has been a substitute for the Gophers, averaging 15.9 minutes, 4.1 rebounds and six points per game.
Rob Delaney, an undrafted player in 2006, is a relief pitcher in the Twins organization worth following. He recently won the MLB.com 2008 Minor League Relief Pitcher of the Year award. The Web site named him Class A relief pitcher of the year in 2007. Although he’s not on the Twins’ 40 man roster, his ERA’s in 2007 and 2008 were 1.03 and 1.23.
The Gopher baseball team will play more games at the Metrodome (14) next season than on campus at Siebert Field (11). The Gophers open their schedule in St. Petersburg, Florida on February 20 against Seton Hall as part of the Big Ten/Big East Challenge. The team’s roster includes junior outfielder Eric Decker who made all-Big Ten this fall in football as a wide receiver.
The Wild’s Andrew Brunette scored his 200th NHL goal in his 811th career game on Wednesday night against St. Louis. He is tied for the team lead in goals with nine and played in 477 consecutive games, the longest active streak in the NHL. Also on Wednesday night, Eric Belanger scored his 100th career NHL goal in his 501st league game.
Tonight’s home game against Vancouver is the final game in a period where the Wild play 10 of 12 at home.