New Mexico State didn’t justify Boston’s optimism for the opening game, losing at home to Ohio 44-24. The Aggies defense gave up 245 yards rushing to an Ohio team expected to be a MAC East Division title contender. The Aggies were 2-10 last season.
Gophers coach Jerry Kill said at his weekly news conference today that Saturday’s game against USC showed that both starter MarQueis Gray and his backup, Max Shortell, are “capable of playing.” Gray, a junior, remains the starter but Kill was asked if there is a quarterback controversy following Saturday’s strong relief performance by Shortell, a freshman. “No, I don’t think so,” Kill said.
Kill said linebacker Brendan Beal won’t play next Saturday against New Mexico State because of a lingering knee injury. It might be weeks before the sophomore plays again. Another sophomore linebacker, Aaron Hill, is “questionable” for Saturday because of a hamstring injury, according to Kill.
The coach said he may continue to use running back Lamonte Edwards in pass rushing situations as was done at USC last week.
Ryan Longwell ranks 14th all-time in NFL field goals with 339. The Vikings kicker is 15th in points, 1,583.
Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph, who Sports Illustrated lists as a leading candidate for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, was recruited by ACC schools for basketball while in high school in Cincinnati.
Vikings defensive tackle Letroy Guion is an avid outdoorsman and aspires to be a game warden after his football career.
Don’t be surprised if the NBA players union caves in its labor dispute with ownership. Are there too many players who need their regular paychecks for the union to delay the start of the season?
Twins infielder-outfielder Trevor Plouffe has committed six errors this season, five at shortstop, one at second base.
The Twins, who had one hit in a 4-0 loss to the White Sox last night, have scored only 21 runs in their last 10 home games. Eleven of the runs came in one game (Detroit, August 28).
The Northwoods League set a new attendance record for summer college baseball this year with a total of 901,652. Northwoods alumni have joined major league rosters in recent weeks including Minnesota native Steve Edlefsen, now a pitcher with San Francisco. Edlefsen played high school baseball for Bloomington Jefferson.