Author: David Shama

During the last 35 years or so the Minnesota-Iowa rivalry has become much more one-sided in passion and interest among Hawkeye fans.  The Gophers have long been one of the most mediocre football programs in the Big Ten Conference while Iowa has won championships and played in major bowl games.  Iowa has won the last five meetings between the two schools.  The all-time series is in Minnesota’s favor: 38-31-2.

Bill Lester, executive director of the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, reminisced about Iowa’s 2002 visit to the Metrodome when Hawkeye fans stormed the field in celebration and tore down part of a goal post with the intent of taking it home as a souvenir.  He recalled with humor a quote he made that annoyed Iowa fans.  “I told a reporter you have to be from Iowa to think you can get an 18 foot upright from a goal post through a revolving door (out of the dome),” Lester said.

He became the target of “scathing and comical” e-mails from Iowans including a long communication that provoked more teasing from Lester.  He noted the length of the e-mail and replied, “Doesn’t anyone have a job down there?” 

The 2002 game allowed Iowa to clinch its first conference title under Ferentz.  Iowa had not won the conference championship since 1990 and later went on to play in the Orange Bowl.  That game in the Metrodome sent some of the more zealous Iowans into a frenzy that included taunting Gopher fans and added to a reputation for poor sportsmanship.  (A Big Ten football player told me that around the conference his team is accustomed to abuse but normally it comes from students.  In Iowa City it often comes from the adults, he said.)  

Through the years there’s been a lot of good football, great players and exemplary sportsmanship among all concerned including fans in this historic college football rivalry.  Let’s hope Saturday adds to that legacy.

The Timberwolves play in Cleveland tomorrow night (Friday) and then don’t see the Cavs again until April 3 when LeBron James and teammates come to Minneapolis.  For Trenton Hassell and the rest of the Wolves that may well be soon enough to see “King” James, the 21-year-old man-child deemed by many as the successor to Michael Jordan’s throne. 

James finished third in the NBA in scoring last season at 31.4 points per game.  He also finished second in minutes played at 42.5, meaning the Wolves figure to see plenty of him on the court Friday night.  As the team’s designated stopper, Hassell was asked about James earlier this week. “If I can hold him under 40% shooting from the field I did a good job, and keep him from the free throw line as much as possible,” Hassell said. 

Hassell is 6-foot-5, about 200 pounds.  James is “6-9, 6-10, 260,” and strong, Hassell said.  Oh, yes, athletic, too.  And, yup, versatile, including a relatively new added skill of making three point shots. “He’s improved that big time,” Hassell said.  “He’s nailing threes down like his lay ups, so he’s got the total package.  You just got a put a hand in his face, rely on help, maybe trap him (with another player) a couple of times, whatever you can do to make it hard for him.” 

Asked how James is as a defensive player, Hassell said he didn’t know.  Then he indicated his limited role in the Wolves’ offense doesn’t test James or other players defensively.  “I just sit in the corner and wait until it (the ball) swings over there,” Hassell said.  “I am not really involved in the offense that much. …”

Wolves second year guard Bracey Wright, who has played two minutes this season, talking about his future: “Before it’s all said and done I am going to be an all-star.  I understand how to play.  Once I get into a situation I can master, I am going to be an all-star.  It’s all about waiting for the right opportunity and making the most of it.” 

Michigan State football coach John L. Smith talking about the much anticipated Michigan versus Ohio State game on Saturday: “Michigan has some tremendous fronts (offensive and defensive lines).  Both of their fronts are as good as there is in the country.  My belief is Ohio State has a little bit better capability of making plays when they really don’t have a play. …I think the advantage would have to go to Ohio State just because they are at home.” 

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said earlier in the week while here for a series of meetings that there is a “great commitment” from ownership and throughout the organization to make the Vikings a “world class franchise.” 

Former Viking coach Dean Dalton writes about pro football on espn.com and provides analysis on KSTP TV, Fox Sports North and Sirius Satellite Radio.  “Simplifying explanations” has been a challenge in transitioning from coach-speak to TV work, Dalton said. 

Steve Erban said his Creative Charters company will organize travel to a Gopher bowl game if Minnesota defeats Iowa on Saturday.