Author: David Shama

The Gophers’ record setting bowl game melt-down against Texas Tech set off intense criticism.  With a history of blowing big leads, Mason and his staff added to their reputation when Tech rallied from a 38-7 third quarter deficit, pulling off the biggest comeback in college football bowl history with a 44-41 victory. 

Asked for a reaction by e-mail last Saturday (prior to Sunday’s new conference announcing Mason’s termination), Athletic director Joel Maturi replied, “I don’t think any of us have words to describe what happened or how we all feel.” 

Stunned and angry were words that described the feelings of Gopher loyalists.  An influential alumnus said it was the “worst” coaching job in University history.  Another prominent alum called for Mason’s dismissal. Yet another fan and alum talked about discouraging future support for the new on-campus stadium.   

Five fans watching the game at a home in Burnsville turned off the telecast after Tech sent the game into overtime with a 52 yard field goal.  They refused to suffer anymore.  “It’s tough being a Gopher fan,” one fan said as the group headed for a bar. 

Among the questionable strategies by the Gophers was the consistent use of a three man defensive line in the fourth quarter that produced no pressure on the Tech quarterback.  That strategy was totally ineffective late in the game as the Red Raiders scored every time they had the ball.  

The game added to Mason’s resume of late game collapses that included puzzling home losses against Northwestern, Purdue, Michigan and Wisconsin.  From a Gopher perspective, the embarrassment is certain to remain in the now if ESPN Classic replays the game multiple times.

KFAN’s Dan Barriero described the Insight Bowl collapse as “capturing the essence” of the Gopher program under Mason.  He also said on his Sunday program the defeat is “the single most humiliating, stupefying, transcending, absurd, choking, pig like loss in the history of this program, or under Glen Mason.” 

Criticism of Mason reached a high point in intensity earlier this season when the Gophers’ were 3-6, including an embarrassing loss to Wisconsin and awkward win against North Dakota State.  After winning three straight games to qualify for a bowl game, the program had taken one huge step backward until Mason was fired.

On a team desperate for rebounding, inside scoring and subs, rookie forward Craig Smith has been a major contributor to the Timberwolves during the first two months of the season.  In limited minutes (less than 20 per game), Smith has produced numbers that exceed the expectations many people have for someone who was the 36^th pick in the NBA draft. 

Among a league rookie group that is far from dazzling (Charlotte’s Adam Morrison is the only player averaging double figures), Smith was third in rebounds per game at 5.1 and was averaging 7.3 points through games in late December.  Playing at power forward, the 6-foot-7 Smith is under sized by NBA standards but is a wide body (240 pounds) who may remind old-timers of Boston’s Paul Silas, or make younger fans think of Charles Barkley. 

Smith has a right handed hook shot he uses near the basket and he continuously launches the shot with success against taller players.  “I guess I use my body well. . . guys are much taller but I am much wider,” Smith said.  “My girth, my size, I try to use that to create space.” 

Although he can hook with either hand, Smith prefers his right hand.  “I am trying to get the left one down,” he said. “Hopefully, I will get it down this summer.” 

Smith talks about “attacking” the ball for rebounds.  He uses his bulk effectively and combined with his aggressiveness “there’s no letting go (of the ball).”  He averaged almost 10 rebounds per game playing for Boston College last year. 

Collecting fouls too quickly has sometimes been a problem.  The NBA that allowed more contact a few years ago would have been a better fit for Smith but he is adjusting to what the referees will allow.

KFAN radio’s Dan Barriero told listeners after returning from Christmas vacation that Ophra Winfrey indicated on her TV show that she doesn’t wear underpants.

Former Gopher basketball coach Jim Dutcher said the University will honor his 1982 Big Ten championship team at the Gopher-Ohio State game on Sunday, February 18. Former players expected to participate in the recognition include Gary Holmes, Zeb Howell, Darryl Mitchell, Trent Tucker and Barry Wohler.  Former assistant Flip Saunders may attend, too, since the NBA will have a break in its schedule for the All-Star game on February 18.   

Viking kicker Ryan Longwell can look forward to playing golf with former Packer teammate Brett Favre during the off-season.  Longwell lives near Orlando and Disney World where Favre brings his family for vacation.  In addition to playing golf in Florida, Longwell expects to play in Favre’s annual golf tournament in Mississippi. 

Vikings’ linebacker Chad Greenway, who married in July, will honeymoon in February for 10 days in Hawaii with wife Jenni. 

Vikings’ coach Brad Childress answering a question about being intensely criticized:  “If I don’t win enough I have no illusions.”  

The Vikings have three players invited to participate in the Pro Bowl in Hawaii on February 10 and although all have been Pro Bowlers before none of them is close to former offensive guard Randall McDaniel’s club record of 11 appearances.  Center Matt Birk has been named to five Pro Bowls, offensive tackle Steve Hutchinson four (three with Seattle) and defensive tackle Kevin Williams two. 

Rookie tackle Ryan Cook has been a late season starter on the right side of the Vikings’ line and might be part of the solution as the team rebuilds its offense next season.  Cook, a center at New Mexico, is playing tackle for the first time and admitted his new role is a learning process.  During the off-season he plans to work on “athleticism” and strength while studying film.  

Mewelde Moore is a born again Christian and talked earlier this fall about fellowship and chapel gatherings attended by him and other Vikings players.  “We would love to have everyone come. … There’s no pressure,” Moore said.  “If you want to come in fellowship, then anybody, player, coach and staff is more than welcome.” 

Minneapolis native and Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald Jr. flew to Chicago for Christmas where he gathered with family including father Larry Sr.