NCAA – Page 133 – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

Sky Not Falling on Gophers Football

Posted on October 7, 2015October 7, 2015 by David Shama

Dark clouds above the Minnesota tundra are expected (as usual) this fall but that doesn’t mean the sky is falling on Gophers football.

The pessimists are all atwitter over the Gophers offensive miseries. Indeed, production has been awful. Through five games (four nonconference and one league game), Minnesota ranks last in scoring among Big Ten teams at 15.4 points per game. The Gophers are also last among the 13 other teams in rushing offense (141.2 yards per game) and tied for ninth with Michigan State in pass offense (195.4).

But more of the not so positive details later. The day brightener these days is the Gophers defense—a unit that, despite the loss of injured defensive backs, ranks fourth in the Big Ten versus the pass giving up 154.6 yards per game. The overall defense has lived up to the preseason hype of being among the best units in the Big Ten and although allowing an eighth-best 20.2 points per game the defense has sometimes been put with their backs near the end zone because of miscues not of their doing.

Jerry Kill inherited a mess, including personnel shortages, when he took over the program as Gophers coach after the 2010 season. He set a goal of fixing the defense first and he has done just that. He has also upgraded the kicking game with senior Peter Mortell being one of the nation’s better punters. Sophomore Ryan Santoso has a powerful leg and he has shown accuracy in his early career while both kicking off and booting field goals.

Kill is five games into his fifth season at Minnesota. His overall record is 28-28. In the last 29 years the Gophers have had two other head coaches who were around long enough to coach 56 games—Glen Mason with a 25-31 record and John Gutekunst, 26-28-2.

The opinion here is Kill is the best coach at Minnesota since Lou Holtz made a stopover (1984 and 1985) between assignments at Arkansas and Notre Dame. In the last two seasons the Gophers have twice had overall records of 8-5, with 4-4 and 5-3 records in the Big Ten. The 1999 and 2000 seasons were the last ones the Gophers were at .500 or better in the Big Ten during consecutive years.

The Gophers are 9-6 in their last 15 conference games. The 9-6 ties Iowa for the fourth best mark in the Big Ten during that period. Excluding the results of Big Ten title games, the records of other teams include Ohio State 15-0, Michigan State 14-1, Wisconsin 12-3, Nebraska 8-7, and Michigan and Penn State, both 6-9.

Kill has turned around the football program beyond the playing field. His team collectively had a 3.04 GPA last spring semester and his players are earning their degrees after he inherited a program where players were on academic probation and not attending classes. Also, ask the University police and Minneapolis police if there hasn’t been a dramatic change in off-field behavior.

This week the University Board of Regents is expected to approve detailed plans to move ahead on the $190 million project to improve athletics facilities. Included in that project will be a badly needed new football practice facility. Kill has been adamant about such a facility becoming a reality and has hinted he might not be at Minnesota long-term without it.

Without Kill, the reported $80 million or so that has been fundraised wouldn’t be in place. He is the single most important fundraiser in the athletic department and millions of dollars have been donated because of him.

The anticipated good news about the athletic facilities project is well timed after the offensive debacle at Northwestern. The Wildcats, who shut out Minnesota 27-0, have one of the Big Ten’s best defenses but the Gophers’ biggest obstacle offensively is themselves.

It’s disappointing that after five seasons the Gophers haven’t developed an above average Big Ten quarterback. Instead, there has been a parade of quarterbacks unable to consistently perform at a high level. Kill and his staff developed outstanding quarterbacks in just three seasons at Northern Illinois. Look for them to get the QB riddle solved by next year, perhaps with true freshman Demry Croft who has promising skills both passing and running.

The offensive line has made many misplays this season, another disappointment since that unit was supposed to be among the best in the Big Ten’s West Division. Injuries have kept starters Ben Lauer and Jon Christenson from playing, although Christenson is expected back for Saturday’s game at Purdue. Injuries have slowed other players and forced the coaches to reshuffle assignments. The results have been a mess with the Gophers sometimes unable to pass block or run block.

The offense’s failures include an inability to make long gains. Freshman running backs Rodney Smith (one 30 yard run) and Shannon Brooks (40 yards) show some big play potential but the Gophers are still looking for receivers to consistently step up.

The Gophers might be advised to focus on a power run game, rather than use it occasionally along with their spread offense. Load up the offense with extra tight ends and a blocking fullback. Run not only using the tailbacks, but also let the quarterbacks carry the ball. Both Croft and Mitch Leidner are effective runners, with Croft offering elusiveness while Leidner runs with power.

The offense needs a spark and it seems likely both Croft and Leidner, who has been the starter since going back to last season, will play at Purdue. One or both of them could make plays with their feet and arms to give Minnesota a lift against a less than impressive Boilermakers defense. Purdue is giving up a Big Ten worst 33 points per game.

If the offense can raise its level of play and the defense can cause turnovers, and turn them into points, the dark skies over the program will fade at least for next Saturday. A win gives the Gophers a 4-2 record and moves them within two victories of bowl eligibility.

If Minnesota earns a 2015 bowl win, that will be the program’s first postseason victory since 2004. That would lift spirits, too, as fans anticipate a much less demanding schedule in 2016 than the Gophers are facing in 2015. Michigan and Ohio State go off the schedule while Maryland and Rutgers come on. A better Minnesota record in 2016 is likely.

Gophers fans down in the dumps can remember success doesn’t always follow an ascending line on a chart. Consider nationally-ranked 5-0 Northwestern, riding high at the moment, but coming off consecutive 5-7 seasons. Iowa is also 5-0 after a 7-6 record last season. Head coach Kirk Ferentz, the longest tenured head coach in the Big Ten season, came into this season on the hot seat.

Yeah, short-term things aren’t so cheery with the Gophers because of on-field scoring problems this fall. But big picture—including the successes already achieved, the new facilities coming and Kill’s commitment to coaching here—things look much better. The sky isn’t falling, and brighter days are ahead.

Big Ten Power Rankings

1. Ohio State (5-0, 1-0): As the nation’s No. 1 ranked team, the Buckeyes are targeted for each team’s best shot.

2. Michigan State (5-0, 1-0): Spartans not playing like a top-five ranked team and after a warm-up game Saturday at Rutgers better get ready for October 17 at Michigan.

3. Michigan (4-1, 1-0): After an opening loss to nationally-ranked Utah, the Wolverines have outscored their opponents 122 to 14.

4. Northwestern (5-0, 1-0): Wildcats now in a key schedule stretch with games at Michigan on Saturday and then home versus Iowa.

5. Iowa (5-0, 1-0): The planets align for the Hawkeyes every few years—and this might be one of them.

6. Wisconsin: (3-2, 0-1): These may not be Barry Alvarez’s, Bret Bielema’s or Gary Andersen’s Badgers.

7. Penn State (4-1, 1-0): After the offensive line faltered in opening game loss to Temple, Nittany Lions looking better.

8. Illinois (4-1, 1-0): Illini made an upgrade in August when interim coach Bill Cubit took over for Tim Beckman.

9. Minnesota (3-2, 0-1): Gophers might have the most unproductive offense in the Big Ten after producing a total of 37 points in the last three games.

10. Nebraska (2-3, 0-1): Huskers can’t win the close games, losing three by a total of nine points, and that’s no endorsement of new coach Mike Riley and his staff.

11. Indiana (4-1, 0-1): After a softie nonconference schedule and close loss to OSU, much more will be learned about the Hoosiers after their game at Penn State on Saturday.

12. Purdue (1-4, 0-1): Boilers got a moral victory in 24-21 loss at Michigan State last week. You better believe they’re thinking real win against the Gophers.

13. Rutgers (2-2, 0-1): Wins over Norfolk State and FBS punching bag Kansas don’t impress.

14. Maryland (2-3, 0-1): Porous Terps defense gave up 121 points in losses to Bowling Green, West Virginia and Michigan. No relief in sight as Maryland plays at Ohio State on Saturday.

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Coughlin Gives Spielman Gopher Hints

Posted on October 2, 2015October 2, 2015 by David Shama

Carter Coughlin hasn’t given up on Eden Prairie High School football teammate J.D. Spielman changing his mind about playing for Nebraska. Coughlin has verbally committed to the Gophers and hasn’t been bashful about encouraging other high school prospects to follow him to Minnesota.

Coughlin committed to his home state school last winter, while Spielman announced for Nebraska this summer. The two Eden Prairie teenagers are captains and buddies. Coughlin told Sports Headliners he was disappointed to learn Spielman chose Nebraska over Minnesota but he understands and respects the decision.

Still, that doesn’t mean Coughlin has lost interest in seeing Spielman sign a National Letter of Intent with the Gophers next winter when high school players can make official commitments. “I make hints every now and then but for the most part I am not drilling him too hard,” Coughlin said.

Spielman likes how the slot receiver is used in the Nebraska offense, so that’s provided an opportunity for Coughlin to promote Minnesota and its slot specialist, KJ Maye. “Whenever I am at the Gopher games and KJ Maye makes a play I always take a video of what he did, or whatever, and say this is you out there, or something like that,” Coughlin said. “He chuckles, but that’s pretty much the most I do.”

Eden Prairie is 6-0 and considered the best prep football team in the state. Spielman has been an extraordinary game changer and headline-maker with long runs and touchdowns. He is a headache for defenses with his ability to run and elude tacklers on rushes, pass receptions, punts and kickoffs. Opposing offenses see plenty of Spielman too when he plays in the Eden Prairie secondary where he is a continual threat to intercept passes and run them back for touchdowns.

“J.D. has been making a ton of plays,” Coughlin said. “He’s got like the most incredible vision of any high school player I’ve ever seen. The way he can minupulate his body (is special). Before you even know what you’re going to do, he knows what you’re going to do. It’s pretty incredible.”

Coughlin and Spielman are two of the top college prospects in the Upper Midwest. Coughlin turned down Ohio State for Minnesota. He played defensive end for Eden Prairie last season but has been moved to linebacker, the position he will play at Minnesota. He is 6-foot-4 and his weight is up to about 220 with the goal of adding 10 more pounds before he becomes a Gopher. He has run close to 4.5 in the 40-yard dash. “I’ve kept my speed and I’ve just gotten bigger,” he said.

The Eagles have won 36 straight games and are targeting another 6A title. Coughlin believes this year’s team is better than last season’s champs. “We’ve been running over teams that we’ve been playing,” he said. “Maple Grove gave us a really good game, but to be honest with you we didn’t play very well. So the fact that we beat one of the top teams in the state when we had an off game just goes to show that if we’re playing at our full potential we can beat anybody in the state.”

Eden Prairie defeated Maple Grove by eight points early last month. It was the kind of close game the Eagles always seem to find a way to win under coach Mike Grant and his staff.

“It’s kind of our identity at Eden Prairie,” Coughlin said. “The coaches have created a culture that is unquestionably a winning culture. You look at coach Grant’s statistics (winning record) and he instills that in you right from freshman year. You go in your freshman year, and you’re expecting to beat everybody.”

Grant has a saying that you don’t have to be a great player, just make great plays. “He believes you don’t have to have a bunch of great players that are all going Division I, you just have to have a bunch of players that are going to play great,” Coughlin said.

With Coughlin and Spielman, Grant has players who are great talents who play that way.

Worth Noting

Gophers interim athletic director Beth Goetz told Sports Headliners the University of Minnesota Board of Regents will be presented the final design and plan details next week for the proposed $190 million athletic facilities project. “We feel good about where we are with that presentation and are hopeful we will get approval,” Goetz said.

Approval could come next Thursday as the regents gather for two days to review University matters. The project will include an Athletes Village to benefit the more than 700 Gopher athletes, and new practice facilities for the football and basketball teams. Goetz said groundbreaking details could be announced next week.

Although fundraising revenues aren’t in place to cover the entire project cost, the University is expected to finance remaining expenses. Look for a Sports Headliners feature next week profiling Goetz, who assumed her new responsibilities last summer replacing AD Norwood Teague.

Justin Jackson, Northwestern’s sophomore running back who the Gophers will see tomorrow in Evanston, is second among Big Ten Conference runners with 516 yards and is averaging 129 yards per game in four games. He has rushed for at least 100 yards in nine of his last 11 games. The Gophers recruited the Carol Stream, Illinois native. “If you don’t get him wrapped up, he’s going to bounce off of you, and you don’t want to give him any creases,” Gophers coach Jerry Kill said.

Craig James, who was steady and impressive returning punts for the Gophers last year as a freshman, has struggled with judgment and ball security in 2015. Receivers KJ Maye and Drew Wolitarsky have experience as Gophers punt returners and might be options if James is replaced tomorrow. Wolitarsky suffered a concussion last Saturday against Ohio but Kill said earlier this week the junior will be available in Evanston.

Despite marketing itself as “Chicago’s Big Ten team,” the Wildcats have difficulty attracting fans to home games at Ryan Field. The stadium’s capacity is 47,330, the smallest in the 14-member Big Ten Conference. The 4-0 and nationally ranked Wildcats have played three games at home this season, reporting attendance of 36,024 (Stanford), 29,131 (Eastern Illinois) and 30,107 (Ball State).

Tomorrow’s game against the 3-1 Gophers won’t come close to selling out. Minnesota, though, has sold out its first three home games for the first time since the 2009 season. That was the opening year at TCF Bank Stadium.

Northwestern is ranked No. 16 in the AP Poll and No. 17 in the Amway Coaches Poll. Gophers quarterback Mitch Leidner said his team can compete with anyone and deserves to be ranked. “We feel like we should be,” he said. “Being 3-1 and the schedule we played in the nonconference, we feel we should have that opportunity as well.”

The NCAA annually recognizes academic progress rates for teams that are in the top 10 percent of all teams in each sport. In May the NCAA recognized 79 percent of Northwestern’s teams in various sports, the best ranking of any FBS school. The Gophers ranked fifth nationally with 58 percent of their teams.

Adrian Peterson (Photo courtesy of Minnesota Vikings)

Despite gaining only 31 yards in the opening game, Adrian Peterson leads the NFL in rushing yards after three games with 291 yards. The Vikings play the Broncos on Sunday and Denver’s defense is No. 1 in the NFL. The Broncos rank No. 6 in the league against the rush, No. 1 versus the pass.

Minneapolis-born Ryan Harris has been a starter at offensive tackle for the Broncos in their first three games. Denver assistant coaches Fred Pagac (outside linebackers) and Joe Woods (defensive backs) are former Vikings assistants.

The Vikings have tickets available for their remaining six regular season home games including with the Packers on November 22. A team spokesman said the club has sold 86 percent of its seat license inventory and 90 percent of its suites in the new U.S. Bank Stadium.

The most attention given to MIAC football on Saturday will likely be the game between Bethel and Concordia, two teams with 3-1 overall records. The Royals are 2-0 in league games, while the Cobbers, who host the game, are 1-1. Concordia is giving up only 13.8 points per game, while Bethel is allowing 17.

Playmakers on offense include Bethel running back Marshall Klitzke and Cobber receiver Brandon Zylstra. Klitzke is second in the MIAC with 509 rushing yards and has five scores. Zylstra has 16 catches for 289 yards and two touchdowns.

Both teams have new quarterbacks this season. Bethel’s Trey Anderson has completed 71 percent of his passes, while throwing seven touchdown passes and no interceptions. Michael Herzog threw for 211 yards and a score last week in leading the Cobbers to 37 points in a win over St. Olaf.

If the Twins could sweep the Royals with wins tonight, Saturday and Sunday they would finish the season series with 10 victories and nine losses against the Central Division champs. Saturday’s game time was switched from an evening start to 12:05 p.m. at the request of Fox Sports.

With three games remaining in the season, the 83-76 Twins are a cinch to finish above .500 for the first time since 2010 when they were 94-68. The Twins were 5-2 on the last road trip that ended in Cleveland with a win last night. Minnesota finished 15-13 in September, the most wins in one month since April when the club was 20-7.

Former Twins Rod Carew and Jeff Reardon had 70^th and 60^th birthdays yesterday.

Prominent sports agent Ron Shapiro, who represents Twins first baseman Joe Mauer, spoke about negotiations recently to a group of Minnesota business and nonprofit leaders at the Metropolitan Club at Target Field. The event organizer was the National Mentoring Partnership, based in Boston and led by Shapiro’s son David.

The Lynx won both of their games during the regular season against the Indiana Fever. The teams open the WNBA Finals on Sunday at Target Center in the best three of five series. Sunday’s game will be televised by ABC, with the remaining games, including next Tuesday, on ESPN.

The Wild purchased 500 tickets for Sunday’s game to be made available complimentary to the first 250 fans requesting tickets on the Lynx website. The Wolves Tyus Jones and the Twins were involved with purchases for Western Conference semifinals games.

Joe Schmit, the KSTP TV sports anchor, said sales for his book have reached 13,000. Sudden Impact: Stories of Influence through Purpose, Persistence & Passion is now in its third printing.

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Norv Turner Offers Chargers Connection

Posted on September 24, 2015September 24, 2015 by David Shama

A notes-filled column with info on the Gophers, Lynx, MIAC football, Twins and Vikings—plus, Sports Headliners’ Big Ten power rankings.

The Vikings might have an edge in preparing for the Chargers this week because of Norv Turner. The second-year Vikings offensive coordinator was head coach of the Chargers for six seasons and his players included quarterback Phillip Rivers. Turner has knowledge about Rivers including tendencies and mechanics. His input might help the Vikings defensive backs anticipate Rivers’ passes on Sunday when the two 1-1 teams play at TCF Bank Stadium.

Turner was fired by the Chargers after the 2012 season despite having a 56-40 regular season record dating back to 2007. He won three AFC West Division titles and was popular with players who reportedly gave him a standing ovation at his final team meeting. Dean Spanos, who fired Turner, is still the Chargers owner. There might be extra satisfaction for Turner if the Vikings win on Sunday.

“You always want to do that for your coaches, try and go out and get a win like that if you know they’ve been at a place as a head coach,” Vikings wide receiver Mike Wallace told Sports Headliners. “…He (Turner) would never say anything about it, but obviously I know he would like to get that win.”

Head coach Mike Zimmer (a career defensive specialist), after being asked how much input he gives Turner about the offense: “There is some each week. We sit and talk every Tuesday and then we talk throughout the course of the week. I have ultimate confidence in everything that he does. We discuss all the different things. And I (also) sit down with (quarterback) Teddy (Bridgewater) and watch tape with him every week. So I’m involved, but I’m more involved with the defense.”

Two years ago Zimmer was the defensive coordinator of the Bengals. Last week his old team defeated the Chargers and their talented offense. Does that help prepare the Vikings for Sunday?

“The good part is that I know what Cincinnati is doing defensively. The bad part is they (the Chargers) get to practice against it two weeks in a row,” Zimmer said. “I guess there’s a little give and take on both sides there. It doesn’t hurt.”

Vikings running back Adrian Peterson rushed for an NFL single game record 296 yards against Turner’s 2007 team. Peterson had 30 carries in the game and scored three touchdowns.

Regis Eller, the Minneapolis native and son of former Vikings and Gophers great Carl Eller, is a college scout for the Chargers.

Gophers football fan and University of Minnesota president Eric Kaler turned 59 yesterday.

Gophers student season ticket sales have increased from 6,100 last year to 8,400. Athletic department leaders are hoping for a third consecutive sellout crowd on Saturday when Minnesota plays Ohio starting at 2:30 p.m.

Sean Engel, a senior wide receiver at Chaska High School, received multiple college offers including from Wyoming, but on Sunday verbally committed to North Dakota State. He is the brother of former Gophers wide receiver Derrick Engel.

Ex-Badgers coach Bret Bielema is having a painful September. Bielema’s Razorbacks are 1-2 after home losses to Toledo and Texas Tech. The Tech win last Saturday was led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes, son of former Twins pitcher Pat Mahomes. The younger Mahomes also plays baseball for the Red Raiders.

ESPN’s “SportsCenter on the Road” broadcasts live from Saint John’s University in Collegeville on Saturday, adding to the hype for the Johnnies-St. Thomas football game in the afternoon. The ESPN broadcast will air from 6 to 8 a.m. with anchors Matt Barrie and Sara Walsh hosting. The event is free and open to the public, with the Clemens Stadium gates opening at 5 a.m.

The 2-0 Tommies and the 3-0 Johnnies are ranked No. 12 and 8 respectively in the latest D3football.com top 25 poll. The historic football rivalry between St. Thomas and Saint John’s is always special but this year commands more attention than some previous matchups. “This one is so big because of its national and playoff implications,” Tommies coach Glenn Caruso told Sports Headliners.

Caruso knows his to-do list on Saturday includes stopping preseason Johnnies All-American running back Sam Sura who makes rushing for more than 100 yards per game a habit. “I don’t know if you stop him completely,” Caruso said.

Sura excels in gaining extra yardage. “He is very creative in tight spaces,” said Caruso who doesn’t think Sura receives enough credit for his speed.

The Tommies had a bye last Saturday and Caruso said there is “no question” the extra preparation time for the Johnnies helps. Kickoff Saturday is at 1 p.m.

Brittney Griner, the 2014 and 2015 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, had nine blocks for the Mercury when her team played the Lynx on August 30. The two teams split four games during the regular season and Griner blocked a total of 23 shots. The 6-foot-8 center will lead the Mercury defense tonight in Minneapolis when her team and the Lynx start the best of three games Western Conference Finals playoffs. The two clubs play in Phoenix Sunday, and if necessary, back in Minneapolis Tuesday.

KSTP sports anchor and motivational author Joe Schmit speaks at the MVP (Men, Value, Purpose) dinner Tuesday night. The event will be at Trinity Lutheran Church in Stillwater with more information available by contacting Dana Johnson, danar90@yahoo.com.

The Twins, 78-73, have earned their way back over .500 after four consecutive 90-plus losing seasons even though no pitcher has won more than 11 games. Phil Hughes got his team-leading 11th win last night with five shutout innings in a 4-2 victory over the Indians.

First baseman Joe Mauer has a 42-game on-base streak and is now tied with the late Bob Allison for the longest streak in franchise history. Mauer has the longest active streak in the majors.

Eduardo Escobar has quietly won over the Twins shortstop job. He drove in two runs last night. He has a hit in 10 of his last 11 games at Target Field, batting .326 with seven RBI.

It was 47 years ago this week when the Twins Cesar Tovar became the second player in major league history to play all nine positions in a single game. The Athletics Bert Campaneris was the first.

After three weekends of following Big Ten football teams, here are the first power rankings by Sports Headliners for 2015:

1. Ohio State (3-0): Close call against Northern Illinois last Saturday. Guess three potential Heisman Trophy quarterbacks on one roster isn’t enough.

2. Michigan State (3-0): The late Bubba Smith would be proud of MSU’s place at No. 2 in the A.P. poll behind Buckeyes. Smith’s size and prowess playing for MSU’s great teams in the 1960s prompted the chant “Kill, Bubba, Kill.”

3. Wisconsin (2-1): Badgers working on third coach in four years but still a Big Ten force.

4. Northwestern (3-0): If Cats can avoid their injuries curse, they have enough talent and coaching to win Big Ten West Division.

5. Michigan (2-1): The Jim Harbaugh magic? Believe it.

6. Iowa (3-0): Hawkeyes unbeaten in three games but better not count on winning another game with a 57-yard field goal.

7. Penn State (2-1): If Nittany Lions have for sure patched up their pass protection, quarterback Christian Hackenberg will damage Big Ten secondaries.

8. Nebraska (1-2): Not a very impressive start for new coach Mike Riley when his talented team loses two of three games in the closing seconds—although Brigham Young and Miami are no “cupcakes.”

9. Minnesota (2-1): With a great defense and top kicking game the Gophers have West Division title potential but a struggling offense sends Jerry Kill’s team into the No. 9 spot for now.

10. Illinois (2-1): Illini looked like a surprise success story in the first two games including a 52-3 whipping of Kent State but last Saturday’s 48-14 loss at North Carolina doesn’t inspire confidence.

11. Maryland (2-1): The Terps, despite a 21-point loss to 1-2 Bowling Green at home, are no pushovers and may tease all fall with their consistency.

12. Rutgers (1-2): This program is Suspension U with even the head coach sidelined and former Gopher lineman Norries Wilson in charge on Saturdays as interim coach.

13. Indiana (3-0): Another re-run production in Bloomington where the Hoosiers entertain offensively but can be a horror show on defense.

14. Purdue (1-2): Who wants to wager whether coach Darrell Hazell will be leading the Boilers after this season?

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