NCAA – Page 141 – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

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?

Comments Welcome

Playoffs, Super Bowl in Vikings Future

Posted on September 8, 2015September 8, 2015 by David Shama

Bob Lurtsema has come within one game of correctly predicting the Vikings’ records in two of the last three seasons, so he’s certainly worth listening to regarding 2015 wins and losses.

The Vikings finished 10-6 in 2012—exactly the number of wins and losses predicted by Lurtsema in a Sports Headliners interview before the season started. Last season he projected an 8-8 record after Minnesota had finished 5-10-1 in 2013. The Vikings, playing under new head coach Mike Zimmer, surprised most observers by going 7-9.

Lurtsema, 73, remains close to the team and talks with Vikings players. He is enamored with Zimmer who he likens to Vikings coaching legend Bud Grant. “He won’t tolerate mental mistakes, just like Bud,” Lurtsema said of Zimmer, the former Bengals defensive coordinator. “He’ll cut you. You see a good athlete getting cut, you know he made mental mistakes.”

Grant coached the Vikings to four Super Bowls including the last appearance by the franchise in 1977. “They’ll be in the Super Bowl in 2017,” Lurtsema said.

Lurtsema predicts a 10-6 record for this season. The playoffs? “They’ll sneak in the back door,” he said.

It takes more than the presence of a coach to fuel long-range Super Bowl optimism and Lurtsema knows that. He likes the Vikings’ talent on both defense and offense.

The Vikings jumped from 31st in NFL total defense in 2013 to 14th last season. Lurtsema raves about how Zimmer coached teams pursue ball carriers and gang tackle. “The defense is so strong,” the former defensive end said.

Offensively the Vikings showed improvement in 2014 despite working through a season of injuries and the absence of superstar running back Adrian Peterson. Both defensively and offensively the Vikings have drafted promising talent and the parade is led by quarterback Teddy Bridgewater who started 12 games last season and set almost every franchise record for a rookie quarterback.

Mike Wallace (Photo courtesy of Minnesota Vikings)

Of course, Lurtsema knows the Vikings’ drive to an improved record in 2015 and eventual trip to the Super Bowl could be derailed by problems including the need for a better passing game. During the offseason the team acquired speedy wide receiver Mike Wallace from the Dolphins to open up the vertical passing. Lurtsema stressed the offense needs a big play receiver who can combine with Bridgewater on long passes.

“The biggest thing (needed) is they’ve got to have a deep threat,” Lurtsema said. “If you don’t have a deep threat, the corners can press you more. If they press you more, that affects your running game, even your short passes.”

Other concerns for the Vikings include an offensive line that had to be shuffled during the preseason because of injuries, and a schedule of opponents which includes seven teams ranked among the top 15 in ESPN.com’s NFL power rankings. Lurtsema, looking for positives, expects the line to get a boost with an improved performance from left tackle Matt Kalil who played injured last year.

What about the schedule? “That’s the part that kind of throws a curveball at you,” Lurtsema said.

The Vikings open their season away from home, playing in Santa Clara next Monday night against the 49ers. Lurtsema said NFL teams and players are annually primed for opening games and thinking about a successful season. “Home field advantage doesn’t really come into play on the first game of the season, so I’ve always liked starting on the road,” Lurtsema said. “It works out so well for a player’s psyche.”

Lurtsema offered one more prediction—this one about the outcome of Monday night’s game against a 49ers team labeled mediocre. “They (the Vikings) will win,” Lurtsema said. “You can put that down.”

Worth Noting

Lurtsema disagrees with critics of NFL preseason games who see the exhibitions as too numerous and unimportant. He said the games are important for the role they play in developing player endurance, toughness, and setting team expectations. “Winning is a habit,” he said.

The ESPN.com power poll out today has the Vikings No. 17 among 32 NFL teams. The seven teams in the top 15 who the Vikings play are the No. 1 Seahawks, No. 3 Packers, No. 5 Broncos, No. 10 Cardinals, No. 12 Lions, No. 13 Chargers and No. 14 Chiefs.

Gophers coach Jerry Kill said offensive lineman Josh Campion who missed the TCU game last Thursday because of a concussion has resumed practice. Ben Lauer, another key offensive lineman, played some in the game but has struggled with a knee injury and didn’t practice yesterday.

Kill said Jonah Pirsig may start on Saturday at the left tackle position that he, Campion and Lauer have all played recently. The interior offensive starters at Colorado State could be Pirsig and Campion at tackles, left guard Jon Christenson and right guard Connor Mayes, with Brian Bobek at center.

Sophomore wide receiver Jake Wieneke from Maple Grove High School was a major contributor last Saturday when FCS South Dakota State earned its first win ever over an FBS team, defeating Kansas 41-38 in Lawrence. Wieneke had five catches for 125 yards and two touchdowns by early in the second quarter as the Jackrabbits jumped off to a 31-7 lead.

As a freshman last season he led the team with 73 receptions for 1,404 yards and a school-record 16 touchdowns.

Former Vikings linebacker Ben Leber provided the color commentary on the FSN telecast of the Kansas-South Dakota State game. Ex-Vikings offensive lineman Steve Hutchinson provided commentary on Sunday’s Marshall-Purdue game on FS1.

Zach Zenner, the former Eagan football player who starred at South Dakota State, made the Lions’ final 53-man roster after leading the NFL in rushing during the preseason with 183 yards. Zenner, a rookie, was an undrafted free agent.

There is a lot of buy-in St. Paul will be the site of a new soccer stadium intended to host a Twin Cities MLS team some day. That may prove to be true but the media and public should know after following baseball and football stadium site fights for more than 40 years that such sagas can have multiple storylines and outcomes.

That’s former Gophers and Notre Dame football coach Lou Holtz appearing on the Golf Channel’s “Morning Drive” program Monday-Friday starting at 6 a.m. Central Daylight time. Holtz has long been an avid player and describes golf as “the greatest game in the world.”

Holtz is also working for Sirius XM, hosting college football shows (Friday and Saturdays) and a golf show (Tuesdays). When Holtz was an assistant football coach at William & Mary decades ago, he was also the school’s golf coach.

Minnesota native Ron Rabinovitz, who made friendships with baseball great Jackie Robinson and president John Kennedy, will speak to the “Breakfast with Leroy” group on Saturday at the Bloomington Knights of Columbus, 1114 American Blvd West. A breakfast buffet starting at 9 a.m. precedes Rabinovitz’s remarks, with more information available by contacting Pat Rickert at 612-861-3981. Group attendees are mostly athletes from the Minneapolis public schools in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s, many of whom went on to college and professional careers.

Comments Welcome

Experts Doubt U Will Win West Division

Posted on July 19, 2015July 20, 2015 by David Shama

Four of the leading college football magazines predict the Gophers won’t duplicate last year’s second place finish in the Big Ten’s West Division. Athlon Sports College Football, Phil Steele’s College 2015 Football Preview and Sporting News College Football all forecast a third place finish for Minnesota while Lindy’s College Football has the Gophers finishing fourth in the seven-team division.

All four publications predict Wisconsin will win the West, just like last year when the Badgers finished first and the Gophers tied Nebraska for second place. Writers don’t disrespect Minnesota (5-3 in the division and 8-5 overall last season) but there is concern about the team’s offense because of inconsistent quarterbacking in the past and the departure of two major playmakers in 2014, running back David Cobb and tight end Maxx Williams.

Lindy’s write-up on the Gophers includes this: “Touchdowns matter. Minny won’t score many.”

But coach Jerry Kill, his staff and players have a way of producing better than expected results including surprising and consecutive eight win seasons. Last year the Gophers played Wisconsin in the final regular season game with an opportunity to tie for the West Division title. “I would not be surprised to see that Nov. 28th game against border rival Wisconsin being a big one once again,” Phil Steele wrote.

Steele ranks the Minnesota special teams fourth in the nation and the Big Ten’s best. A major contributor is returning senior punter Peter Mortell who is a fourth team All-American in Steele’s publication. All four magazines list Mortell, who has averaged over 43 yards per punt the last two seasons, as their first-team All-Big Ten punter.

Among college juniors and seniors this fall, Steele ranks Gophers Eric Murray and Briean Boddy-Calhoun as the No. 11 and 12 cornerbacks in the country. Sporting News includes Calhoun on its All-Big Ten first-team.

Those two, along with other standouts, lead a defense that will be challenged much of the season including games against offensive machines from Ohio State and TCU. Among the four publications, only Athlon doesn’t have the Buckeyes and Horned Frogs ranked No. 1 and 2 in the country, and all the magazines have OSU No. 1. The Gophers play TCU in Minneapolis on September 3 and then face the Buckeyes November 7 in Columbus.

The Gophers also play the Badgers, Nebraska and resurgent Michigan with new wonder coach Jim Harbaugh. All three games are at home. In Steele’s ranking of the most difficult schedules in the nation, the Gophers are 25th and listed before any other Big Ten school.

Any final thoughts about the Gophers after spending $36.96 (including Steele’s price of $12.99) on these publications? Well, nobody is raving about the collective talent on the roster and everybody frets at least a bit about the offense, and there’s no denying the schedule is for big boys only, but there is a hint of guarded optimism. Why? Because Kill and his assistants can coach, the Gophers minimize mistakes, play sound defense and excel on special teams.

“If the offense finds a way, this won’t be a fun team to play,” Athlon concluded on its Gopher page.

Worth Noting

College football in the state could command attention beyond the borders this fall. The Gophers are a possibility to be nationally ranked, while in Division II Minnesota State or UMD might be headed for a national championship. Lindy’s has the Mavericks ranked No. 1 while UMD is No. 3. Sporting News lists UMD No. 1 in the country with Minnesota State No. 6. The two teams play in Mankato on September 3.

If Lindy’s and Sporting News are correct, Saint John’s is back as a national power in Division III. The Johnnies are ranked No. 4 in the country by Lindy’s while Sporting News has them at No. 7. Both publications have Johnnies running back Sam Sura as a first-team All-American.

Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph worked with the ProCamps organization Monday hosting a camp at Edina High School for kids in grades 1-8. Scholarships were provided to disadvantaged youngsters. Vikings teammates Chad Greenway and Harrison Smith stopped by the Northwestern Mutual Kyle Rudolph Football ProCamp to see Rudolph. Rudolph is interested in working with ProCamps on a camp in his home town of Cincinnati.

The Capital Club featuring local sports figures as speakers hosts Vikings general manager Rick Spielman Tuesday at Town & Country Club in St. Paul. For more information about membership, contact Patrick Klinger, patrickklinger@klingercompany.com.

Saints owner Mike Veeck spoke to the club earlier this year when the gathering was at St. Paul’s new CHS Field. When asked for a tour of the new ballpark, the personable Veeck said to heck with formalities, and told guests to go where they pleased including perusing the dugouts and running the bases.

The WNBA, now in its 19th season, holds its All-Star Game on Saturday in Uncasville, Connecticut. While the league reportedly has some franchises that don’t lose money, the WNBA still has plenty of potential upside with the public and media. Like it or not, there are advocates for changes including lowering the rim from 10 feet.

A June 2 New York Times article reported Val Ackerman regretted not experimenting with a lower rim when she was WNBA president. She said in the story lowering the rim even by half a foot would result in fewer missed layups and a “more fluid game.”

Depending on how far the rim is lowered, dunking could become routine in WNBA games. Men in college and the NBA are about seven inches taller than women pros, according to Asher Price’s Times article.

Those who are advocates of keeping things the same for both men and women in sports certainly won’t be receptive to lower rims. But it could be argued the change would further help the WNBA brand to be distinctive, and also result in a more exciting product.

Another topic is the suggestion WNBA players should wear sexier uniforms. But that doesn’t’ seem realistic in today’s sports world and national culture. About as likely to happen as the Confederate flag flying again over the State House in South Carolina.

The WNBA is an ongoing success story, and part of the validation is that next Saturday’s game will be nationally televised live by ABC starting at 2:30 p.m. Minneapolis time. Fans voted Lynx players Maya Moore and Seimone Augustus to the Western Conference All-Star team. Augustus won’t play because of surgery on her right knee yesterday that will sideline her indefintely. Reserves will be announced on Tuesday.

According to ESPN.com’s listing of NBA salaries, there are only 23 NBA players earning less than $1 million. The entire payroll for each WNBA team is capped at less than $1 million.

Timberwolves rookie and former Apple Valley High School star Tyus Jones will earn $1,282,000 in salary, according to ESPN’s listing. Wolves rookie and overall NBA No. 1 draft choice Karl-Anthony Towns will receive a salary of $5,703,600.

Comments Welcome