NCAA – Page 70 – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

What to Know about Vikings’ Win

Posted on December 21, 2021 by David Shama

Five things jump out about last night’s Vikings-Bears game:

1. For the Vikings to win their last three games and qualify for the playoffs the offensive line must be better than it was in Chicago. Minnesota had 193 net yards in offense and a lot of that was because the line struggled. The priority before the game was to focus on running and the Vikings did okay with 132 yards on the ground, but had less than 100 passing and quarterback Kirk Cousins was sacked four times. Guard Mason Cole, a recent starter in a line that continues to reshuffle its personnel, was way too vulnerable to inside pressure.

2. Again, the Vikings’ offensive game plan was without much imagination. And the coaches didn’t appear to effectively adjust to the Bears’ double-coverage of wide receiver Justin Jefferson. The exception came when Jefferson was lined up in the backfield and it confused the Bears’ secondary, resulting in a wide open seven yard touchdown throw from Cousins to wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette.

3. Who could blame punter Jordan Barry if he’s on edge today? The Bears blocked one punt and came close on two others. Punt protection will receive a lot of scrutiny in practice this week and should. In close games special teams can decide the outcome. And the Vikings know all about close outcomes with 13 of their 14 games decided by one possession (eight points or fewer).

4. Defensive end D.J. Wonnum had eight tackles and three sacks in the 17-9 win. Selected in the fourth round of the 2020 draft, he has a work ethic and it’s beginning to show in impressive fashion. With elite pass rushers Danielle Hunter and Everson Griffen out for the remainder of the schedule, Wonnum’s development is an early Christmas present for Vikings head coach and defensive specialist Mike Zimmer.

5. Another gift is the 7-7 Vikings will play the 4-10 hapless Bears in Minneapolis January 9 for the final game of the regular season. The Bears were an undisciplined bunch last night, with five personal fouls and other costly mistakes. The offense’s execution was frequently inept with rookie quarterback Justin Fields looking confused, explosive plays absent and the red zone scheme a flop. No guarantees Chicago can be this bad in January, but for certain the Bears are way less formidable than the other two opponents remaining on the schedule, the Rams and Packers.

Worth Noting

As of yesterday morning Mike Nowakowski from Ticket King said a seat on the 50-yard line at Lambeau Field for the January 2 Packers-Vikings game costs $650. A lower level end zone seat $225.

Nowakowski still has tickets but expects the NHL to announce a sellout for the January 1 Winter Classic at Target Field. He said the Wild’s December 23 Xcel Energy Center home game with the Red Wings was a “hot ticket” and sold out prior to the COVID caused postponement.

Recent success by the Timberwolves and Gopher basketball team is attracting ticket buyers. Nowakowski said there is a “lot of buzz” about the Warriors-Wolves game January 16 at Target Center, and some fans are “fired up” for the Gophers with lower level Williams Arena seats priced at $100 for the January 2 Illinois game.

The Gophers received three votes in the latest AP men’s top 25 poll and remain unranked, but they are prompting national awareness. Xavier, the program Gopher head coach Ben Johnson was at last season, is No. 18. Niko Medved, the former Gopher basketball student manager, is head coach of No. 21 ranked Colorado State.

It was nice to read Blaise Andries’ Tweet yesterday expressing loyalty to his home state. “I chose to stay home at Minnesota because I believed we could change the perception of this team to the state and nation,” the Gophers offensive lineman from Marshall wrote.

The redshirt senior, who in the Tweet declared he is entering the NFL Draft after Minnesota’s December 28 bowl game, has been a major contributor to the Gophers’ 22-10 record the last three seasons including a final AP national ranking of No. 10 in January of 2020.

The Gophers enter their Guaranteed Rate Bowl game against West Virginia in Phoenix ranked No. 4 in the country in total defense behind Wisconsin, Georgia and Oklahoma.

Tony Oliva told Sports Headliners what makes him happy about his recent election to baseball’s Hall of Fame is the reaction of Minnesotans. “Any place I go, the people come to me and say, ‘Tony, congratulations.’ “

The great Twins hitter, now 83, is a longtime Bloomington resident who has been among Minnesota’s most well-liked sports personalities for generations. Former teammate Rod Carew, in his 2020 autobiography One Tough Out, expressed what so many people feel about Oliva when he wrote:

“Tony has never met a stranger. The warmth he exudes could light a cigar from the lush tobacco fields he grew up surrounded by in Cuba. He taught me things like how to knot a tie and where to eat on the road. Any question I had, about baseball or life, he answered. Sometimes he provided advice before I even realized I needed it.”

Oliva grew up on a farm in Cuba and his father made about $10 per week. Oliva’s 16-year-career was before baseball’s big money era. He made $7,000 his rookie season of 1964 and the most he ever earned was $100,000.

But Oliva’s happiness doesn’t seem focused on recognition or money. People are a priority for him including the Twins organization who he considers “family.” Oliva still works for the franchise as a spokesman and ambassador of goodwill. His involvement is priceless.

Merry Christmas to all!

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Vikings Stuck in Long-Term Mediocrity

Posted on December 19, 2021December 20, 2021 by David Shama

The Vikings enter tomorrow night’s game at Chicago with a 6-7 record. That flirtation with a .500 record is indicative of what the club has experienced for 16 seasons dating back to 2005 when the Wilf family purchased the franchise.

During that stretch the Vikings’ regular season record (including this year) is 139 wins, 128 losses and 2 ties. Throw in a 3-6 playoff record and the result is 142-134-2. The last three seasons (including 2021) the regular season totals are 23 wins, 22 losses.

The Vikings have been good enough to keep their fan base engaged, with the more exuberant followers dreaming of a Super Bowl appearance (hasn’t happened since 1977). The team had a season-for-the-ages when Brett Favre dropped into town in 2009. The 2019 season with a 13-3 record and postseason “Minneapolis Miracle” was special, too.

There have been a couple of seasons perhaps worthy of fans pulling paper bags over their collective heads at home games. Included on the short list is a 3-13 disaster in 2011. But there have been a lot of years where the final record was 9-7, 8-8, 7-9, 8-7-1 and Maalox-inducing-2021 (12 of 13 games decided by one possession, eight points or fewer).

Since 2005 the Vikings have won four division titles, with the most recent in 2017. They missed the playoffs last season after going 7-9 during the regular season. Their postseason success is shabby compared with NFC rivals. Twelve of the conference’s 16 teams have played in at least one Super Bowl dating back to 2005. The Vikings, Cowboys, Lions and Washington have not.

The NFL is America’s game and it capture’s public focus like few other things in our culture. Out here on the prairie Minnesotans want to be cool, too, and so it’s a tossup on Sundays whether church activities or the local NFL crew are more important. The Vikings have been competitive enough to play in dramatic games and they also stoke Purple passion with entertaining talents like Justin Jefferson and Dalvin Cook.

Many Vikings fans have a love-hate relationship with their team. Despite the mediocre on-field results for years, the fans aren’t apathetic about their favorites and that’s good news for the financial bottom line—and the Wilfs who bought the franchise for a reported $600 million. This year in its valuation of NFL franchises, Forbes estimated the worth is $3.35 billion. With inflation run amuck, that number could jump more than in the past when Forbes reports again in 2022.

The up-and-down Vikings get ready for the Bears Monday night and a showdown game that will weigh heavily on making the playoffs. At 6-7, with four games remaining, what’s all but certain is the final record will be around .500.

Surprise? Hardly.

Worth Noting

Gophers football coach P.J. Fleck talking on BTN Wednesday about promising defensive linemen recruits Trey Bixby, Anthony Smith and Hayden Schwartz: “Hopefully some of them can play and contribute as a freshman (2022).”

Kristen Hoskins, the electric kick returner and receiver from Alexandria, Minnesota, is another player from the 2022 Gopher recruiting class who drew attention on National Signing Day last Wednesday. He wasn’t highly recruited but 247Sports analyst Allen Trieu sees similarity with former Penn State star KJ Hamler. “I think he (Hoskins) is a steal,” Trieu said on BTN.

There are 21 former Gophers in the College Football Hall of Fame and the next one could be Greg Eslinger. A two-time All-American in 2004 and 2005, he won the Outland Trophy given to college football’s best interior lineman and the Dave Rimington Trophy as college football’s best center.

Eslinger’s college head coach, Glen Mason, recruited the North Dakota native as a fullback but converted Eslinger to center and started him as a true freshman. “He should already be in (the Hall of Fame),” Mason said in an email. “Crime!”

Crime No. 2? It’s an injustice Halsey Hall isn’t a member of the Twins Hall of Fame. Part of the Twins’ original broadcast crew starting in 1961, Hall is the most entertaining on-air personality the club ever had. Not even close!

Minnesota ticket sales are outpacing West Virginia’s for the December 28 Guaranteed Rate Bowl in Phoenix, per bowl CEO Mike Nealy. There might be 7,500 Gophers fans attending the game played at the Arizona Diamondbacks’ baseball stadium (capacity around 30,000 for football). Neal, who said the median ticket price is about $70, predicted attendance of 25,000 to 30,000 for the game, with up to two million TV viewers watching on ESPN.

The 8-4 Gophers are about a four point favorite against the 6-6 Mountaineers.

Bob Peters photo courtesy of Bemidji State University

Condolences to family, friends and the many admirers of Bob Peters who passed away last week at age 84. The legendary Bemidji State hockey coach, who retired in 2001, won 13 small college national championships and ranks fifth in wins all-time among college hockey coaches, but more importantly he was a great mentor to his players.

Chris Justice knows how Peters impacted his life. Justice had a successful hockey career at Edina High School in the 1980s but initially decided not to attend college. A couple of years later, despite having experienced a car accident severely injuring his right arm, he asked Peters for an opportunity at Bemidji. Justice not only played for the Beavers but went on to become head hockey coach at Bemidji High School and remains a contributor to the sport in his adopted hometown.

The NHL’s Winter Classic series dates back to 2008 but the January 1, 2022 Minneapolis edition at Target Field will be the first one televised nationally in prime time starting at 7 p.m. Eastern. The day prior will offer a lineup of free activities for fans including hockey attractions and musical performances.

That was future new Timberwolves owner Alex Rodriguez in town for Friday night’s impressive win over the Lakers. The New York Post reported recently A-Rod sold his $6.3 million Miami house after his split with Jennifer Lopez.

Too bad retired Star Trib gossip columnist C.J. (Cheryl Johnson) isn’t around to chronicle A-Rod’s adventures.

Twins legend Tony Oliva is the latest guest on the “Behind the Game” program seen on over 25 cable markets and on YouTube. The show is co-hosted by Agile Marketing owner Patrick Klinger and USHL commissioner Bill Robertson.

The Minnesota-Green Bay men’s basketball game scheduled for a 7 p.m. start Wednesday will tip instead at 4 p.m. BTN will televise.

Gopher basketball alum J.B. Bickerstaff, now coaching the NBA Cavs, has his team a surprising seven games over .500 with the help of former Wolves Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio.

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U Nabs Headliner in DE Anthony Smith

Posted on December 12, 2021December 16, 2021 by David Shama

Defensive end Anthony Smith from Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, is expected to sign his National Letter of Intent Wednesday with the University of Minnesota. Ryan Burns—the recruiting authority from Gopher Illustrated and 247Sports—told Sports Headliners Smith is a special recruit.

247’s website describes Smith as a four-star prospect whose college offers include Penn State, Michigan and Michigan State. “He’s a guy that Minnesota doesn’t get a chance at too often,” Burns said. “I think Chad Wilt, (Gophers) d-line coach, did a great job there (recruiting Smith).”

There are 16 high school verbal commits the Gophers want to sign on Wednesday but Burns believes Smith has without question “the highest ceiling” of anyone in the class. “He is the ideal size. He’s, 6-4, 6-5, 280. He’s incredibly athletic. …”

Athleticism and length are physical attributes characterizing the 2022 recruiting class that has one player each at quarterback, running back, tight end, linebacker and safety; along with two wide receivers, and three prospects each at cornerback, offensive line and defensive line. The class reflects the need to fill future openings on the roster.

All the players are three-star recruits, per 247, except four-stars Smith and defensive lineman Trey Bixby of Eden Prairie. The Gophers coveted Bixby going back to his days competing as a prep in Ohio. He has fought through health and injury issues at Eden Prairie but is okay now, Burns said.

In recent days 247 evaluators have been looking at future Gopher quarterback Jacob Knuth from Harrisburg, South Dakota. There is a “realistic shot,” per Burns, Knuth could move up to four-star status, as might running back Zach Evans of Rockwall, Texas who has turned heads playing at the highest level of competition in that state.

Burns is optimistic coach P.J. Fleck and his staff will hold on to all their commits between now and Signing Day. He expects the Gophers could add three or more signees beyond the 16.

Three-star defensive lineman Hayden Schwartz of Jacksonville, Florida, who de-committed from Nebraska in October, is scheduled to visit the Minnesota campus this weekend. Other prep prospects are scheduled, too, plus there are players the Gophers are looking at from the college transfer portal.

News broke Saturday that Minnesota has a verbal commitment from Abilene Christian transfer Ryan Stapp, a defensive back from the same college program Gophers linebacker Jack Gibbens came from. Stapp turned down offers from various power five teams including Nebraska and Northwestern, per Burns. Stapp was a 2019 FCS freshman All-American.

Here are brief descriptions from Burns of the high school players expected to become Gophers. Smith, already profiled, is excluded.

Trey Bixby: At 6-5, 255 pounds, he seems to have the ideal size and strength to compete in the Big Ten as a defensive lineman. He is skilled at knowing how to use his hands and disengage from offensive linemen. He could play defensive end or tackle in college.

Zach Evans: the 5-9, 200-pound running back is a north-south runner who may draw comparisons with Gopher All-American Mo Ibrahim. He senses where a hole will open and his balance is outstanding. Minnesota coaches told him he would be the only RB in the class offered a scholarship.

Jacob Knuth: As a 6-4, 207-pound quarterback he not only has a strong arm but also is athletic. Has a “high ceiling” and his pass-run balance could be an ideal long range fit in the offense of new coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca.

Kristen Hoskins: At 5-9 and 160-pounds, Hoskins better be quick and fast. Don’t worry about it. The Alexandria, Minnesota recruit runs 4.4 and is probably the most electric open field runner in the state. He will be a wide receiver and kick returner who could see the field next fall.

Ike White: ESPN ranked the 5-11, 185-pound Philadelphia native a four-star wide receiver. Gophers wide receiver coach Matt Simon worked with White at summer camp and likes his abilities including route running.

Aidan Gousby: The coaches want not only athleticism but also length with their cornerbacks. The 6-2, 185-pound Lehigh Acres, Florida native has his position listed as “athlete” by 247 but he is expected to play corner at the U.

Rhyland Kelly: He tested well at a satellite camp Minnesota coaches attended. The 6-2, 185-pound prospect from Clearwater, Florida fits that size and length profile the coaches want in cornerbacks.

Tariq Watson: At 5-10, 165, the Harvey, Louisiana native doesn’t fit the CB profile so much but his speed is special. Word is he ran 4.3 at a couple of summer camps. Could play slot corner or safety.

Coleman Bryson: Gophers secondary coach Joe Harasymiak is a big fan of the Rabun Gap, Georgia native. At 6-2, 190 pounds, the athletic Bryson is taller than past Gopher safeties.

Joey Gerlach: Minnesota defensive coordinator Joe Rossi scouted Gerlach at summer camp and saw a high football IQ competitor with athleticism. The Woodbury High School linebacker prospect is 6-3, 195. He will have to add 20 pounds or more when he plays for the Gophers.

Jack Pyburn: He has 100-plus tackles each of the last three seasons in high school. The Jacksonville, Florida prospect is 6-3, 255 pounds and is a high motor, physical athlete who will be a rush end for the Gophers. He is a state championship wrestler.

Tony Nelson: He is from small town Tracy, Minnesota but at 6-6, 265-pounds he could one day be a big contributor on the offensive line. He has the physical tools of a Big Ten tackle including good feet.

Ashton Beers: The 6-5, 295-pound offensive lineman has been receiving more attention of late and he could be similar in potential to Nelson. The Slinger, Wisconsin native was a North Dakota State commit until recently but the Gophers flipped him. Word is the Bison coaches aren’t happy about their loss.

Nathan Jones: At 6-5, 240, Jones has the size to play tight end. The Brock, Texas native had Big 12 Conference offers but is headed for Minnesota where he has the potential to be another drive blocker like current tight end Ko Kieft.

Spencer Alvarez: It was thought the Columbia Heights High School prospect might play tight end but his Gopher position looks like offensive tackle. He is coming off knee surgery but the 6-7, 255 Alvarez has the frame to be a Big Ten tackle after adding weight and strength.

Among the players listed above, Alvarez, Evans, Gousby and Kelly, plus college transfer Stapp, are expected to be enrolled at Minnesota in January and attending winter classes, according to Burns.

Minnesota’s 2022 class has a composite ranking of No. 45 in the nation. The composite rankings come from the rankings of 247, Rivals and ESPN. (Minnesota has a No. 36 ranking from 247.)

The Gophers’ composite number is bunched near five of its six Big Ten West Division rivals: No. 44 Wisconsin, No. 43 Northwestern, No. 41 Illinois, No. 39 Iowa and No. 37 Purdue.

What do the recruiting rankings mean in the Big Ten and across the country? Well, they’re meaningful but don’t bet your Tesla stock on all of them.

Alabama, Georgia and Michigan are in this season’s College Football Playoff. Their 2022 incoming recruiting classes have composite rankings of No. 1, 2 and 10 respectively. Upstart Cincinnati, the fourth team in the playoffs, has its class at No. 27. “There is a correlation between finishing high in the recruiting ranks, and finishing high in the polls,” Burns said.

Burns said five-star prospects are something like 32 times more likely to reach the NFL than four-stars. Four-stars could be about 100 times more likely than three-stars to one day play in the NFL.

Then there is this: Fleck said awhile ago it’s meaningful if over 50 percent of a Minnesota recruiting class become contributors. “I mean it’s not wrong,” Burns said. “I go back and I look at the 2018 recruiting class and there’s not a lot of those guys left.”

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