Preps – Page 124 – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

Big Ten Bowl Woes Roll on

Posted on January 7, 2013January 7, 2013 by David Shama

Although he doesn’t think the Big Ten is “that far away,” former Gophers athletic director Joel Maturi feels the disappointment of conference fans when reviewing bowl results.

The latest bowl season is over for Big Ten teams who won two games and lost five. Not that the results surprised close observers who for years have seen the Big Ten—once regarded as the king of college football—turn in season after season of mediocre and poor results.

Among the losses this bowl season was Stanford’s 20-14 win over Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl. The Badgers have now lost three consecutive Rose Bowls and Big Ten teams are 1-9 in their last 10 games played in the Granddaddy of the bowls.

Big Ten teams are 28-47 in bowl games the last 10 years, including 17-28 in early January games like the Rose Bowl, according to a story posted last Thursday by Bleacherreport.com.

“The fact of the matter is the Big Ten hasn’t been quite as good as it once was, and everyone wants it to be,” Maturi said.

The conference football product has been slipping for years and the Big Ten has gone from head of the class in the 1950s and 1960s, to among the best in later decades, to its present inferiority compared to at least three other conferences—the SEC, Big 12 and Pac-12. Maturi, who has followed the league for more than five decades and retired as Gophers athletic director last summer, acknowledges the Big Ten is struggling more than any time he can remember.

The Big Ten has Hollywood like football tradition and rivalries. The Big Ten Network, with football as the lead product, is a money machine for the 12 conference schools. More than half the stadiums in the league seat 70,000 or more fans and are routinely packed for games.

So what’s the problem? The best guess is shifting demographics. While the Rust Belt and Midwest states are generally stagnant or declining in population, the South and West are growing. More population means a deeper talent pool of young football players targeting college careers.

The SEC has won the last six national titles. Tonight southern power Alabama, the defending national champion, plays Notre Dame for the 2013 title. The West Coast dominated Pac-12 Conference holds impressive wins this bowl season in the Rose Bowl and in the Fiesta Bowl where Oregon defeated Kansas State, 35-17. The SEC is rich in players from the South while the Pac-12 recruits California high schools and junior colleges, and signs players from football-crazy Texas, too.

Ohio State, the Big Ten’s best program, wasn’t eligible in 2012 for a bowl game. Maturi said when the Buckeyes return to bowl games starting next season that will be a major boost for the conference and so too will a resurgent Michigan program under second year coach Brady Hoke. Traditional power PennState looks crippled for years to come by NCAA sanctions including three more years of bowl bans. “I am worried about how long it will take Penn State to come back,” Maturi said.

Maturi is taking an optimistic view toward the future. He notes some of the bowl losses in the last few weeks have been close games (three decided by 14 total points including the Gophers’ 34-31 loss to Texas Tech). He also points out that after years of losing the annual basketball series with the ACC, the Big Ten has now won the last four ACC/Big Ten Challenges.

“I don’t think we’re that far away (in football),” Maturi said.

From Nebraska to Penn State—and 10 schools in between—a lot of people hope he is correct.

Worth Noting

Gophers assistant basketball coach Saul Smith told Sports Headliners he’s leading a quiet lifestyle away from the court. “I went to J.D. Hoyt’s for dinner with family on New Year’s Eve,” he said.

Gophers head coach Tubby Smith sat next to North Carolina coach Roy Williams watching point guard Tyus Jones and shooting guard Rashad Vaughn play in the 17^th annual Timberwolves Shootout at Target Center on Saturday. The two juniors are among the most coveted prep players in the country for the class of 2014. Jones’ Apple Valley team defeated Vaughn’s Cooper team, 80-70.

Assistant coaches Saul Smith and Vince Taylor watched the game along with Gophers players Joe Coleman, Trevor Mbakwe, Oto Osenieks and Rodney Williams. The group was targeted by fans for photos and autographs.

It’s my opinion the Gophers have a better chance of securing Vaughn than Jones who won’t surprise recruiting observers if he chooses Duke. Other schools on his short list could be Kentucky and Michigan State. Jones admirers hope to see him reduce the time he’s missed in the past with physical problems including recent back spasms.

Timberwolves Shootout organizer Jeff Munneke is already working on teams for next year’s event. Among schools being contacted is Chicago Whitney Young, a team that features junior center Jahlil Okafor, a friend of Jones and among the best players nationally in the class of 2014.

Teams participating in the Timberwolves Shootout pay their own expenses and don’t receive appearance fees. Munneke said the Timberwolves, trying to help promote prep basketball, have some years made a small profit on the event while other times breaking even on finances. This year’s Shootout field included eight teams and four games on Saturday.

Former Duluth Central and Gophers guard Terry Kunze was a state tournament star in the early 1960s. Asked at the Shootout who are the most dominant players to play in the tournament over the years, he listed Lake City’s Randy Breuer, North’s Khalid El-Amin, Melrose’s Mark Olberding and Ellsworth’s Cody Schilling.

On Saturday, for the first time this season, the Timberwolves put single game tickets on sale for their February 1 and March 27 home games with the Lakers, plus March 4 against the Heat, March 29 versus the Thunder and April 1 with the Celtics.

Northwestern, 9-6 overall and 0-2 in the Big Ten, lost at home to No. 2 (A.P.) ranked Michigan last week, 94-66. The No. 9 Gophers, 14-1 and 2-0 in the Big Ten, beat the Wildcats 69-51 in Williams Arena last night.

How ironic if Montreal CFL head coach Marc Trestman, a St. Louis Park native and former Vikings assistant, is the next head coach of the Bears. Trestman, who played part of his college career at quarterback for the Gophers, has been a past favorite of U alums for the Minnesota head coaching job.

Doesn’t look like former Vikings coach Mike Tice, the Bears offensive coordinator in 2012, will be promoted to Chicago head coach.

For the first time ever during the 17 week regular season, an NFL game was the most watched national TV program each week, according to a January 4 email from Sports Media News.

In an online article last Saturday, Sbnation.com reported most college football authorities are predicting Alabama will defeat Notre Dame in the national championship game tonight. Will Harris of ESPN, Stewart Mandel from Sports Illustrated, Jerry Palm of CBS Sports and John Tamanaha from NBC Sports College Football Talk were all quoted as favoring the Crimson Tide.

Former Twins Kyle Lohse, Matt Capps, Carl Pavano and Delmon Young are among major league baseball’s remaining free agents.

Hall of famer and St. Paul native Paul Molitor remains a subject of speculation to one day manage the Twins who for two consecutive years have finished last in the AL Central Division.

Comments Welcome

Win Streak Makes Vikings Superstitious

Posted on January 4, 2013January 4, 2013 by David Shama

Vikings notes and quotes:

The Vikings have won four consecutive games and the streak has prompted superstitions at Winter Park. Fullback Jerome Felton, a Pro Bowl selection for 2013, told Sports Headliners the team has been eating the same lunch items each Friday during the winning streak that has the Vikings headed for a first round playoff game on Saturday night in Green Bay against the Packers.

The Vikings have been enjoying pulled pork, macaroni and cheese, and other offerings provided by Brasa catering on Fridays. “They got the best cookies ever,” Felton said. “I think that might be everybody’s favorite.”

During the winning streak linebacker Erin Henderson has made a habit of Thursday lunches at Jimmy John’s. Defensive lineman Christian Ballard and wide receiver Jarius Wright have been letting their hair grow.

If the Vikings keep winning, Wright said he will avoid haircuts. “Yes, sir. I will just let it grow.”

Rookie placekicker Blair Walsh is one of the team MVPs. He has kicked an NFL high 35 field goals, ranks fourth in league total points with 141 and has 53 kickoffs for touchbacks, third best among all players. His .921 field goal percentage is the best in NFL history for a rookie kicker. Three times he’s been the NFL Special Teams Player of the Week.

Chosen last week for the Pro Bowl, Walsh said he can still improve. “I missed three kicks (this season) and you can always improve by not missing.”

Walsh made 35 of 38 field goal attempts and showed no signs of the mechanical issues that caused a poor season in 2011 at Georgia. He has the knowledge now to correct any problems that might occur again.

Walsh has no individual goals he is “shooting for” but said his technique and distance can get better. “Absolutely. I’ll improve from this year to next year.”

Center John Sullivan said the Vikings have an advantage over other teams when instead of punting the ball they can sometimes try Walsh on a long distance field goal. “Ten-for-10 on field goals (from) plus 50 yards is the best in league history. That speaks for itself,” Sullivan said.

Walsh made an impression even in training camp. “We knew what he was going to be able to do on kickoffs, especially in this division where you have so many dangerous returners,” Sullivan said. “That helps a lot. But I think he surprised everybody with his range on field goals, and the accuracy with which he’s hitting. So that’s a testament to how hard he works.”

Walsh replaced 15 year veteran Ryan Longwell who in a pro career playing for both the Packers and Vikings never had a season with total field goals and points the equal of Minnesota’s 2012 sixth round draft choice.

The Vikings have an extraordinary 2012 draft class that also includes starting left tackle Matt Kalil who like Walsh has been mentioned in All-Pro discussions. Kalil was a first round pick as was Harrison Smith who has helped upgrade the safety position. Cornerback Josh Robinson (third round) and wide receiver Jarius Wright (fourth round) are other major contributors.

The Vikings have remade their roster since 2009, the last playoff qualifying season. “A lot of new guys, new faces,” said Vikings owner and president Mark Wilf. “It’s the first time (in the playoffs) for a lot of them. We’re excited and I think we’re building something special here.”

Despite their contributions, none of the Vikings rookies will receive bonus money for their regular season performances. NFL contracts don’t allow such compensation in rookie agreements.

The team’s best player under 25 is Percy Harvin but the dynamic receiver, runner and kickoff returner hasn’t played since November 4 because of his injured ankle. Harvin, a fourth year player, reportedly has squabbled with former head coach Brad Childress and current coach Leslie Frazier. There’s speculation that with an expiring contract at the end of 2013, Harvin could be traded this off-season.

Wilf talking about Adrian Peterson who missed by nine yards breaking Eric Dickerson’s single season NFL rushing record of 2,105: “He’s a special person and a special player. We believe he’s one of the best, if not the best running back of all-time.”

Peterson will play in only the fourth playoff game of his six-year career tomorrow night in Green Bay. He’s ready and not kidding when talking about returning kickoffs if the Vikings need a late game score.

Peterson’s backup, Toby Gerhart, grew up as a Packers fan while living in California. Quarterback Brett Favre was his hero.

The December 31 issue of Sports Illustrated picks the Patriots to defeat the Packers in the Super Bowl next month. The Packers have won nine of their last 11 games.

Worth Noting

The No. 9 ranked (Associated Press) Gophers basketball team plays Northwestern at home on Sunday night starting at 6 p.m. Northwestern, 9-5 overall and 0-1 in the Big Ten, is a popular choice to finish near the bottom of the Big Ten standings but Gophers guard Austin Hollins doesn’t expect Minnesota to have a problem being motivated.

The Gophers defeated No. 18 Michigan State on Monday in their first Big Ten game and Hollins likes the potential of his team. “I think the sky’s the limit. We have so many options. I don’t think there’s a drop-off when our bench comes in, and that’s tough for teams to play against. You’re wearing them down, wearing them down.

“You sub in and you’ve got the same intensity as you did with the first five. The depth really helps us. Everyone’s focused and that also helps.”

The 17^th annual Timberwolves Shootout will be Saturday at Target Center with four prep games including a 3 p.m. anticipated matchup between Tyus Jones and Apple Valley High School versus Rashad Vaughn and Robbinsdale Cooper. As of Wednesday, Jones was averaging 22.3 points per game and Vaughn 28 with a 51 point game recently. Both players are juniors. A $15 admission ticket also provides entrance Saturday night to the Timberwolves-Trail Blazers game.

The St. Thomas men’s basketball team, ranked No. 3 nationally by D3hoops.com, is 10-0. The Tommies are at home for a 3 p.m. game tomorrow against 8-0 Augsburg.

Ted Mondale, executive director of the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority, wants the new Vikings stadium to one day host the Big Ten championship football game. The first two Big Ten title games have been at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, a facility similar to the stadium being planned in Minneapolis.

Jason Zucker leads the Wild’s Houston Aeros minor league affiliate in points with 29 and goals, 15. Justin Fontaine, Brian Connelly and Mikael Granlund are next with 22, 21 and 20.

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Frazier Not Anxious about Job

Posted on December 12, 2012December 12, 2012 by David Shama

With three regular season games remaining, there’s no official word yet on extending coach Leslie Frazier’s contract but that seems likely to happen before too long.

Frazier reportedly has a three-year deal that commits the Vikings to him through next season. To let Frazier go very long into next year without an extension wouldn’t show much faith in him and probably won’t happen.

Vikings ownership and general manager Rick Spielman are believed to be supportive of the man who was promoted from defensive coordinator late in the 2010 season to interim coach and later head coach. Frazier won three of six games in 2010, then went 3-13 last season as the franchise began rebuilding. This season the team is 7-6 with the playoffs a possibility for the first time since 2009.

Frazier, preparing this week for Sunday’s game with the Rams, told Sports Headliners he doesn’t worry about his tenure as coach. “Not at all. I talk to our players all the time about control what you can control, and from my standpoint it’s true for me as well.

“My concentration has to be on the St. Louis Rams in this case, and really focusing on that. All those other things take care of themselves as long as I concentrate on the task at hand.”

The Vikings’ record looks like an accomplishment to those who thought before season the team was in for a dismal year. Despite losing playmaker extraordinaire Percy Harvin to injury, and having to develop a second-year quarterback and other young players on both offense and defense, there are only six teams in the 16-team NFC that have a better record than the Vikings.

Frazier’s likeable personality enhances his popularity with the franchise, media and fans. “I try to be myself as much as I can,” he said. “Some people will like that person and some people won’t, but it’s important to be yourself. That’s one thing I’ve learned over the years. Be who you are. Hopefully people will accept you for who you are. …”

Frazier said when he was an NFL player he always appreciated coaches and others who were honest with him. He tries to do the same now in his leadership position.

“When you start trying to mislead people, I don’t think that’s a good deal,” he said. “You don’t create the trust that you have to have in the environment we’re in.”

Worth Noting

Ted Mondale, executive director for the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority, told Sports Headliners an announcement about whether the new Vikings stadium will have a retractable roof will come in “late February or early March.”

That announcement will be made after a construction company is hired and can determine what amenities are affordable on the $975 million budget. An announcement naming the company is expected January 25.

The Vikings want a retractable feature for the stadium but budget limitations might dictate that rather than a costly sliding roof something like a huge window that can be opened and closed will be what is affordable. The stadium will have either a fixed or sliding roof—open air isn’t an option.

In the December 10 issue, Minneapolis native Larry Fitzgerald Jr. is one of 10 individuals profiled in Sports Illustrated for service to others. The Cardinals All-Pro wide receiver is particularly known here for his work in the fight against breast cancer, a disease that took his mother Carol’s life. But he’s also a world traveler whose causes in other countries include the Starkey Hearing Foundation and USO.

“If you get consumed by fame, your world can be a very small bubble,” Fitzgerald told Sports Illustrated.

Steve and Dorothy Erban’s Creative Charters is working on filling up a second airplane with fans wanting to attend the Meineke Car Care Bowl in Houston on December 28 between the Gophers and Texas Tech. www.creativecharter.com

Eden Prairie High School football coach Mike Grant is expected to interview this week for the Saint John’s head coaching job, according to a December 8 St. Cloud Times online story.

Chad Rogosheske, named Hamline football coach on Monday, was a running back for the 1995 Pipers—the school’s last team to have a winning record. He was all-MIAC in 1996, blocking for Eric Johnson who set school records for rushing yards and touchdowns. Rogosheske also spent three seasons at Ohio State as a graduate assistant.

Will tonight be Ricky Rubio’s season debut when the Timberwolves play the Nuggets at Target Center? The second-year Spanish point guard played in 41 games as a rookie before injuring his left knee and ending his season.

Gophers coach Tubby Smith took the redshirt status off Rice Lake, Wisconsin freshman guard-forward Wally Ellenson last night in Minnesota’s win over North Dakota State. With one nonconference game remaining before the Big Ten season begins, the athletic Ellenson will add depth to the roster.

Prep basketball authority Ken Lien emailed that Apple Valley point guard Tyus Jones made 20 of 22 free throws and seven of 14 field goals to score 36 points in the Eagles’ 82-68 win over Minnetonka last night. The junior preseason All-American also had six assists.

My son Bill and I had dinner with former Gophers basketball captain Paul Presthus last night. Presthus and my father were both from Rugby, North Dakota— a small town known as the geographic center of North America. Presthus was famous as a high school player and before his senior season was included with Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul Jabbar) as a first team prep All-American.

The announcement Monday that the NHL has cancelled regular season games through December 30 now means 42.8 percent of the schedule for 2012-2013 is lost.

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