Vikings – Page 182 – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

U Makes Money on Carolina-TCU Swap

Posted on August 22, 2015August 22, 2015 by David Shama

Gophers coach Jerry Kill wanted out of a two-game schedule in 2013-2014 against North Carolina because the Tar Heels represented more of a competitive nonconference opponent than his struggling program was ready for. What he didn’t know was athletic director Norwood Teague would eventually schedule a much more difficult opponent in TCU. And while the Gophers might not win on the field against TCU, Teague arranged financial terms easing the expense of vacating the North Carolina games.

Minnesota was 3-9 overall and 2-6 in Big Ten games after Kill’s first season in 2011. The Gophers had the same record the season prior and Kill knew there was monumental work to do in rebuilding the program. In the fall of 2012 Teague and Kill were in agreement to buyout the Carolina contract for $800,000.

The Gophers had been scheduled to play in Chapel Hill, North Carolina September 7, 2013, with the return game in Minneapolis September 14 of the next year. The buyout was criticized by Minnesota media and fans for the cost and also the unwillingness to play an opponent from a major football conference.

Kill, though, was trying to follow a formula used by most program building coaches—schedule mediocre opposition in advance of the conference season. He got his way in 2013 when Minnesota was 4-0 against nonconference opponents New Mexico State, San Jose State, UNLV and Western Illinois.

However, in the spring of 2013 the Gophers announced the scheduling of two games with TCU, a program coming off many 10-plus win seasons in the 2000s and eventually headed for 12-1 in 2014. Kill and TCU coach Gary Patterson have been buddies for years but when the deal for the two schools was being initially arranged neither was aware of it.

Teague and TCU booked a game for September 13 last year in Fort Worth with the second game in Minneapolis this season—September 3. The deal was made before Kill had control of his football schedule, and is a prime example of disconnect between the coach and his now departed and infamous athletic director.

“Coach Patterson, you can talk to him. He knew nothing about it (scheduling TCU and Minnesota),” Kill said earlier this month. “I knew nothing about it. All of a sudden you hear something, and he goes, hey, are we going to play each other?

“I go, no. He goes, I don’t want to play. He goes, I heard rumors. I…said we’re not playing. And then all of a sudden I get a phone call that we’re going to play the game. I’m low man on the totem pole, so we’ll go play the game.”

Teague saw an opportunity to make money with the TCU games. A source told Sports Headliners the deal Teague finalized not only provides monies to entirely offset the $800,000 North Carolina buyout, but the Gophers will make a few hundred thousand dollars beyond that figure—perhaps $400,000.

The Horned Frogs are a favorite to win the national championship this season and it will be a huge upset if the Gophers win on September 3. Kill’s program is dramatically improved since he lobbied and won termination of the North Carolina games, but in a perfect world the Minnesota coach would probably prefer playing VMI instead of TCU. Still, his players are excited about the TCU opportunity on national TV and the competitor in Kill is evident now—with the coach saying earlier this month “we’re looking forward to it.”

Worth Noting

Patterson made a major change in his staff and offensive philosophy after TCU finished 4-8 in 2013. He brought in new co-offensive coordinators and installed a fast-paced attack similar to those used by other programs in the Big 12—sometimes only one player in the backfield, four wide receivers and no tight ends. The Horned Frogs had the personnel to make the change and went from 88th in scoring per game to second last season, averaging 46.5 points. The TCU offense starts with quarterback Trevone Boykin, a Heisman Trophy candidate.

You wonder if the Gophers might follow TCU’s change and open up their offense in a couple of years as the program adds more playmaking quarterbacks and receivers. Certainly Kill has a consultant ready to help in his friend Patterson.

Patterson is one of the nation’s winningest coaches and first built his program at TCU with defense. Gophers defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys has visited TCU in the past, another indication of the respect and friendship between Patterson and Kill.

The Horned Frogs use a 4-2-5 defensive scheme loaded on the backend with athletic players who can run in space and defend. Gophers offensive coordinator Matt Limegrover, who watched the Gophers score only one touchdown in last year’s 30-7 loss to the Horned Frogs in Fort Worth, is more concerned about the TCU personnel than the scheme.

“That is a less of a headache as far as preparing than just the kind of players they have and how well those kids play in the system,” Limegrover said. “We didn’t have a bad day offensively last year because they did a bunch of stuff that we couldn’t handle necessarily from an assignment standpoint. We just didn’t play well. We had five turnovers. …”

The opening weekend of college football will draw a lot of attention including the AdvoCare Classic on September 5 when Wisconsin plays Alabama in a Big Ten versus SEC matchup at AT&T Stadium in Irving, Texas. A friend bought four tickets at $300 each (face value) for the game between the top 25 teams. ESPN’s College Gameday will promote the game that morning from Fort Worth.

Sean Engel, who is a senior wide receiver at Chaska High School, has received nine college offers this summer with the most recent coming from Wyoming and head coach Craig Bohl, the former North Dakota State coach who built much of his success with the Bison recruiting Minnesota preps. Engel is the brother of former Gophers wide receiver Derrick Engel who has been hired by Adidas to be a national account manager.

Fans shouldn’t make too many judgments about the Vikings offense during the preseason including tonight’s game against the Raiders at TCF Bank Stadium. Offensive coordinator Norv Turner said the team won’t show a lot in the team’s five exhibition games. “We do the things we need to do to go play a preseason game,” he said.

Exhibition games put a focus on judging personnel and eventually reducing the number of players to 53. Turner, who three times has been an NFL head coach, said his experience is teams don’t have pre-set goals on number of players at each position as they reduce rosters. He added “you want to keep the 53 best players” and the Vikings are proficient at making evaluations.

In a move to help their often struggling bullpen, the Twins have acquired left-handed reliever Neal Cotts from the Brewers in exchange for a player to be named later, or for cash. The 35-year-old Cotts appeared in 51 games for the Brewers this season, with a 3.26 ERA (49.2 IP, 18 ER), holding opponents to a .239 average with 17 walks and 49 strikeouts. During 2015 left-handed hitters are hitting .185 (15-for-81) against him.

Carl Pohlad, the former Twins owner who died in 2009, would have celebrated his 100th birthday on Sunday (August 23). Former Gophers women’s basketball coach Pam Borton turns 50 years old today.

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Turner Upbeat on Loadholt Replacement

Posted on August 17, 2015August 17, 2015 by David Shama

Norv Turner confirmed this morning starting right offensive tackle Phil Loadholt is out indefinitely with a torn left Achilles but the offensive coordinator is enthused about his replacement, rookie fourth round draft choice T.J. Clemmings.

Clemmings played in both of the Vikings first two preseason games and has been in training camp since last month. He replaced Loadholt, a veteran of six NFL seasons, during the first quarter of Saturday night’s game against the Bucs.

“He’s improving since he got here,” Turner said about Clemmings. “He’s having an outstanding camp. He played well in the Hall of Fame Game. He gets thrown into action earlier in the game (Saturday) than he thought. I thought he played extremely well. He’s a young player with a bright future, and he’s going to have to step it up.”

Clemmings is not only a rookie but somewhat a newcomer to the offensive line. At Pitt he was switched from defensive end to offense in 2013. He made a successful transition, and last year the Football Writers of America placed him on their All-American second team at offensive tackle.

Clemmings’ football career in high school was only two years. He excelled in basketball, turning down scholarship offers from Providence and Seton Hall to accept Pitt’s football offer. Scout named him the No. 6 defensive end prospect in the country as a prep senior.

He played right tackle at Pitt and there was pre-draft speculation earlier this year that he could be selected in the first round. Concern about past injuries impacted where he was drafted but it’s thought the Vikings may have made a wise move taking him in the fourth round.

The athletic Clemmings has the kind of quick footwork you might expect from a former basketball standout. However, his reputation also after being drafted was that his blocking techniques need work. Turner said Clemmings has “really improved his pass protection” since he’s been in Minnesota.

Among Turner’s expectations is Clemmings and right guard Mike Harris will communicate effectively on the field. Clemmings might take inspiration from Harris who was an undrafted rookie free agent in 2012 with the Chargers but started nine games. Turner was head coach of that team.

Worth Noting

Teddy Bridgewater (Photo courtesy of Minnesota Vikings)

Teddy Bridgewater is ranked No. 17 in Sports Illustrated’s listings of the NFL’s top 32 quarterbacks. “We’re going to look back and wonder how the Vikings stole Bridgewater with the last pick of the first round in ’14,” according to S.I.’s August 17 issue.

The publication’s Michael Beller offered top 32 rankings of quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers and tight ends to help fantasy football participants prep for the season. Rival quarterbacks from the NFC North ranked high—with the Packers Aaron Rodgers No. 1 overall, followed by the Lions Matthew Stafford at No. 13 and the Bears Jay Cutler at No. 14.

The Packers Eddie Lacy and the Chiefs Jamaal Charles are the No. 1 and 2 running backs, with Adrian Peterson of the Vikings No. 3. Among wide receivers, the Vikings Mike Wallace is No. 29, and teammate Charles Johnson No. 32. Kyle Rudolph is No. 20 in the tight ends rankings, while Vikings teammate Blair Walsh is No. 13 among a listing of 15 NFL kickers.

Quarterback Mitch Leidner was impressive in Saturday’s Gophers scrimmage, running the offense with confidence and making some accurate passes. No. 2 quarterback Chris Streveler made a poor throw early in the scrimmage when he looked too long in the direction of his planned pass and saw it intercepted for a touchdown by linebacker Cody Poock. Placekicker Ryan Santos had three field goals including 44 and 40 yards kicks.

During the two-plus hour scrimmage in high heat and humidity, Gophers coach Jerry Kill targeted some of his most vocal comments at the offensive line. He said after the scrimmage the only player who may not be available for the September 3 opening game is injured tight end Lincoln Pisek.

As of Saturday, approximately 4,700 tickets remained for that game against TCU at TCF Bank Stadium.

Former Minneapolis City Council president Denny Schulstad was one of six newcomers to participate in Kill’s second annual Boys of Fall Elite Camp earlier this month. There were also 10 repeat attendees who had an inside look at Gophers football by paying $2,000 each. During three days the campers attended team meetings and had a 90 minutes get-together with Kill. “It was fascinating,” said Schulstad about the camp experience. He plans to attend again next year.

The Twins (59-58) are now one game over .500 after yesterday’s 4-1 win over the Indians at Target Field and have won back-to-back series. Third baseman Trevor Plouffe homered for the second time in four days yesterday and rookie DH-third baseman Miguel Sano, 6-4, 260, stole the first base of his big league career.

Kyle Gibson, 8-9 with a 3.75 ERA, pitches tonight for the Twins in New York against the Yankees C.C. Sabathia, 4-9, 5.23 ERA.

Wild head coach Mike Yeo hosts his Pro-Am bass fishing tournament for charities on September 1 at Lake Minnetonka. The Mike Yeo Classic presented by Gander Mountain will include celebrities and professional fishing guides. Wild players Ryan Carter, Charlie Coyle, Justin Fontaine, Erik Haula, Zach Parise, Nate Prosser, Jordan Schroeder, Thomas Vanek and Jason Zucker are scheduled to participate along with David Backes from the Blues, Justin Falk of the Hurricanes, and Glen Perkins and Brian Duensing from the Twins. The tournament benefits the Pinky Swear and Angel foundations. More information at wild.com/yeoclassic.

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Teague, Flip Missed Golden Connection

Posted on August 14, 2015August 14, 2015 by David Shama

Norwood Teague’s departure as Golden Gophers athletic director stirs memories of his failed connection with Flip Saunders who was a candidate to replace Tubby Smith as Minnesota’s basketball coach in the spring of 2013.

Saunders was a once-in-a-generation fit for the job. The former Gophers point guard played during the program’s glory days of the 1970s when the team’s talent was extraordinary and the capacity crowds at Williams Arena were the envy of college basketball. Saunders, a four-year starter, later was an assistant coach for the Gophers and eventually became the popular head coach of the Timberwolves who reached the NBA Western Conference Finals in 2004.

Saunders kept his permanent home in the Minneapolis area after he left the Timberwolves and made coaching stops in Detroit and Washington, D.C. He was out of coaching in 2013 when Smith was fired by Teague. Saunders, full of energy and with a never ending appetite for basketball, had stayed active in the sport with national TV work, and when in Minnesota attended games including those involving Apple Valley High School superstar Tyus Jones.

Sources said Saunders was interested in returning to his alma mater. Teague, a cocky administrator and newcomer to this state, had other candidates for his basketball coaching job and made them a priority. The search wasn’t gaining ground when Teague agreed to meet out of town with Saunders—a gesture that may well have been prompted by pressure from program boosters and media to interview the former Gopher.

Saunders was told in the interview he would need the approval of Teague to hire his assistant coaches, according to multiple sources. A career coach with more than 30 years of experience and with connections all over the country, Saunders wasn’t going to be told who he could hire.

There probably were other issues—perhaps including bonus incentives—that may have tripped up getting a deal done. Whatever the stumbling blocks, talks ended within about 24 hours.

My sources questioned the determination of Teague’s efforts with Saunders. I know the late David Larson, a major Gophers financial supporter and former member of the University of Minnesota’s Board of Regents, was angry a deal couldn’t be reached with Saunders.

What Larson and other proponents of a Saunders hire saw was a unique candidate and golden opportunity for the Gophers and the University. Saunders would have jump-started a program that has been in decline for more than 15 years and is still going downhill. Saunders’ relationship with Jones could well have resulted in the two of them leading a Gophers on-court turnaround last season. Instead Jones, playing as a freshman for Duke, was named the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player after the Blue Devils won the national championship.

As a former college point guard and veteran NBA coach who had coached some of the world’s best at that position, Saunders could have made a convincing pitch to Jones who he had a relationship with. Jones committing to Minnesota might have caused a domino effect in recruiting that at this point would have the program rolling.

Saunders was intrigued with college basketball and returning to Minnesota. He had insights into coaching in the Big Ten because of his close friend Tom Izzo, the legendary Michigan State coach. Over the years Saunders had thought about college coaching and planned to use the famous pregame ball handling and passing show he had learned as a player under coach Bill Musselman at Minnesota. It was a show stopper choreographed with music that had the stands packed 30 minutes before tipoff, with enthusiastic fans ready to clap and roar approval.

No wonder Larson and other insiders were angry when a deal wasn’t reached with Saunders. What they knew is this: When you’re dealing with a big time coaching candidate the strategy is to create a deal that person can be happy with and gives him the authority, structure and resources to be successful. Let’s also make this point: Of course you negotiate and make deals that you wouldn’t for other candidates.

Teague, who was hired as Minnesota AD in 2012, was an outsider from the East. In not developing relationships and understanding the culture here, he failed many times. I don’t think he understood what he had in Saunders.

The most passionate of Gophers basketball fans might now forgive but they won’t forget.

Worth Noting

Gophers senior wide receiver KJ Maye, who played in 13 games and started five in 2014, caught 16 passes for 298 yards and one touchdown. His goals for this season are “maybe like 60 catches, 900 yards,” he said.

Sophomore Brandon Lingen, who played prep football at Wayzata High School, is one of the Gophers trying to replace the departed Maxx Williams, probably the best pass catching tight end in program history. Does Lingen compare himself with Williams?

“Try not to because he’s a really good tight end,” Lingen answered. “But at the same time I try to emulate him, try to be just like him—trying to do what he did well and hopefully some day try to be like him.”

Lingen said earlier this year Williams, now in training camp with the Ravens, took all the Gophers tight ends out to dinner. What is the best advice he has heard from Williams? “Work hard and treat practice like a game,” Lingen said.

Stefon Diggs, the Vikings fifth round rookie draft choice from Maryland, impressed with a 62-yard punt return in Minnesota’s preseason opening win Sunday against the Steelers. Vikings special teams coach Mike Priefer was asked if he anticipates Diggs taking that primary punt return role from incumbent Marcus Sherels, the former Gopher from Rochester, Minnesota.

“I would like to continue to work Marcus [Sherels] in there because if he’s going to be the guy, then we need to make sure he’s ready for the season as well,” Priefer said. “You can’t just roll the ball out there against San Francisco and hope Marcus is the guy. So, were going to continue working the top three returners (including Adam Thielen) as we go forward.”

The Vikings open the regular season on September 14 against San Francisco, but tomorrow night play preseason game No. 2 against the Bucs starting at 7 p.m. in TCF Bank Stadium. Diggs, also a wide receiver, and Sherels, a reserve defensive back going into his sixth NFL season, have four more preseason games to prove their value. So, too, does Thielen, a second-year wide receiver, who didn’t return punts in game action last season. Sherel’s 10.5 career average on punt returns is the best in franchise history. His 15.2 average in 2013 was second best in the NFL.

Sports Media News reported on Tuesday the Vikings-Steelers game averaged 11 million viewers on NBC and was the most watched NFL preseason telecast on any network in five years.

Twins catcher Kurt Suzuki is struggling at the plate with a .231 average and just four home runs and 33 RBI. The team needs offensive production and first baseman Joe Mauer doesn’t have stats worthy of his $23 million salary. He is batting .269, with seven home runs and 50 RBI while usually hitting No. 3 in the lineup. But Twins president Dave St. Peter all but dismissed the notion of returning Mauer, a former All-Star catcher, back to that position. St. Peter said the organization has crossed the “threshold” with Mauer regarding catching because of his concussion history that prompted the switch to first base in 2014.

While the Twins are only 4-8 in their last 12 games, St. Peter is encouraged the club is playing “meaningful games in August for the first time in five years.” The Twins, who lost 90-plus games the previous four years, are a wildcard contender with a 57-57 record. St. Peter hopes that will help season home attendance to total about 2.2 million. The club’s attendance in 2014 was 2,250,606.

Rob Fornasiere, the Gophers assistant head baseball coach, is excited about the return of pitching coaching Todd Oakes who has made a courageous and inspirational recovery from cancer. “I would say the biggest boost we have for the coming season (2016) is the return of Todd Oakes full-time to our coaching staff. Just the overall presence and confidence he brings to the pitching staff I think will have a dramatic effect on our whole team. So you can talk about recruiting all you want, but I still think he is the biggest addition we have coming back to our team.”

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