Vikings – Page 227 – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

AD Boston: Aggies Can Upset U Again

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

New Mexico State upset the Gophers two years ago in Minneapolis, winning 28-21 in the second game of Jerry Kill’s career as Minnesota head coach. McKinley Boston, the former Gophers athletic director who now holds the same position at New Mexico State, believes the Aggies can win again when the two teams meet on Saturday night in Las Cruces, although Minnesota may enter the game as a three touchdown favorite.

The Aggies are 4-20 since their big win in Minneapolis with the most recent loss a 56-7 pounding by Texas last Saturday night. “It’s obvious we’re struggling but (new head coach) Doug Martin has created a lot of enthusiasm,” Boston told Sports Headliners on Monday. “Now you and I know words and hype are one thing. You need a big win. I am very excited about the possibility (of defeating Minnesota).”

Martin was the offensive coordinator two years ago when the Aggies pulled off an upset that was big news in the Big Ten Conference and back in Las Cruces where football glory has been mostly absent through the years. The Aggies are using a no-huddle offense and are likely to fill the hot sky with footballs on Saturday night. Temps in Las Cruces on Saturday, including early evening, are likely to be in the 90s.

New Mexico State had 242 yards passing and only 104 yards rushing last Saturday against Texas in Austin. The Aggies trailed 14-7 at the half before the Longhorns scored 42 unanswered second half points on a field where the temperature was 110 degrees. “I think we just ran out of gas,” Boston said. “I think we’re improved (this season) on both sides of the ball.”

Among the Aggies’ issues in the past has been a defense that gave up over 40 points seven times last season. Against New Mexico State the Longhorns had 715 total yards in offense, 359 rushing and 356 passing.

But Texas has a talented roster and hopes for returning to the elite in college football this fall. The Gophers, who are 10-14 since their loss to the Aggies, are still building their resume.

Hosting the game in New Mexico plays a part in Boston’s optimism and excitement about Saturday. The game is being advertised as the first ever visit to Las Cruces by a Big Ten opponent and from a business perspective a win over the Gophers will mean more future ticket sales and revenues.

Boston said there’s “no ifs, ands or buts” about the total importance of the game. “The fact we beat them before, a lot of people believe we can win,” he said.

Worth Noting

Boston is predicting attendance in the mid-20,000 range for the game, about 5,000 short of capacity at Aggie Memorial Stadium (capacity 30,343). On Friday night and at the game he will entertain friends with Minnesota connections including Leon Trawick and Curt Wilson, both former teammates of Boston with the 1967 Big Ten champion football Gophers.

Boston said September 7 “will be the only Saturday of the year” he’s not cheering for the Gophers.

Twins president Dave St. Peter talking to Sports Headliners about Terry Ryan: “I wouldn’t trade him for any other general manager in the game.”

Ryan is closing in on 24 months since he took over the franchise’s general manager role for a second time in his career. Ryan’s desire for a less demanding lifestyle drove him away from the job in 2007. “I have no indication he won’t come back (for next season),” St. Peter said.

Although Twins phenoms Byron Buxton and Miguel Sano won’t be among the minor leaguers recalled in September, both will be in spring training camp with Minnesota next year, according to St. Peter. He also said Buxton will play in the Arizona Fall League and Sano will participate again in winter baseball in his native Dominican Republic.

Although former Gophers guard Al Nuness is a distant cousin of Tyus Jones, it was coincidence the two were in Waco, Texas last weekend. Nuness arrived last week and is still in Waco celebrating the first birthday (today) of granddaughter Jasmine Nuness. She is the daughter of Jared Nuness who is Al’s son and works as director of player development for the Baylor men’s basketball team that is recruiting Jones.

“I am not involved and have never been involved in Tyus’ recruiting process,” Al said.

Jones, rated by Rivals.com as the No. 2 prospect in the country for the class of 2014, made an official visit to Baylor a few days ago. Joining him in Waco was his friend Jahlil Okafor, the No. 1 rated prospect. It’s almost certain the two players, Jones a point guard from Apple Valley High School, and Okafor, the center from Whitney Young High in Chicago, will attend college together.

The Vikings won’t make the playoffs, according to the September 2 issue of Sports Illustrated. The magazine’s pro football issue predicts the Vikings will have a 9-7 record, finishing second in the NFC North behind the Packers, 10-6. The Vikings are ranked No. 8 among NFC teams, four listings behind the Packers, one ahead of the Bears and seven in front of the Lions.

The publication’s article on the Vikings (no surprise) focuses on quarterback Christian Ponder. “Ponder, 25, must prove he’s the club’s unquestioned No. 1 quarterback,” writes Don Banks.

The Patriots will defeat the Seahawks, 30-23, in the Super Bowl, according to Peter King who leaves the Vikings’ Adrian Peterson off his list of predicted NFL individual award winners. The Patriots’ Tom Brady is the pick for MVP, the Titans’ Chris Johnson Offensive Player of the Year and the Packers’ Eddie Lacy Offensive Rookie of the Year.

The Vikings open the regular season in Detroit on Sunday against a franchise Minnesota has dominated historically and in more recent years. The Vikings are 68-33-2 all-time against Detroit. The Lions have only six wins versus the Vikings dating back to 1998.

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Physical Play May Define Vikes vs. 49ers

Posted on August 23, 2013August 23, 2013 by David Shama

Preseason NFL games are similar to arguments with spouses. A lot of folks avoid both but Sunday night’s Vikings game with the 49ers in San Francisco deserves more attention than most exhibitions.

The nationally televised (NBC) game is expected to feature more playing time by regulars than is the norm during preseason. Look for the Vikings to possibly use starters on offense and defense in the first half and into the early third quarter. If the 49ers do something similar—and it’s typical for NFL teams to use regulars the most in preseason game threes—it will be interesting to see how physical the action is on the field.

49ers coach Jim Harbaugh defines aggression. He used physical play to turn around a punch line college program at Stanford. Then he followed a similar blueprint with the 49ers since taking over in January of 2011. Visit the 49ers website and read this mantra posted about Harbaugh: “Attack each day with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind.”

Harbaugh, perhaps the NFL’s best coach, had his team in the Super Bowl last season before losing to the Ravens and his brother, head coach John Harbaugh. The 49ers, who were 21-27 in the three seasons before Harbaugh took over, are a favorite to win the Super Bowl next February.

Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway said his team wants a physical identity, too. “I think we’re going to be very physical which is a good thing for us. Coach (Leslie) Frazier has preached that and we’re trying to act on it in camp by being physical every day.

“They’re (the 49ers) a very physical team…so I think it’s going to be a good matchup to see where we’re at. They’re talented. It will be a fun game.”

The Vikings are 0-2 and the 49ers 1-1 in preseason games. Greenway is much more interested in how his team performs, rather than whether the Vikings win.

“This game doesn’t mean anything really as far as what it’s going to be like—what’s going to happen when you play a full four quarters game in the regular season,” Greenway said. “It gives you a snapshot of where you’re at. Obviously if things go well I think we’ll feel good about how we’re doing. But if things go poorly it doesn’t mean that things are going to be poor (during the season). You can’t think that way.”

Worth Noting

Mike Singletary, now a Vikings assistant head coach, was the 49ers head coach before Harbaugh. His career record with the 49ers was 19-22.

Reserve cornerback Bobby Felder, signed by the Vikings in 2012 as an undrafted free agent, was a member of the practice squad last year but is in competition with starter Marcus Sherels for the punt return job. Felder is expected to return punts on Sunday night. Felder has three returns in preseason, averaging 20.7 yards per return.

Former Gophers receiver and quarterback MarQueis Gray is a tight end with the 49ers and has caught one pass for 13 yards.

Vikings reserve quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson attended Balboa High School in San Francisco.

The 49ers are tied for seventh and the Vikings are tied for 10^th on the most difficult 2013 schedules list compiled by the NFL.

NFL teams have to reduce their rosters to 75 by Tuesday and 53 by August 31.

After this season the Vikings will have many unrestricted free agents on the roster including All-Pro defensive end Jared Allen. Would Allen like to see at least some contract offers from the Vikings during the season to retain players, rather than wait until 2014?

“Not my concern really, to be honest,” Allen told Sports Headliners. “They’re (management) going to make decisions based on what they feel is best for the team. My job is to go out and play as hard as I can with whoever is on the field and try to win a championship.”

Tyus Jones plays in the Under Armour Elite 24 game tomorrow night on ESPNU starting at 6 p.m. Minneapolis time. Another Minnesota native, Rashad Vaughn , will also participate. The game will be played on an outdoor court under the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City and features 24 of the best high school players in the country. Jones, the Apple Valley High School senior point guard, is rated by Rivals.com as the No. 2 player in the country for the class of 2014. Vaughn, a shooting guard now playing for Findlay Prep in Las Vegas, is rated No. 7 in the class.

Tyus’ brother Tre, an outstanding eighth grade guard, may join the Apple Valley varsity this fall. Debbie Jones, mother of Tyus and Tre, said she will be completing paperwork with the school district to request that Tre join the varsity this coming season.

The Twins have a rarity with Baseball America’s best prospects ranking of Byron Buxton at No. 1 and Miguel Sano No. 3. Since the rankings began in 1990 only five other teams had two prospects among the top five players, according to the August 19 issue of Sports Illustrated.

Obviously rankings don’t come with a guarantee for future success. In 2004 the Devil Rays had B.J. Upton ranked No. 2 and Delmon Young No. 3. Earlier this month Young was put on waivers by the Phillies and his eight year MLB career, including with the Twins, has been a disappointment.

Congratulations to former Albert Lea High School coaching legend Paul Ehrhard on his 80^th birthday party last Saturday. About 150 family and friends celebrated with Ehrhard who contributed to three state football and three state wrestling titles at Albert Lea. Ehrhard also coached in California where he worked with some high profile football players including Reggie Bush. Ehrhard graduated from Montgomery High School and played collegiate baseball and football at St. Thomas where he later coached the freshman football team.

Starting with this season the MIAC will recognize its top football coach with the John Gagliardi MIAC Football Coach of the Year Award. The award is named after former Saint John’s coach John Gagliardi who is the winningest college football coach ever.

St. Thomas is No. 1 in the nation in the American Volleyball Coaches Association’s Division III preseason poll. The Tommies, 39-1 last season and national champs, have a loaded roster with returning talent.

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Wiggin Raves about Vikings D-Line

Posted on August 12, 2013August 12, 2013 by David Shama

Paul Wiggin coached the Vikings defensive line in the 1980s and has decades of NFL experience. He told Sports Headliners the talent among the defensive linemen on the 2013 Vikings is more than impressive.

“I don’t think that we ever had that many great players,” Wiggin said. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen competition at this level in coaching (the) defensive line.”

Wiggin, 78, is a personnel consultant for the Vikings. Not only is he a former defensive line coach, he was once head coach of the Chiefs and during his playing career with the Browns was a starting defensive end.

The actual or potential talent might be at least eight deep on the defensive line. “There’s no dog days. These guys have to come out every day and compete,” Wiggin said.

The Vikings have been in training camp since late July and no defensive lineman has created more of a stir than fourth-year reserve end Everson Griffen. Wiggin said Griffen, who has only one regular season start in his previous three seasons, “has put on a show” in training camp.

What happened? “Some guys, it takes them awhile to realize what they’re capable of doing,” Wiggin said. “Suddenly the light came on. He’s done some things this offseason that are impressive.”

“I became a student of the game,” Griffen said on the broadcast of last Friday night’s preseason Vikings-Texans game.

Wiggin said Griffen’s self-image improved because of his role as a spokesman for the 2013 Million Meal Challenge and the goal of reducing hunger for millions of children. “It’s going to be hard to keep him off the field (this season),” Wiggin said.

Worth Noting

Attendance at Friday night’s game at Mall of America Field against the Texans was announced at 62,306 but there were empty seats all over the stadium. No surprise that more than an hour before the game no ticket hawkers were visible on the street.

For a second consecutive season the city of Minneapolis is using increased parking meter fees for Vikings games. Parking at meters about six blocks from the stadium cost $15 on Friday night, although an adjacent lot was charging $10.

Former Vikings linebacker Ben Leber, who did sideline reporting for radio and TV on Friday night’s game, said he misses the “camaraderie” of the locker room but not being on the field. “I don’t miss the way my body feels. I don’t miss some of the collisions out there. I don’t miss a large part of the game.”

Leber on the Vikings’ possible record for 2013: “I would say 10-6, and I think we get in the playoffs, and then from there who knows?”

Former safety Joey Browner talking about what it means to him being inducted into the Vikings Ring of Honor on October 27: “To know that I am above ground to see it.”

Browner, a Viking from 1983-1991, describing the highlight of his NFL career: “When my mom saw me, (and my brothers) Keith and Ross play in the same season (1986),” he said.

Fantasy Football fans can read the August 12 issue of Sports Illustrated to see how the magazine ranks the top 32 NFL players at offensive positions. Aaron Rodgers is No. 1 among quarterbacks with Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, Matt Ryan and Cam Newton joining him in the top five.

The Vikings’ Christian Ponder is ranked No. 26. “He was awful down the stretch and will be without (Percy) Harvin,” the magazine commented. “Still, he’s better than he showed in ’12.”

Other Vikings are Adrian Peterson No. 1 among running backs, Blair Walsh No. 3 kicker, Kyle Rudolph No. 6 tight end and Greg Jennings No. 33 wide receiver.

Jerry Kill’s wife Rebecca talking about first impressions of her husband when they began dating: “I was ready to verbally commit on the first date. Sign the National Letter of Intent on the second date.”

Kill said after Saturday’s scrimmage it will be awhile before he decides on his starting punter and kicker. “I think a kid needs to know a week going into a game, or close to three or four days out,” said Kill whose Gophers open the season on August 29 at home against UNLV. “We keep charts of kicks and things like that, and we want to give everybody an opportunity. We don’t have to be in a hurry right now.”

The Timberwolves will introduce new shooting guard Kevin Martin to the media today in Minneapolis. Martin is a three-point shooting specialist with a career field goal average of .385. He’s played in games when he’s attempted 10 or more three- point shots.

Concordia-St. Paul senior Zach Moore is the choice in a NSIC coaches poll for South Division Preseason Defensive Player of the Year. Moore, a defensive end from Chicago, was an All-American last season and had 14 sacks.

The Twins traded 39-year-old infielder Jamey Carroll to the Royals yesterday but some day it might be a smart move to interview him about rejoining the organization as a coach or manager.

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