Interest in Deanna Favre’s 2007 book “Don’t Bet Against Me” has increased during the last several days. Web sites report the book includes references to past struggles in her relationship with husband Brett, the Vikings quarterback.
The 41-year-old Favre, who has been dealing with pain in his right elbow, has thrown for more than 70,000 career yards. He has 30 touchdown passes since his 40th birthday. In NFL history only Warren Moon, with 37 touchdown passes, has thrown more touchdown passes among players 40 or older.
Running back Adrian Peterson needs 36 more yards on Sunday against Dallas to total 5,000 for his career. If he does, it will have taken only 51 games to reach 5,000.
Former Vikings quarterback Wade Wilson is the Dallas quarterbacks coach. Ray Sherman, the ex-Vikings assistant coach, is the Dallas wide receivers coach. Former Gopher Marion Barber now with the Cowboys has rushed for only 144 yards on 42 carries in four games. During preseason he saw limited time, too, gaining 23 yards on 12 rushing attempts.
Former Cretin-Derham Hall prep All-American Seantrel Henderson has been starting for Miami as a freshman offensive tackle.
It appeared earlier in the week that a hip flexor injury might prevent Eric Ellestad from kicking extra points and field goals tomorrow when the Gophers play at Purdue.
Troy Stoudermire, a wide receiver earlier in the season, is likely to play as a defensive back tomorrow after a couple weeks of preparation.
Gophers linebacker Ryan Grant talks occasionally with his grandfather Bud Grant but the legendary coach doesn’t attend his games regularly. Ryan’s dad, Eden Prairie coach Mike, is among a group of “eight to 10” family members who watch him play at TCF Bank Stadium.
Ryan said he often sees his grandfather at family gatherings. “He has a lot of wisdom about him,” Ryan said. “If you ever need advice he’s always got something good to say. He understands things, looks at things a little different than most people do. ..”
The October 11 issue of Sporting News Magazine rates Minneapolis-St. Paul No. 13 among best sports cities. Chicago is No. 1.
Anticipation is building for the Bethel at St. Thomas game a week from Saturday. Bethel, 5-0, and St. Thomas, 6-0, are nationally ranked and favorites to win the MIAC. St. Thomas is at Hamline tomorrow while Bethel plays at home against Gustavus.
Bethel senior linebacker Ross Petterson is the MIAC defensive player of the week after seven tackles and a 28-yard interception for a touchdown helped the Royals defeat Saint John’s last Saturday. Garrett Engelhardt of St. Thomas is the special teams player of the week for his performance when the Tommies defeated Augsburg. His blocked punt was a momentum changer on Saturday. Freshman running back Jeffrey Dubose is the offensive player of the week after gaining 202 yards in Gustavus’ win over Hamline including an 85-yard touchdown run.
You won’t have to wait for future years to see Nebraska at TCF Bank Stadium. The University of Minnesota rugby club hosts Nebraska at the stadium tomorrow afternoon. More at www.gopherrugby.com