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Examining Justin Jefferson's excellence + More good news Monday for Vikings Nov 15, 2022

Show notes

Introduction: Host Michael Rand takes note of the Eagles' first loss of the season Monday to Washington, which was important to the Vikings for two reasons. First, of course, it pulls the Vikings and Eagles even at 8-1, creating a path to the No. 1 seed that's a little more clear. Second, Philadelphia committed four turnovers in the game after having just three all season coming in. If you're looking for a way the Vikings' season could come undone, start with turnover margin.

6:00: Vikings writer Andrew Krammer joins for a film review looking at Justin Jefferson's excellence on contested catches Sunday and some offensive line improvement. Plus some more award-winning Vikings poetry.

31:00: The Gophers men's basketball team looked its age on Monday.

Patrick Reusse on the greatest regular-season victory in Vikings history Nov 14, 2022

Show notes

Host Michael Rand is joined by Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse as they try to figure out all that happened during Sunday's 33-30 overtime Vikings victory over Buffalo. The twists, the turns, the Justin Jefferson catch. The QB sneak that wasn't. The improbable fumble. The ending. The elements. The quality of the opponent. All of it, Reusse says, adds up to the greatest regular-season victory in the franchise's 62 years of existence, and it's hard to argue with that.

Plus Rand and Reusse get into Gophers football, D'Angelo Russell, Gophers women's basketball and St. Thomas sports.

Three intriguing Vikings quotes + Ben Goessling on Stefon Diggs Nov 11, 2022

Show notes

Introduction: In a football-heavy show, host Michael Rand begins with three interesting things he gleaned from the Vikings this week: The moment Kirk Cousins knew Justin Jefferson was special, how Kevin O'Connell views his running backs and the difference T.J. Hockenson sees already in playing for the Vikings instead of the Lions.

7:00: Star Tribune Vikings beat writer Ben Goessling joins the show to set up Sunday's intrigue-filled game against the Bills. One of the biggest story lines is a revisiting of the Stefon Diggs trade and all that went into a tumultuous time in Minnesota.

30:00: Does Rand actually say something nice about Aaron Rodgers?

Carlos Correa, pitching and other big Twins offseason questions as free agency starts Nov 10, 2022

Show notes

Introduction: Host Michael Rand likens the Timberwolves to a bunch of children who are having a hard time learning the lesson of not repeating mistakes. If we continue the analogy and assign coach Chris Finch the role of parent, he's not doing his job, either. Add it up and you have a 5-7 team that just lost another lopsided home game.

7:00: Star Tribune Twins beat writer Phil Miller joins Rand for a preview of the offseason. With free agency starting Thursday, the Twins have a lot of big questions as they reckon with a 2022 season that started well but fell off the rails in a flurry of injuries and inconsistency. Will the Twins make a hard run at keeping Carlos Correa? Should they? If they don't, who else will they spend money on? And do the Phillies give them hope?

29:00: Standing in contrast to the Wolves are the Wild, who got out of their rut with a 4-1 win Wednesday.

A Gophers QB changing of the guard? + Increased frustration for Wild and Wolves Nov 09, 2022

Show notes

Host Michael Rand takes note of the Wild's second consecutive shutout loss and notices that frustration seems to be mounting for both the Wild and Timberwolves this season.

Plus Gophers football writer Randy Johnson joins Rand for a look at the team's QB situation.

A Vikings rookie emerges + The unwatchable Wolves + Goodbye, Miguel Sano Nov 08, 2022

Show notes

Introduction: Host Michael Rand has had it with the Timberwolves. After wasting more time watching their dismal performance in 120-107 loss to the Knicks, he wonders if it's not just the team but its individual components that are overrated. One thing is for sure: The effort right now isn't there, and they aren't worth watching until that changes.

6:00: Rand is joined by Star Tribune Vikings writer Andrew Krammer for a film review of Sunday's 20-17 win over Washington. New tight end T.J. Hockenson made nine catches in his debut, while rookie corner Akayleb Evans made huge contributions filling in for the injured Cam Dantzler. Plus some more award-winning Vikings poetry.

32:00: The expected moment is here, as the Twins said goodbye to Miguel Sano.

Patrick Reusse on the Vikings, Gophers and a sobering boxing story Nov 07, 2022

Show notes

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look at an uncommonly successful weekend in Minnesota sports.

The Vikings and Gophers both overcame double-digit deficits to win, with the former improving to 7-1 and the latter repositioning itself in the Big Ten West mix. Gophers hockey and volleyball swept the weekend as well, and the Wolves won Saturday.

Plus Reusse agrees with a listener: These Vikings have a certain quality that is reminiscent of the Bud Grant era.

What does 6-1 start mean for Vikings' future? + Wolves, Wild, Cheryl Reeve thoughts Nov 04, 2022

Show notes

Introduction: Host Michael Rand dives right into his conversation with Vikings beat writer Ben Goessling. A surprising 6-1 start led to a move this week to acquire tight end T.J. Hockenson at the trade deadline, a move that will have a ripple effect into 2023 as well. The Vikings' good start will have even more impact on their future, and it will be interesting to see how they navigate things.

24:00: Rand has a bunch of rapid-fire thoughts on the Wild's home loss, how the Warriors' struggles could be a sign for the Wolves, Cheryl Reeve's contract extension and job title change and the World Series.

Hear from T.J. Hockenson and others about the trade; Chip Scoggins on college football, D'Angelo Russell Nov 03, 2022

Show notes

Introduction: All the key figures in the T.J. Hockenson trade spoke with the media on Wednesday, and you'll hear from all of them on this episode. First up: Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah on what went into the deal; Hockenson and Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell on helping get Hockenson integrated into the offense; and QB Kirk Cousins on how he wants to help Hockenson be at his best.

10:00: Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins joins host Michael Rand for a discussion of college football, where Chip's Tennessee Volunteers are having the kind of season Gophers fans dream about. Plus some expanded thoughts on D'Angelo Russell.

32:00: A World Series no-hitter.

Vikings trade breakdown + Gophers football + No progress for Wolves Nov 02, 2022

Show notes

Introduction: Host Michael Rand breaks down the Vikings' acquisition of tight end T.J. Hockenson on Tuesday. The move signaled GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah will get aggressive in filling a need, which was evident for a 6-1 team after Irv Smith Jr. went on injured reserve. It's a net upgrade and should give Kirk Cousins one more viable target in an evolving passing game.

10:00: Gophers football beat writer Randy Johnson joins the show. The Gophers are more than a two-touchdown favorite at Nebraska, which feels like both an opportunity and a curse. Plus a look ahead to next year's more daunting Big Ten schedule.

22:00: The Timberwolves' starting lineup was again a net negative in a 116-107 loss to Phoenix, and head coach Chris Finch doesn't seem to have many answers right now. Their performance stood in stark contrast to the suddenly streaking Wild.

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