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Postgame breakdown of an ugly Vikings win; Marcus Fuller on Gophers men's hoops Dec 21, 2021

Show notes

Introduction: It never really felt like the Vikings were going to lose Monday against the Bears, but that was a function of Chicago's ineptitude more than anything else. That was the main thought from a 17-9 Vikings victory that at least temporarily moved Minnesota into the No. 7 spot in the NFC playoff race. The Vikings offensive line gave up pressure all night -- one of Star Tribune beat writer Ben Goessling's three takeaways as he joined the show via a "voicemail" from Chicago. But as Mike Zimmer said, the defense played well and it was a much-needed victory in the big picture.

11:00: Star Tribune Gophers men's basketball beat writer Marcus Fuller joins the show to talk about the surprising 9-1 Gophers, who are garnering some national attention and showing up in some early NCAA tournament projections.

29:00: The Wild lost its fourth consecutive game and the Wolves lost two more players to COVID protocols.

Patrick Reusse on the sports TV nightmare, Vikings vs. Bears intrigue and more Dec 20, 2021

Show notes

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports and a look ahead to Monday Night Football between the Vikings and Bears.

*Reusse was trying to watch the Wolves game Friday against the Lakers and was succeeding -- until his ESPN feed, along with the feeds of other YouTube TV subscribers, cut out over a dispute with Disney-owned channels. They returned a couple days later, but the latest streaming fiasco only serves to remind us of the sports TV nightmare that exists now, Reusse said.

*At least he will be able to watch the Vikings game Monday, which is on ESPN. But he won't see corner Bashaud Breeland, who was cut over the weekend after a verbal altercation at practice.

*Reusse and Rand also touch on the Wolves' four-game winning streak and the increasing rise in COVID cases across sports.

Dean Evason rips Wild after third straight loss; Not-so-fond memories of Vikings vs. Bears Dec 17, 2021

Show notes

Introduction: There wasn't much to like from the Wild's performance Thursday vs. Buffalo, even if Minnesota was able to salvage one point in a shootout loss. It was the Wild's third consecutive defeat, something that had never happened in the regular season under head coach Dean Evason. And after the game, Evason talked about all the things he didn't like from the performance.

6:00: Mark Craig joins for his weekly NFL picks and some memories of Vikings vs. Bears. Typically when the Vikings have a playoff season they are able to handle Chicago. In a lot of other years, though, Soldier Field has been a nightmare destination.

21:00: The Wolves and Lakers are set to play at Target Center on Friday, but COVID protocols will limit the Lakers' roster. It's another example of the virus returning full force lately.

Gophers football fills recruiting needs, but more moves to come + How to make the Wild even better Dec 16, 2021

Show notes

Introduction: The Gophers signed 18 freshmen and added a transfer to their incoming recruiting class. Hear from head coach P.J. Fleck on his appreciation for the lack of Wednesday surprises -- and what he might be looking to add in the transfer portal.

6:00: Star Tribune Wild beat writer Sarah McLellan joins the show to help break down what has gone right for a team that at one point recently had the best record in the NHL. A balanced roster, the continued excellence of Kirill Kaprizov and the ability to withstand absences are primary reasons. But if the Wild is going to be a true Stanley Cup contender, what else might it seek via trade to bolster the roster?

22:00: Sara Scalia hit nine three-pointers in a win for the Gophers women's basketball team, but that wasn't even the most by a Minnesota player on Wednesday. Anthony Edwards hit 10 threes for the Wolves, setting a record in the process in a win over Denver.

26:00: David Kahn addressed the Stephen Curry draft blunder ... speaking of blunders, Urban Meyer was fired ... and a fond remembrance of former Bemidji State coach Bob Peters.

Gophers football signing day breakdown + Trade Kirk Cousins and draft a QB? Dec 15, 2021

Show notes

Introduction: Host Michael Rand takes a look at Todd McShay's mock draft and can't help but notice a theme. McShay has five quarterbacks being chosen in the first round -- four of them in the No. 12 through No. 19 spots where the Vikings are likely to pick in the 2022 draft. If the Vikings miss the playoffs this season and clean house, an offseason trade of Kirk Cousins makes sense -- and it makes even more sense if the Vikings can start over with a QB in the 2022 draft.

6:00: Gophers football beat writer Randy Johnson joins the show for a breakdown of this year's Gophers recruiting class in conjunction with Wednesday's signing day. Also up for discussion: The impact of the transfer portal and expectations for the Gophers next season.

19:00: Rand answers a few questions from listeners, including a big one -- Why has D'Angelo Russell had such an impact for the Wolves on defense this season?

25:00: The Gophers men's basketball team survived sloppy play and improved to 9-1 with a win over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.

Kirk Cousins' awful numbers under pressure; COVID wreaks havoc on sports again Dec 14, 2021

Show notes

Introduction: Host Michael Rand can't help but notice that it's looking a lot like 2020 again when it comes to COVID and sports. The NFL had 37 positive cases on Monday, including Vikings running back Alexander Mattison entering protocols. The NHL's Calgary Flames are going to miss three games while the NBA's Chicago Bulls had two postponed because of outbreaks.

6:00: Vikings writer Andrew Krammer joins the podcast for his weekly film review segment, and the look back at the Vikings' 36-28 win over the Steelers revealed some cause for alarm. Vikings QB Kirk Cousins was 0-for-11 with two interceptions (per Pro Football Focus) when facing pressure. The Vikings will need to correct that against the Bears if they want to have any chance of keeping their slim playoff hopes alive.

19:00: My Least Favorite Team is My Favorite team had no shortage of material this week.

Patrick Reusse on the surprising Gophers men's basketball team and a very busy weekend Dec 13, 2021

Show notes

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look at several big stories in Minnesota sports, including:

*The surprising Gophers men's basketball team, which improved to 8-1 with a win at Michigan -- its third consecutive road victory. Early returns on Ben Johnson are quite positive, Reusse says.

*The Gophers volleyball team's run in the NCAA tournament ended one match short of the Final Four with a loss Saturday at Wisconsin.

*Thursday's Vikings game and whether we would be talking about a coaching change right now if not for Minnesota hanging on to win.

*The Grey Cup, the FCS playoffs, the Wolves and the Wild all get bandied about as well. It is the most wonderful and busiest time of the year.

Reaction from the Vikings' win (and near debacle); Chris Hine on the struggling Wolves; Wild is best in NHL Dec 10, 2021

Show notes

Introduction: Host Michael Rand made the silly mistake of thinking Thursday night's Vikings game was somehow under control when the team led 26-0 in the third quarter. He set the rest of the game to record and helped put his oldest daughters to bed after thinking to himself that this was one of those rare moments in franchise history that a game was truly over before it was over. And he was right! (Narrator: No, not really). Instead of being on cruise control, the Vikings needed a pass breakup in the end zone on the final play to escape with a 36-28 win. Hear postgame reaction from Rand -- along with Mike Zimmer, Kirk Cousins and Anthony Barr.

11:00: Timberwolves beat writer Chris Hine joins the show to talk about another team that has been up and down all season. The Wolves have lost four straight games after winning seven of eight, and the latest twist is Anthony Edwards giving Karl-Anthony Towns advice on how to improve his game.

25:00: NFL writer Mark Craig jumps in with his weekly picks.

32:00: The Wild is the best team in the NHL right now.

Ant has words for KAT; La Velle E. Neal on Twins, Vikings; U volleyball player Melani Shaffmaster Dec 09, 2021

Show notes

Introduction: The Timberwolves and Gophers men's basketball team both lost home games Wednesday to quality opponents. The "what" wasn't surprising, but the "how" was interesting. After the Wolves were routed 136-104 by Utah, second-year Wolves wing Anthony Edwards described how seventh-year big man Karl-Anthony Towns needs to attack opponents more quickly instead of waiting for double-teams. The Gophers, meanwhile, showed a talent deficit against Michigan State that figures to resurface in the Big Ten.

7:00: Gophers volleyball setter Melani Shaffmaster joins Rand for a conversation about the team's big NCAA regional match against Baylor on Thursday and to discuss the nuances of the position. Shaffmaster is an anomaly at 6-foot-3 as a setter.

15:00: La Velle E. Neal III joins the show to give his thoughts on some of the biggest recent stories, including Byron Buxton's contract extension, the MLB lockout and the future of the Vikings' most prominent decisionmakers.

Eric Curry and Ben Johnson on Gophers basketball; Chip Scoggins on football shakeup; Wild best in the West Dec 08, 2021

Show notes

Introduction: Hear from Wild beat writer Sarah McLellan and head coach Dean Evason after Tuesday's latest impressive win, a 4-1 victory at Edmonton that was the Wild's seventh in a row. This time Minnesota did it primarily with defense and goaltending -- a good road recipe at a important point in the season.

8:00: Eric Curry from the Gophers men's basketball team joins the podcast to talk through the team's surprising 7-0 start entering Big Ten play Wednesday against Michigan State. You should read Marcus Fuller's longer feature on Curry as well. Plus hear from head coach Ben Johnson and Curry's teammate, Jamison Battle, on the Gophers' start.

15:00: Columnist Chip Scoggins joins the show to give thoughts on a number of big subjects, including: the Gophers football team changing offensive coordinators, their bowl game destination, Tanner Morgan's return and the Vikings' shortcomings.

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