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What went wrong for quarterback Jaren Hall and the Vikings defense against the Packers? Jan 03, 2024

Show notes

Introduction: Host Michael Rand looks at the Wild and their first adversity under new head coach John Hynes. Can they stop a three-game losing streak even without some of their top players? And how much of a difference is there between a top player and a replacement-level player?

7:00: Vikings writer Andrew Krammer joins Rand for a review of the film from Sunday's 33-10 loss to the Packers. There wasn't much to like in this game, starting with rookie quarterback Jaren Hall and continuing with a poor defensive output. What does that tell us going forward?

24:00: Vikings poetry reveals some apologies and a renewed distaste for a border rival.

36:00: Caitlin Clark did it again, plus some big basketball games this week.

Patrick Reusse on the Vikings' quarterback mess -- and his proposed solution Jan 02, 2024

Show notes

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for the first show of 2024, which takes a long look at the Vikings after their 33-10 loss to the Packers on Sunday. Rookie Jaren Hall looked overmatched at quarterback, throwing the quarterback situation again into disarray. But does that mean Kirk Cousins should be the answer in 2024?

Plus Reusse and Rand get into the College Football Playoff and one player he really liked on Monday night.

They also dive into some recent Timberwolves issues, a notable piece of Gophers volleyball news and the outlook for the Gophers men's basketball team.

Best of 2023: Drafting the 10 best moments in Minnesota sports this year Dec 27, 2023

Show notes

Star Tribune writer and editor Jeff Day joins host Michael Rand to pick the 10 best moments in Minnesota sports in 2023.

Some of the selections are obvious, some are a surprise and one -- from Rand -- might even be a little petty. But agree or disagree, it was fun to think back on all that happened.

Stick around at the end for some bonus talk about big-picture goals for 2024.

The blueprint for success; ice fishing in a mild winter; the big Minnesota sports questions for 2024 Dec 22, 2023

Show notes

Introduction: Host Michael Rand found Thursday night to be a blueprint of sorts for the Wild, Wolves and Gophers men's basketball team -- all of whom won their games. The Wild got huge contributions from their core of young players. The Wolves and Gophers had all five starters in double-figures. Top players logged heavy minutes, but they also produced and earned that time.

9:00: Star Tribune outdoors writer Tony Kennedy joins Rand to discuss the impact of our warm December on a Minnesota winter tradition: ice fishing. Kennedy also looks ahead to some big outdoors stories in early 2024.

24:00: Speaking of big stories in 2024, Rand takes a couple listener questions that lead him deep into next year.

How do La Velle E. Neal III and Michael Rand grade Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell's performance? Dec 21, 2023

Show notes

Introduction: The Timberwolves lost at Philadelphia on Wednesday and didn't like the officiating. It felt a little like a game from last season, but we have to remember that even good teams are going to have an off night in an 82-game season -- especially when playing on the road against another goad team.

5:00: Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal III joins host Michael Rand for an evaluation of Kevin O'Connell's performance this season. Neal is bullish on the Vikings coach, giving him credit for holding things together after a tough start and major injuries. Rand concedes those points but still thinks O'Connell has a lot of room for growth as a play caller and overall game manager. Plus thoughts on Gophers signing day and a slow offseason for the Twins.

28:00: T.J. Hockenson on overcoming adversity and the next big thing on P.J. Fleck's offseason agenda.

Gophers volleyball star Taylor Landfair in the transfer portal; The Wild's season-changing win Dec 20, 2023

Show notes

Introduction: Host Michael Rand certainly didn't expect the Wild to beat the Bruins 4-3 in overtime on Tuesday, but the old cliche "that's why they play the games" was true. In what could have been a moment of fraying in the locker room after an awkward handling of goalies in back-to-back games instead could become a rallying point for the season. Plus, don't expect to see Aaron Rodgers anytime this season.

9:00: Star Tribune writer and editor Jeff Day joins Rand for a look at the Gophers volleyball program after standout Taylor Landfair entered the transfer portal. They will get into a bigger discussion on this era of college sports, too.

34:00: It's national signing day for football players, but does that mean what it used to?

How the Vikings gave up yards but couldn't gain inches; Another 'best win of the year' for Timberwolves Dec 19, 2023

Show notes

Introduction: Host Michael Rand says the Timberwolves have had a lot of candidates for best win of the season already, including Monday's 112-108 comeback victory in Miami that improved their record to 20-5. At some point, we might have to stop comparing them to last year's team. Plus, will the Wolves and other Minnesota teams eventually wind up on Amazon Prime Video?

9:00: Star Tribune Vikings writer Andrew Krammer helps break down the film of what went wrong in crunch time of Saturday's 27-24 overtime loss to the Bengals -- a setback that put a dent in the Vikings' playoff hopes. And Vikings poetry hopes for another quarterback change.

36:00: A Wild loss and a curious goaltending decision.

Patrick Reusse on Vikings outrage, Wild and Wolves intrigue and transfer portal mayhem Dec 18, 2023

Show notes

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, which included a loss snatched from the jaws of victory in Saturday's Vikings game. A late defensive implosion and two questionable "tush pushes" defined the day and put a dent in the Vikings' playoff hopes.

The Wild, meanwhile, stayed hot even amid off-ice questions. The Wolves stayed even hotter, with one opposing coach offering up the highest praise for them. And the Gophers continued to feel the effects of the transfer portal in multiple sports.

Marcus Fuller on Gophers basketball and recruiting; Timberwolves ace another test in Dallas Dec 15, 2023

Show notes

Host Michael Rand thought the Wolves might face some true adversity and a losing streak after Dallas blitzed them early in Thursday's game following a loss Monday in New Orleans. Instead, the Wolves calmly responded and won in a blowout and reaffirmed their place in the Western Conference. Plus, the Wild won but there's turmoil in the front office.

8:00: Star Tribune college basketball writer Marcus Fuller joins Rand to talk about the Gophers men's team, recruiting and the return of his Basketball Across Minnesota feature.

33:00: St. Thomas put a scare into Marquette, the Raiders went from 0 to 63 in four days and the Vikings completely reshuffled their quarterback depth chart.

A defining stretch for Timberwolves, a petty NBA squabble and ... agreeing with the Packers? Dec 14, 2023

Show notes

Introduction: Host Michael Rand was somewhat amused by the scuffle between the Bucks and Pacers over who got to keep the official game ball from Wednesday's game. Plus some thoughts on Draymond Green's indefinite suspension.

7:00: Star Tribune Timberwolves beat writer Chris Hine joins Rand ahead of Thursday's game at Dallas, part of a 16-game stretch that will test Minnesota in new ways. Can the Wolves -- and their fans -- navigate this daunting slate of games?

34:00: A bad NFL rule might force us to agree with the Packers.

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