Game 16

Series of Random Thoughts as the Vikings begin their last regular-season game:

-I can't and won't defend the guy in any way, but wouldn't firing Tim Brewster and hiring Mike Leach turn the Gophers into Big Ten contenders within two or three years?

-At the risk of being proved wrong (again), remember that the Vikings are a dominant team at home. Their problems have come on the road. I can't see this team winning a road game outdoors, but I can see it beating just about anybody at home.

-I said it during the first month of the season: Wayne Ellington is a smart player who can shoot, and every NBA team needs smart players who can shoot. Ellington has become a factor in the last two weeks.

-Gophers basketball coach Tubby Smith demonstrated his power when he found a way to get Clem Haskins, the man who destroyed Gophers basketball, honored at Williams Arena. Begging the question: How much longer is Clem going to let Joel Maturi keep his job?

-And again: If the Wolves could land John Wall, a decade of bad draft picks and bad luck could quickly be reversed. The kid is spectacular, and he's not selfish _ he moves the ball, gets his teammates involved, and still takes the big shots. And he'll get bigger and stronger.

-Gophers hockey can't take a lead on slumping Bowling Green until the third period at home, and we're supposed to be impressed?

Only if you have abandoned all standards for Minnesota hockey.

-It's going to be an amazing four months. I'll be covering the Vikings' playoff run(?), then the Olympics, then spring training, then the opening of the baseball season and Target Field.

-Upcoming: I'll be on with Reusse at 6:40 a.m. on KSTP am-1500, and on WJON at 7:14 in St. Cloud. You can follow me on Twitter at SouhanStrib.

I'll check in after the game.