Recent content from Chip Scoggins
Scoggins: Time is now for Darnold to make his case as starting QB
Rookie J.J. McCarthy's time will come. But it's a now-or-never moment for Sam Darnold, who begins Vikings training camp as the No. 1 QB.
Scoggins: Vikings need to take a harder line with Jordan Addison
Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell says the team will "wrap our arms" around receiver Jordan Addison after his recent arrest. But maybe it's time to borrow some of Mike Zimmer's fear-based methods.
Scoggins: Local runner earns 50 States Marathon Club honors
After 20 years of chasing a dream, Micah Grafenstein-Kinzel ran a marathon in Helena, Mont., in June to become the 68th member from Minnesota to run a marathon in all 50 states.
Scoggins: 224 miles a day paced Zeev Buium's path to the NHL draft
The Wild's first-round pick's parents immigrated from Israel with no knowledge of hockey at all.
Scoggins: Lee's early run with Twins keeps getting better
Rookie Brooks Lee homered off best friend and college roommate Drew Thorpe in a victory over the White Sox on Wednesday.
Scoggins: Twins television blackouts depriving fans of vital part of summertime
Fans of a professional sports team should not be denied access to televised games over a contract dispute.
Scoggins: Twins need to take deeper look at why Lewis keeps getting hurt
It is incumbent on everyone in his sphere to figure out if there is more to Royce Lewis' proclivity for injury than just terrible luck.
Scoggins: Suni Lee delivers in first day of a pressure-packed homecoming
Tokyo gold medalist Suni Lee put herself in position to return to the Olympics with a strong opening performance at Target Center.
Scoggins: An improbable journey from Carleton to Gophers to Olympic doorstep
Last weekend in Oregon, the runner who couldn't make state, couldn't draw much DI interest, accomplished a major goal at the U.S. track and field Olympic trials.
Scoggins: Wolves improved offensive potential with first-round picks
Taking guards Rob Dillingham and Terrence Shannon Jr. should upgrade some of the team's offensive shortcomings.
Scoggins: Minnesota baseball is experiencing a pitching bonanza
Year-round training and social media have helped put state's crop of ace pitchers on the radar.
![The Gophers student section cheered before Thursday's game against the Ohio State Buckeyes. ] AARON LAVINSKY • aaron.lavinsky@startribune.com](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/W5AIBRHHX4IM65PVZWQKSG3LLM.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Scoggins: U will have to pay Gophers athletes. How will that work?
AD Mark Coyle, coaches and staff are trying to figure that out even before a historic decision is rendered.
Scoggins: Why the Vikings have the best kind of owners
Zygi and Mark Wilf have shown for 20 years the stewardship and ambition Vikings fans deserve.
Scoggins: Why the boos in Target Center? Wolves offense failed
The offense panicked in the first half and Game 5, and the season, went poof quickly. The Wolves need to sign a shooter or two this summer.
Scoggins: Wolves' Kyle Anderson lives up to nickname
Running the game at his measured pace, Slo-Mo helped the Timberwolves avoid elimination in the conference finals.
Scoggins: Wolves' stand-in coach with stand-up timing faces biggest test yet
The Timberwolves, down 0-2, will need the comedic timing and sharp strategies of Micah Nori, who made fans with his choice of words in halftime interviews.
Scoggins: In battle of stars, Towns and Edwards are not showing up
The Mavericks have two stars bringing it in the Western Conference finals. If the Wolves' two All-Stars can't match, the season won't last much longer.
Scoggins: Flat KAT, tired Ant need jolt for Wolves to win series
Edwards looked lethargic. Towns missed too many shots. The Wolves' top two scoring threats made only 12 shots and scored 35 points combined in the Game 1 loss.
Scoggins: Edwards has great season . . . and adds great candor to it
The 22-year-old superstar shows no fear on the basketball court and no filter off it. The Words of Ant are always candid, often four-letter colorful, typically hysterical and loaded with insight.
Scoggins: Winfield Jr.'s record contract has roots in bedtime stories
Former Gophers star Antoine Winfield Jr., now with the Tampa Bay Bucs, would fall asleep learning lessons from his father that would make him an elite NFL defensive back.
Scoggins: 'When he plays well, we win.' McDaniels brings best to win
When Jaden McDaniels plays the way he did in Game 6, the Wolves can overwhelm any opponent. He needed only 10 shots to score 21 points.
Scoggins: Denver's Joker defies Wolves' attempts to stop him
Traditional defensive methods haven't worked in the playoffs against three-time MVP Nicola Jokic. So what can Wolves coach Chris Finch do about that for Game 6?
Scoggins: If Towns won't deliver, Wolves won't beat Denver
While Jamal Murray found his way back to a strong supporting role for the Nuggets in Game 4, Karl-Anthony Towns was completely out of balance. That has to change.
Scoggins: Wolves lost their identity in Game 3, and need to rediscover it quickly
Poor outside shooting and missed opportunities at the rim doomed the Wolves on Friday night. That will have to change for this to remain a series.
Scoggins: Incredibly, it's defense that makes the Wolves sexy
Legends weigh in: "One of the best defensive teams I've ever seen." — Charles Barkley. "Defense that sells tickets!?" — Kevin Garnett
'I'm a living miracle.' Tommies athlete goes from broken bones to broken record
Anna Swanson was removed from a demolished car last year with a shattered pelvis and broken spine. Doctors thought her athletic career could be over. This year, she set a school record for the University of St. Thomas track team.
Scoggins: Why these Wolves really can 'accomplish anything'
The older, wiser, stronger, better Wolves look ready to pull off a big NBA playoffs upset.
Scoggins: Wolves' decisionmaker knew what to do, what not to do
When he was named the new president of basketball operations, Tim Connelly warned he wouldn't be "scared to forge our own path." He found a route to prominence.
Scoggins: Yes, Coach, Vikings defense really improved
Kevin O'Connell turned into an internet meme for his reaction to the Vikings' defensive moves in the draft, but he knows better than anyone that his team needs massive improvement on that side of the ball.
Scoggins: Adofo-Mensah, O'Connell get Vikings reboot right in Year 3
The Vikings held a news conference Friday to welcome their top two draft picks. The moment doubled as an unofficial unveiling of management's vision for the team.
Scoggins: Adofo-Mensah meets draft night challenge in a big way
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's first two drafts as Vikings GM left a lot to be desired, to put it kindly. But he was up to the challenge Thursday on one of the most important nights in the team's history.
Scoggins: Worried about costly trade to draft a quarterback? Don't be.
Which one, at what pick, for what cost? If the Vikings draft a quarterback who becomes a star, you won't remember what they paid to get him.
Scoggins: 'Wait one more year' can't be the Wild's plan. Thankfully, it isn't.
Logic and cap math might suggest next season is a layover. Wrong. You don't waste even one season when you have a superstar.
Scoggins: Finch feeling heat of the Suns as playoff battle looms
Can coach Chris Finch figure this out? Phoenix has owned the Wolves this season, and now he has two more days to fix that before Game 1.
Scoggins: Why 'championship or bust' fits these Wolves
Karl-Anthony Towns said it himself, almost two years ago, and now this woebegone franchise finally looks ready for a deep playoff run.
Scoggins: Anatomy of a game-saving play as Correa throws out Ohtani
Four components to one play that had zero margin for error. The Twins beat the Dodgers thanks to a crucial throw home from their star shortstop.
Scoggins: McCarthy or Maye? Ex-U coach breaks down Vikings' options
The two quarterbacks in the NFL draft most linked with the Vikings both played the Gophers last season in the span of a month.
Scoggins: Cory Provus getting ready for 'biggest challenge' of career
Today's game will mark the first Twins home game with Provus, who had been the Twins' radio voice, replacing Dick Bremer on TV.
Scoggins: Transcendent stars meet again in Bueckers vs. Clark battle
Friday night's NCAA semifinal between Paige Bueckers of UConn and Caitlin Clark of Iowa — their first on-court meeting since 2021 — will have millions of TV viewers riveted. But neither player needs a title to validate her legacy.
Scoggins: College teams evaporate before fans' eyes in transfer portal nightmare
It was another rough transfer portal week for Ben Johnson's Gophers, the product of a system gone awry.
Scoggins: March Madness a travel puzzle for this Minnesota family
With one son at Iowa State and another playing for Minnesota State Mankato, the Jones family of Prior Lake has been zigzagging the country to watch NCAA basketball tournament games.
Scoggins: We can't go on like this: NIL chaos in six words.
Yes, student-athletes should be compensated. Yes, "name, image and likeness" is here to stay. But leaders should not accept the current approach as the proper way forward.
Scoggins: State tourney-bound player named Poet knows right word
Minneapolis South is headed to the boys basketball state tournament for the first time in 32 years because its floor leader, Poet Davis, stayed at the school while so many of his ex-teammates left.
Scoggins: 'Lindsay Whalen babies' show out at state tourney
Many playing in the girls basketball state tournament grew up watching Lindsay Whalen star for the Lynx. Now they're drawing offers from D-I schools and following the path paved by the likes of Paige Bueckers.
Scoggins: It rained buzzer-beaters, and Orono rode out the storm
A two-overtime boys basketball section final against Benilde-St. Margaret's featured last-second baskets at every breaking point.
Scoggins: Vikings' Darnold era may not be lengthy, but it's the right step for both sides
Both Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Sam Darnold danced around the implications of the new quarterback's one-year contract.
Scoggins: O'Connell must choose a QB -- and the GM has to draft him
Sam Darnold serves a purpose, but his purpose won't be to lead the Vikings for years to come. Coach Kevin O'Connell and GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah need to get that quarterback in the draft.
Scoggins: Cousins got his money, and Vikings were right to start over
Kirk Cousins became too expensive, and the Vikings bosses didn't cave. Bravo. Now, ace the next text: who's the new QB?
Scoggins: Clark recovers from horrid 1st half to lead Iowa comeback
Caitlin Clark missed shots that she probably makes with her eyes shut most days. She slammed her fist in frustration. She complained to the refs. Then she took control.
How a gruff 'teddy bear' became the winningest coach in state history
In his 46th season at New London-Spicer, Mike Dreier has compiled 1,069 victories, two state championships, six runner-up finishes — and three technical fouls.
Scoggins isn't a Swiftie, but sure he witnessed basketball's version
Fans packed the Barn to the rafters and the greatest scorer in women's college basketball history. Caitlin Clark swished a three-pointer on the game's first possession. And three more in quick succession.
Scoggins: Are Twins strikeouts a problem? Or am I the problem?
Are we going to have to sit through another summer of K after K after K? Derek Falvey calmed Chip Scoggins down (a little).
Scoggins: U's other players must step up to fill void left by Braun's absence
The drop-off in playmaking in Mara Braun's absence is impossible to ignore. Coach Dawn Plitzuweit needs to elevate the rest of the roster for the Gophers to be successful.
Scoggins: World Cup skiing at Wirth Park serves as Diggins family reunion
Among the crowd of nearly 20,000 cheering for Jessie Diggins on Saturday were 30 or so family members, including "pretty much the entire St. Croix Valley."
Scoggins: Super Bowl lessons for Vikings — keep stars, fix defense
The Vikings have a quarterback quandary, a star receiver awaiting a massive payday and holes galore in their defense. But there's a solution for every problem, right?
Scoggins: Why waste energy complaining to referees?
Watching the Wolves' Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns makes you wonder about the effectiveness of griping to officials.
Scoggins: The Barn can still rock, but U needs to rethink ticket prices
The Gophers' win over Michigan State on Tuesday showed that you don't have to tear down Williams Arena to get an incredible college basketball experience in Dinkytown.
Scoggins: The clock is ticking — and that's making basketball even better
All of the improvements were on display this week when two of the top high school teams in the area played. One rallied from a huge deficit to win; both combined for more than 200 points and a thrilling finish.
Scoggins: The Wolves played like adults at OKC, and that mattered
Mike Conley was out, and the Timberwolves finally made winning decisions without him. Now they need to prove that wasn't just a one-night thing.
Scoggins: Why Chanhassen's Ragnow is the 'stud' of the Detroit Lions' rise
All NFL eyes are on the Detroit Lions, and Frank Ragnow is their rock. What drives his powerful performances? It's a family thing.
Twins top prospect Brooks Lee speeding through minor leagues, but wants much more
Little more than a year after turning pro, Brooks Lee is awed at being with the St. Paul Saints — just 10 miles from his ultimate destination: Target Field. But he wants more than to merely arrive.
Roseville's Mike Muscala finds 'gratitude' in an unexpectedly long NBA career
The average second round draft pick lasts 3.3 seasons in the NBA, Mike Muscala is entering his 11th. The Roseville native now speaks with a veteran's clarity on the game and life.
What's it like to watch the Twins from Target Field's towering new neighbor? I went up to find out
Construction workers in that can't-miss project next to Target Field get to watch day games on their lunch break. I joined them, despite my fear of heights.
St. Thomas football coach Glenn Caruso takes 'new job' — serving as assistant to his daughter Anna
Glenn Caruso, the longtime St. Thomas head coach, didn't need any time to think about the job offer — to be his daughter's assistant with a girls softball team in St. Paul. It's 'wicked awesome,' he says.
Scoggins: Amid firing frenzy, Finch gets another year to coach Wolves
Timberwolves ownership decided to show patience by sticking with coach Chris Finch after an erratic season that was a bucket of cold water to the face. Was that the right move?
How Paige Bueckers is using endorsement deals to give back, in Minnesota and beyond
Paige Bueckers could secure as many endorsement deals as she wants. But the UConn and ex-Hopkins star is being intentional about her NIL deals, and she has a stipulation she calls "non-negotiable."
High school spring sports clash again with their nemesis: Winter weather
The annual issue is even more of an inconvenience this year because the cold is lingering and snow levels have been historic.
Scoggins: Here are two things Twins need to do less often in 2023
Sonny Gray unwittingly became the most popular Twins player in uniform last week, a hero to many before even throwing his first pitch of the season. He did it by a pointed message to his bosses.
Scoggins: Professor Fleck? Yes, that's the coach in a U of M classroom
P.J. Fleck's lecturing style is fast-paced and energetic. And loud. Really loud. His students in the Carlson School of Management class get the full Hurricane Fleck experience.
Ricky Davis' life takes surprising turn as Timberwolves veteran gets Minneapolis North coaching job
Davis played 117 games over two seasons for the Timberwolves and never envisioned putting down roots here once he retired from pro basketball. He understands why people were shocked by his new job.
Scoggins: Can Wolves make Towns fit into their winning formula?
When he returns from the injury that has sidelined him for 33 games, it will be up to Karl-Anthony Towns and Chris Finch to work KAT's game into a formula that's working well right now.
Scoggins: Kaliakmanis' injury, poor field conditions create anxiety
Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis seems to have avoided serious injury in the Gophers' Pinstripe Bowl victory over Syracuse at Yankee Stadium, but it's time for the Big Ten to stop playing bowl games on baseball fields.
Scoggins: Fleck signals future plans with Kaliakmanis, new receivers
The Gophers football program is making moves that suggest it will build around freshman QB Athan Kaliakmanis, which meets with the approval of one former U quarterback.
Scoggins: Officiating made Vikings' job that much more difficult in epic comeback victory
Chandon Sullivan had two defensive touchdowns erased by questionable calls.
Scoggins: Unraveling Vikings defense threatens to sink the season
Veteran coordinator Ed Donatell has managed to do the unthinkable: Take a bad defense and fail to improve it despite a concerted effort by the organization to upgrade the talent last offseason.
