Recent content from Chip Scoggins
Red Lake Nation football team hasn't won a game in years, but its coach keeps kids undefeated
They often play against opponents with twice as many players. Sometimes, coach Nolan Desjarlait wonders how he keeps doing it. The answer always comes: "I refuse to give up on them."
Scoggins: KAT-less Wolves need Edwards to play, lead like an MVP
Anthony Edwards had that look he displayed so often last season, a look of determination from a competitor about to unleash like a tsunami. The Timberwolves are going to need that now.
A big delay, then a big win; former Gophers QB leads another winner
Football Across Minnesota: Bethel's surprising playoff victory came 30 hours after landing in Oregon. Bryan Cupito has found a new football love in Minneapolis: the Phelps Falcons. More on P.J. Fleck's "you all" comment, Justin Jefferson's greatness and more.
Scoggins: New QB Kaliakmanis delivered for Gophers' new offense
Freshman quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis played with skill and poise Saturday as the Gophers focused on the pass and kept Paul Bunyan's Axe.
Scoggins: Fleck's old-school offense needs star upgrade before next year
The Gophers had a prolific, balanced offense in 2019 but have turned one-dimensional and stubbornly remains that way.
Scoggins: Vikings appear ready for Patriots. If they are, credit O'Connell
In his first real test, first-year coach Kevin O'Connell needs to set the tone this week after the Dallas Debacle. If he succeeds and the Vikings win ... what Dallas Debacle?
This record-breaking QB-receiver combo got started in third grade
Football Across Minnesota: Longtime friends Brandon Alt and Brendan Beaulieu are behind Bemidji State's big-time success. Also, brutal weekend for Vikings and Gophers. A delayed weekend for a solid Prep Bowl.
Scoggins: Fleck's choice of cautious play calls over boldness backfires again
This loss, P.J. Fleck's sixth in six games against Iowa, belongs in the category of self-inflicted, not the result of being overmatched by a superior team.
Scoggins: Here's how Fleck, 0-for-Floyd, can end Iowa's streak
The Gophers have won three in a row and are still hunting a Big Ten West title. To keep that goal, they'll need to change how they've handled the Hawkeyes' strengths.
Scoggins: Vikings are rolling, and rolling the tape is big part of success
The line that separates winning and losing is incredibly thin, so coaches and players spend hours upon hours analyzing video. Here's a look at how they do it and how it has changed.
Jefferson's catch: Legends and local stars weigh in with amazement
Football Across Minnesota: Cris Carter, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. and an area high school standout are among those wowed by Justin Jefferson's incredible catch. Plus: St. Thomas and its title, and a prep player who won't come off the field.
Scoggins: Let's all appreciate Ibrahim as record-setting career winds down
Another three touchdowns on Saturday against Northwestern further burnished Mohamed Ibrahim's stature as one of the Gophers' all-time greats.
Scoggins: Fleck should give QB keys to Kaliakmanis right now
For all the good that Tanner Morgan has brought to Gophers football, it's time now to turn the offense over to Athan Kaliakmanis. The freshman opens up the offense, and more time this fall will pay off in 2023.
Scoggins: How are Vikings 7-1 after all those close losses in the past?
Skeptics continue to attribute the Vikings' record to gale-force gusts over-inflating how good the team truly is. That presumption misses a larger point.
When you need a 100-yard dash to put your team in the title game ...
Football Across Minnesota: A rare "Pick Two" helped the Royals get to the MIAC championship game and avoid a shocking upset. In Mankato, a team leader who once had the NFL in his sights is determined to write his own ending.
Scoggins: Vikings seized moment in mediocre NFC with Hockenson trade
The Vikings took a look at their 6-1 record, the calamity in the NFC North and mediocrity throughout the entire conference and did the math. It added up to this trade.
From high school hoops to St. John's end zones to . . . the NFL?
Football Across Minnesota: Alex Larson is hoping to complete a successful and unusual journey from prep basketball at East Ridge to pro football by way of the Division III football power at St. John's.
How big screens and high-tech have reshaped state's football coaching
Football Across Minnesota: Sideline huddles now feature big-screen TVs. Tackle Cancer is one of the most important initiatives in all of Minnesota football. And how quickly things have changed for the Gophers and Vikings.
Scoggins: Gophers' grand plans falling apart before our eyes
A third straight Big Ten loss exposed the issues in a Gophers team suddenly struggling to execute their game plan.
Scoggins: In game befitting heated rivalry, Gophers rally behind powerful Knies
Mason Nevers scored the equalizer late in the third period, and Matthew Knies posted the overtime game-winner against North Dakota in front of 10,418 at 3M Arena at Mariucci.
State's farmers are in the fields, but won't miss action on the fields
Football Across Minnesota: Harvest is a day-and-night, time-consuming operation throughout Minnesota. But farming and following football from the tractor is a longstanding tradition that has been aided by technology.
Bloomington football player remains positive despite paralysis
Football Across Minnesota: Jefferson freshman Ethan Glynn insists on a "glass half full" outlook as he rehabilitates in Colorado from his spinal cord injury. "I'm just so thankful," he said.
Scoggins: Stanley Cup? Wild's season looks more like 'competitive rebuild'
Plans for this season sound an awful lot like GM Bill Guerin's need to extricate the Wild from the albatross buyouts of Zach Parise and Ryan Suter while remaining relevant.
Scoggins: In Madison, Lincoln and everywhere else, college sports change shifts into warp speed
Patience? Long gone. Now, no matter the cost, change will come quickly if you don't win or if you fall behind in one of the new arms races in college sports.
One can coach anywhere, one can play anywhere: Meet Underwood and Jakes
Football Across Minnesota: Scott Underwood lost his job in the oddest of ways, but he's found a new team to lead. Meanwhile, the most versatile player in Minnesota is Zach Jakes of Gustavus.
Scoggins: Gophers implode in first loss as self-inflicted mistakes pile up
Looking lost from the start, the Gophers were dominated at the line of scrimmage and couldn't match Purdue's execution.
Scoggins: Fleck puts pride aside to make one of his best calls with Gophers
Offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca left P.J. Fleck and the players after the epic 2019 season for Big Ten rival Penn State. Why welcome him back after that?
Scoggins: Yes, injuries hurt Twins. But team needs to make fundamental changes
The Twins just announced plans for new uniforms and a huge scoreboard. Is it too much to ask for some rebranding of the actual baseball product?
Football families to know: traveling Erdmanns, Gophers chain gang
One way to celebrate a big upset of the No. 1 team is to fly to Europe to watch more football. And get to know the guys manning the sticks on Gophers sidelines.
How quickly can Vikings pivot? Football or hoops for Stillwater QB?
Chip Scoggins' weekly report: Stillwater QB Max Shikenjanski has a decision to make. Can Kevin O'Connell adjust the team's plans quickly after a beatdown. A big game for two elite small-college teams.
Scoggins: After a feel-good week, Vikings fall from happy to hapless
The easy connections to Justin Jefferson, defense's containment of Aaron Rodgers don't come close too being replicated by the Minnesota Vikings against the Eagles.
Scoggins: Decisions under pressure is how NFL coaches make mark
Real-time, high-profile choices in the heat of the moment can go badly. Just ask Denver's Nathaniel Hackett about last Monday night's field-goal choice.
Farewell, old stadium; a life-saving update, and embracing optimism
Football Across Minnesota's 2022 debut zooms in on a big change in Owatonna, a heartwarming Gophers reunion and how there's so much to like about football at all levels.
Scoggins: Hunter, Smith flex muscles in debut of their 'Edge Department'
After raising a considerable amount of hype prior to the season, Danielle Hunter and Za'Darius Smith wreaked havoc on Aaron Rodgers and the Packers.
Scoggins: U takes right approach in airing it out vs. inferior foe
Minnesota got an opportunity put the passing game through its paces in a rout of Western Michigan, which could bode well for the future.
Scoggins: Fleck shouldn't treat passing game as an afterthought
P.J. Fleck will never deviate from his identity as an old-school, run-the-ball-down-their-throats coach. For the Gophers to reach their potential, however, this is a year to expand his thinking.
Scoggins: Who are Kevin O'Connell's Vikings? The big reveal is coming Sunday
We think we've picked up a few things about the 2022 Vikings during training camp. But here's the thing we don't know: A lot.
Scoggins: Year 6 for Fleck has the elements for a successful title run
The roster is entirely all his recruits. The culture has taken root. Expectations and standards are understood. Growing pains have given way to stability.
Scoggins: Imagine college football 10 years from now, after latest changes
To gaze into the future and envision how college football might look and function a decade from now, it's constructive to look back in time 10 years ago.
Must-see games in college football this season
A top-five matchup — Ohio State vs. Notre Dame — grabs the nation's attention on the first Saturday night of the schedule.
Star power: Players to watch in college football
A short but strong list starts with the returning Heisman winner and a top contender for this year's trophy.
15 thoughts on the college football season from Chip Scoggins
It starts with a predictable top five. From there, keeping track of teams, conferences and players will be anything but.
Scoggins: Latest hot trend in sports? Too many coaches to count
Bud Grant had four assistant coaches with his 1967 Vikings. Kevin O'Connell has . . . a lot more. But head coaches say there's a good reason for having so many more coaches.
Scoggins: Harrison Smith says inner fire chases only one thing. 'Winning'
Asked about his motivation at age 33, Vikings star safety Harrison Smith doesn't pause long enough to take a breath. "Winning," he said. "That's what I'm chasing."
Scoggins: Big Ten's Warren being aggressive inside college sports shifting landscape
More conference expansion and sharing the wealth of a new media rights deal are both on the table.
Still hustling: Twins broadcaster Gladden carries work ethic from his playing days
A two-time World Series champion, Dan Gladden will go into the team's Hall of Fame on Sunday.
Three Gophers highlights from the Glen Mason era
Mason went 64-57 at Minnesota from 1997 to 2006. Here were the best moments of that era for Gophers fans.
Scoggins: Mason's vision fundamentally changed U football
Glen Mason never coached at Huntington Bank Stadium, but he paved the way for it.
Scoggins: Sano's years with Twins end with apathy. What went wrong?
Miguel Sano's quiet exit with a damaged left knee after 13 years with the organization leaves an awkward dance among team, veteran player and a fan base that already has turned moved on.
From teen coach to U coordinator, Rossi's strength is eye for detail
He started studying film as a 12-year-old football player and was an assistant peewee coach in ninth grade. Now, Joe Rossi is leading a Minnesota defense that was among the nation's best in 2021.
Scoggins: Four stories of meeting Vin Scully show he was one of a kind
Talking with the legendary broadcaster was an unforgettable experience that showed his unique ability to connect.
Scoggins: Retirement? Not really. McKenzie plans to change focus to coaching coaches
Larry McKenzie's impact has long been felt by the athletes he led. Next he'll strive to help the men and women who do the work he did.
Scoggins: New BFFs Hunter, Smith hold key to rescuing Vikings defense
The two have been inseparable on the field since spring workouts. See one, see the other: New besties who hold the key to the Vikings' quest to resurrect their defense.
Scoggins: Vikings overhaul may come down to say less, win more
We should have a final verdict on the Mike Zimmer era by season's end. Was he holding the Vikings back, or holding an aging core together the best he could?
Scoggins: Hadley hopes final round clinches tour spot, makes up for struggles
Chesson Hadley has missed the cut 14 times this season, including eight tournaments in a row. But a batch of recent top ten finishes has put him in a sweet spot to succeed.
Scoggins: Trading Correa would be an insult to the spirit of competition
A first-place team trading an elite player? Why are we even having this debate? Carlos Correa should remain a Twin, and get a big contract offer to keep him here beyond this season.
Scoggins: With help from dad — and Carlos Correa — Jose Miranda has arrived
After struggling to stay disciplined at the plate early this season, the Twins rookie infielder has been one of baseball's hottest hitters over the past two weeks.
Scoggins: Motzko sees something 'special' after strong NHL draft showing for Gophers
Five of Bob Motzko's future Gophers players were taken in the 2022 NHL draft to join the already star-studded roster.
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Scoggins: Finch goes mad scientist talking about new Twin Towers
Pairing big men Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert, while most NBA teams are going small will either be a bold stroke or a miserable fail. But it's a gamble worth taking.
Scoggins: U football players taking endorsement deals into own hands
At least 75 players have signed on to be part of what they're calling the "Twin Cities NIL Club," which expects to debut later this month. Here's how it all came together.
Scoggins: Big Ten bursting coast-to-coast ends 'Power Five' era
Are you ready for the Power Two era? It's coming, whether we like it or not.
Scoggins: With Fiala gone, Wild must find ways to fill big role he played
Fans and hockey experts can debate whether the Wild received enough compensation for Kevin Fiala. But keeping him wasn't an option for GM Bill Guerin.
Eight Minnesota women on what's next in the fight for gender equality in sports
Title IX's 50th anniversary is an opportunity to challenge current thinking and continue the fight for fairness in sports.
Scoggins: 'Father of Title IX' changed sports with one magic word: Activity
Birch Bayh wrote the 37 words that make up Title IX. His widow, Katherine Bayh, reflects on his life and legacy.
Scoggins: Sports psychologist sees progress in mental health awareness but more needed
Rick Aberman, an early champion for helping struggling athletes, is still combating the stigma. "We're still not hitting the mark," he said.
Scoggins: Madcap Moss? Ex-U football player wrestling tonight at Target Center
Mike Rallis left the U with degrees in marketing and management. But he needed to learn a new set of skills, including how to use a steel chair, to make a smash as a professional wrestler.
Scoggins: Fastest man in NCAA track? Meet Joseph Fahnbulleh of Hopkins
Fahnbulleh established his dreams at Hopkins High School and has been fulfilling them at the University of Florida, where the program is the gold standard in college track.
One year of football, dozens of offers for prospect from Woodbury
Jackson Carver had no time for football until his senior year of high school. Now he has Division I offers from more than 30 schools, including some of the nation's most elite programs.
Scoggins: Lewis' injury means Twins should pay up to keep Correa
Carlos Correa is a superstar who seems to be enjoying his time with the Twins. The Pohlads should sign him to a multiyear contract, however much money it takes.
Scoggins: The Marion Barber III you didn't see was as special as the player
Barber's teammates loved him because he was one of the guys, always cheerful, always laughing. He had little interest in being treated as someone special despite being a star.
The pioneering women who started equality fight in Minnesota sports
For the 50th anniversary of Title IX, Minnesotans at the forefront recall the early battles for gender equality in athletics that have changed the face of the world.
Scoggins: 1 ball, 1 day, 2 golfers, 2 aces — a wacky hole-in-one tale for Minnesota golf lore
On a gorgeous Thursday at the Minneapolis Golf Club, the luckiest ball in golf history landed in the cup after one shot — twice.
Scoggins: To-do list for new Wolves boss: Keep Towns, replace Russell
Signing star Karl-Anthony Towns to a 'supermax' contract is an easy call. Finding a replacement for streaky guard D'Angelo Russell will be a tougher (but necessary) task for Tim Connelly.
Scoggins: Is a happy team a consistently winning team?
Minnesota's top pro teams have become a Hallmark card. We're used to witnessing tension, dysfunction, schisms and nonsense.
Scoggins: 100 mph club 'a life goal' among baseball's exclusive places
Since pitch speeds began being officially tracked in 2008, only four Twins pitchers have hit that mark — and a couple on the current roster have come tantalizingly close.
