May 2013
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March 2013
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February 2013
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College Football's National Signing Day:...
Photo credit: Jesse Johnson / US Presswire When last place might not matter: Here’s why college football’s National Signing Day’s rankings matter and where they might be wrong
1. On Jan. 25, a high school senior named Nate Andrews from Fairhope, Ala., decided to attend Florida State University, where he would also play Division I football. Previously, he verbally committed to...
December 2012
1 post
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Bielema's exit sparks question marks: Why did he...
Bielema Face photo credit: My telephone during the 2012 Rose Bowl, when Bret Bielema watched Russell Wilson spike the ball with no time remaining.
1. Only days after qualifying for a third straight Rose Bowl, Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema has decided to trade “On Wisconsin” for “Woo Pig Sooie.”
Bielema officially announced the move at a press conference on Wednesday; Pat Forde of Yahoo Sports...
November 2012
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Gophers nab running back Berkely Edwards, how does...
Photo credit: Joseph Tobianski / AnnArbor.com
Jerry Kill has landed his first running back for next year’s recruiting class, as Rivals’s Gopher Illustrated has reported that Michigan running back Berkely Edwards has committed to the maroon and gold. What can we expect from him?
Edwards, the younger brother of former Michigan Wolverine and NFL receiver Braylon, rates as a three-star...
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Non-Gambler's Big Ten Picks: Week 11 - Why a...
Photo credit: Marlin Levison, Star Tribune. Lines from VegasInsider.com, broadcast information is courtesy of AwfulAnnouncing.com. Home team is in ALL CAPS. Originally posted at FringeBowlTeamBlog.com
Minnesota (-3) over ILLINOIS // 2:30 p.m., BTN, Eric Collins, Derek Rackley, Jon Jansen.
In a Little Brown Jug game that was poorly played by both teams, only dismal offensive execution and...
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Non-Gambler's Big Ten Picks: Week 10 The Battle...
Image courtesy of the University of Minnesota. Lines provided by VegasInsider.com. Broadcast information courtesy of AwfulAnnouncing.com. This was originally posted at FringeBowlTeamBlog.com.
Michigan (-12) over MINNESOTA // 11 a.m., BTN, Kevin Kugler, Chris Martin, Jon Jansen.
I would have loved to start this post recalling the last time the Gophers beat Michigan in Minnesota, but I...
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Non-Gambler's Big Ten Picks: Week 9 - The Philip...
Photo credit: Jeff Hanisch/US Presswire
Lines are from VegasInsider.com, broadcast information courtesy of AwfulAnnouncing.com. This was originally posted at FringeBowlTeamBlog.com.
Purdue (-3) over MINNESOTA // 2:30 p.m., BTN, Eric Collins, Derek Rackley, J Leman.
I wonder if there was a time last Saturday when Philip Nelson thought to himself, “Holy shit. I’m going to be the...
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The Non-Gambler's Week 8 Big Ten Picks: How the...
Home teams are listed in BOLD. Lines taken from VegasInsider.com and broadcast information courtesy of AwfulAnnouncing.com. This was originally posted at FringeBowlTeamBlog.com.
Minnesota, 4-2, 0-2 in Big Ten, (+17.5) over WISCONSIN, 5-2, 2-1 // 11 a.m., ESPNU, Tom Hart, John Congemi.
Last year, Nick Toon, Russell Wilson and the bulk of the Wisconsin Badgers paraded around TCF Bank Stadium...
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The Non-Gambler's Week 5 Big Ten Picks: Get the...
Ed. note: There are many people who know about gambling. They aren’t me. That’s why this is “The Non-Gambler’s Big Ten Picks.” It’s not a clever name; this is not a gambling column. This column will preview the week’s Big Ten games, along with a few notes about the week in general from time to time. This was originally posted at FringeBowlTeamBlog.com. - EM
Minnesota...
August 2012
9 posts
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Gopher football 15 for 2012: No. 1 - If someone...
1. MarQueis Gray | QB | Senior | 6'4” 245 lbs.
Passing: CMP YDS YPA TD INT
50.7 1,495 7.02 8 8
Rushing: ATT YDS AVG TD
199 966 4.9 6
Photo credit: Chris Polydoroff/Pioneer Press
If the Golden Gophers reach a bowl this year, it will be because MarQueis Gray lead them to one. Plain and simple, he’s the centerpiece of the offense, the...
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Gopher football 15 for 2012: No. 2 - Who is James...
2. James Gillum| RB | Junior | 5'11” 204 lbs.
Junior College Transfer
Photo credit: University of Minnesota Athletic Department
The Golden Gophers return four players who scored a rushing touchdown last year. One is the starting quarterback, one is a walk-on kicker who scored on a trick play and one is now a linebacker. The last player, the lone running back of the four, totaled 229 yards on...
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Gopher football 15 for 2012: No. 3 - Welcome to...
3. Troy Stoudermire | CB | Senior | 5'10” 200 lbs.
G TK Solo TFL INT PD FF
4 24 20 3 2 3 0
Photo credit: Marisa Wojcik / Minnesota Daily
Troy Stoudermire walks into 2012 as the leader of the Gophers’ defensive backfield, if not the defense as a whole.
Defensive coordinator Tracey Claeys has an affinity for leaving his cornerbacks on an island, particularly the primary...
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Gopher football 15 for 2012: No. 4 - The awakening...
4. Ra'Shede Hageman | DT | Junior | 6'6” 300 lbs.
G TK Solo TFL SK FF
12 13 10 3.5 2.0 1
Photo credit: Chris Polydoroff/Pioneer Press
Last November at TCF Bank Stadium, Ra’Shede Hageman crouched in his four point stance as Illinois quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase barked out signals and adjusted his offense. The QB snapped the ball and Hageman bull rushed past Illinois...
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Gopher football 15 for 2012: No. 5 - Offensive...
5. Ed Olson | LT | Junior | 6'7” 305 lbs.
G ST
12 10
Photo courtesy of the University of Minnesota Athletic Department
While the Gophers lose three seniors on the offensive line from 2011, they return Olson, who is entering his third year of starting at left tackle for the Gophers. The redshirt junior will again be tasked with guarding quarterback MarQueis Gray’s blindside, but he...
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Gopher football 15 for 2012: No. 6 - Mike Rallis...
6. Mike Rallis | LB | Senior | 6'2” 245 lbs.
G TK Solo TFL SK FF PD
12 83 53 5 1.5 0 2
Photo courtesy of the University of Minnesota Athletic Department
Mike Rallis will start the 2012 season as the Gophers middle linebacker, moving from the outside, where he played for the last two years. Rallis has been a solid player in his career and tallied the third-most tackles on the...
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Gopher football 15 for 2012: No. 7 - Will Brock...
7. Brock Vereen | CB | Junior | 6'0” 195 lbs.
G TK SOLO INT PDEF TFL FF
12 67 46 1 7 3.5 1
Photo credit: Christy Aumer / Daily Iowan
In 2011, Brock Vereen emerged as a solid tackler and a dependable cornerback. This season, however, he sets out to prove himself again, this time at safety.
Vereen started out last season as the starting cornerback opposite Troy Stoudermire,...
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Gopher football 15 for 2012: No. 8 - Keanon Cooper...
8. Keanon Cooper | LB | Senior | 6'0” 220 lbs.
G TK Solo TFL SK FF PD
12 77 34 6 1.0 2 2
Photo courtesy of the University of Minnesota Athletic Department
One of the most celebrated Gopher recruits in recent memory, much was made of Keanon Cooper’s switch to Minnesota on National Signing Day in 2008. Named to Rivals’ “Big Ten Signing Day Dream Team*” as a safety,...
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Gopher football 15 for 2012: No. 9 - Can Brandon...
9. Brandon Green | WR | Senior | 6'0” 190 lbs.
G REC YDS AVG. TD
12 15 190 12.7 1
Photo courtesy of the University of Minnesota Athletic Department
With Da’Jon McKnight moving on to the NFL, Brandon Green becomes the longest tenured Gopher wide receiver. However, that’s a loaded statement like being named the smartest kid in remedial math class.
Green was the...
July 2012
6 posts
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Gopher football 15 for 2012: No. 10 - The...
10. Jimmy Gjere | RT | Sophomore | 6'7” 325 lbs.
G ST
5 5
Jimmy Gjere might be the most well-regarded offensive lineman on the Gophers roster; however, he hasn’t been able to fully deliver on the field in his young career. By the same point, it’s important to remember that he’s only entering his redshirt sophomore year. Ideally, Gjere* wouldn’t have taken the field at...
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Gopher football 15 for 2012: No. 11 - Marcus Jones
11. Marcus Jones | WR/KR | Sophomore | 5'8” 170 lbs.
G REC YDS AVG. TD KR AVG. KRTD
7 9 142 15.8 1 13 28.5 1
Photo courtesy of University of Minnesota Athletic Department
11A. Devin Crawford-Tufts
One of the bright spots in a largely ugly season, Marcus Jones displayed speed and athleticism that was sorely needed in Dinkytown. A high school cornerback, Jones was moved...
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Gopher football 15 for 2012: No. 12 - Ben Perry
12. Ben Perry | DE | Sophomore (RS) | 6'5” 241 lbs.
G TK SOLO TFL SK
12 15 6 2.5 1.0
When a team unveils new jerseys, the stars are obviously going to be those modeling the new threads. If the Twins were to show off new uniforms, they wouldn’t trot out Matt Capps. Well, the Twins probably would trot out Capps, because they’ve pretty much shown an inability to un-invite him...
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Gopher football 15 for 2012: No. 13 - Dan Orseske
13. Dan Orseske | P | Junior (RS) | 6'3” 205 lbs
G PT YDS AVG IN20YD
12 57 2,111 37.0 12
Don’t x-out the window! Listen to me first.
I know, it’s hard to get too hyped-up about a punter, especially on a team with glaring questions on defense and offense. (For example, Minnesota’s top returning players at running back and wide receiver totaled 229 yards and 190...
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Gopher football 15 for 2012: No. 14 - Michael...
14. Michael Carter | CB | Senior | 5'11” 185 lbs.
G TK INT PDEF
5 10 0 0
(*- See asterisk below for a note about Carter's 2011 stats.)
Photo credit: University of Minnesota Athletic Department
Michael Carter enters his senior year holding a tenuous grasp on the starting cornerback position opposite Troy Stoudermire. What will he do with it? Will Carter finally become the...
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Gopher Football 15 for 2012: No. 15 - Jon...
I recently spent a good 45 minutes looking at the updated numerical roster of the Minnesota Gopher football team. I actually got excited about a photo of Paul Bunyan’s Axe being held by a pixelated video game version of the Gophers. I briefly listened to someone talk about “2013 recruiting cycles” before snapping out of it.
Yes, we’re in the dead period between spring and fall...
June 2012
2 posts
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May 2012
3 posts
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Puckett wept: 28 years ago today, Kirby Puckett...
On May 8, 1984, a chubby, short outfielder who had a habit of swinging at the first pitch made his major league debut.
The Minnesota Twins — and Minnesota by and large — were never the same.
Kirby Puckett had four singles in his first game — batting leadoff! — and also contributed a stolen base in a 5-0 victory against what were then known as the California Angels....
April 2012
5 posts
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Is new Gophers athletic director Norwood Teague a...
(Photo credit: Jeff Wheeler/Star Tribune)
The new Golden Gophers athletic director has several pressing issues that call for strategic intervention. The question of if he has that skill is much more important than if VCU had a football program.
By now you’ve heard that Jeffrey Tambor Norwood Teague is the Minnesota Golden Gophers new athletic director.
Those in the know called it a...
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Iowa must feel so overlooked →
Google “cow college” and hit “I’m feeling lucky.” (Or just hit the link above.)
Someone is trolling hard over at Google Headquarters today.
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February 2012
3 posts
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Gopher football 2012: An early look at the...
(Photo credit: Brace Hemmelgarn Photography) Although 2011 starters Troy Stoudermire (pictured above) and Brock Vereen return to the Gophers’ defensive backfield, those cornerbacks are the only players offering much experience in what should be a completely re-tooled defensive secondary this season. Here’s a look at which newcomers are poised to make an impact for the Golden...
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Gopher football recruiting 2012: Incoming freshmen...
Some of the Gophers’ bigger names from this recruiting class will likely redshirt, but others will find themselves in position battles on the first day of practice. This is a look at wide receiver and which players could contribute immediately.
The video starts with a red circle around a wide receiver, No. 12. He runs a go-route, a straight streak for a long touchdown. The next play...
January 2012
3 posts
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#Gophers: New jersey incorporates old traditions...
New Gopher football jerseys, designed by Kasson, Minn., native, are a nod to glory, tradition of decades past (Ed. note: I freelanced this article for the Post-Bulletin, where it can be read here. Or just read below. Photo credit: Michele Jokinen / Post-Bulletin. For some videos and other photos of the jerseys, check out this link on the official Gophers football site.)
If Jerry Kill wants to...
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When 12-1 means nothing – It's time for Tubby...
Photo credit: (Left) Minnesota Daily, Erin Westover; (right) Associated Press, Jim Mone.
When a stellar non-conference record only hides the true shortcomings of a Big Ten team. The Minnesota Golden Gophers entered Big Ten conference play with a stellar record and a strong RPI, but will that translate into an NCAA Tournament bid? In all likelihood – and from the look of the first three Big Ten...
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The most racist thing I witnessed didn't involve a...
(Photo credit: Elliott Erwitt) Thoughts about race after reading Touré’s “Who’s Afraid of Post-Blackness” and Peter Godwin’s “When a Crocodile Eats the Sun,” two brilliant books that I completely recommend … You don’t need to be white, or privileged, to be impacted by white privilege … Reflections on race from six-months overseas in a foreign world … What racism...
December 2011
9 posts
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What would Golden Gopher Nike Pro Combat jerseys...
No, these are not leaked versions of the new Minnesota Gopher football uniforms. These are the result of playing with Photoshop, the newly released helmets and previously released Nike Pro Combat jerseys from other teams, Michigan State, Pitt and Stanford. (EDIT: I also added ones based off of Boise State and Missouri.)
I only added black to one of the mock-ups and as you’ll see, if you...
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Friday links (12.16.2011)
• Minnesota Golden Gopher football will have new jerseys next year and the athletic department is releasing them to the public “Major League” style, by stripping away a glimpse of the new threads each day much like the Cleveland Indians did with the cardboard cutout of owner Rachel Phelps.
Today, they released the picture on the far right, which I’m guessing to be directly...
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Giving Lil Wayne's "Abortion" the Toure treatment
Last year, the writer Touré brilliantly broke down Jay Electronica’s “Exhibit C,” one of my favorite hip-hop songs from the past five years, line by line. That song lends itself nicely to that type of treatment: it’s semi-autobiographical, it’s formed in a narrative and Jay Elect vividly describes his surroundings in each bar.
More importantly, the song bangs and Jay Electronica...
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Friday Links (Great Return) :: 12.9.11
In an effort to again blog more on this site with more than just Gopher football-related things, I’m going to bring back the weekly links of interesting stories from throughout the week. We start out in the Toy Department:
• The NBA just became the most uptight fantasy football league ever.
Last night, word leaked that the Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Hornets and Houston Rockets had...
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Call him 'Country,' but let's see what Jerry Kill...
(Photo credit: Marlin Levison / Star Tribune) The following column was originally posted on Fringe Bowl Team blog. You read it in entirety there, or below by clicking “Read More.”
Reader Patrick sends in the following question: “Can we all agree Jerry Kill’s first season has been complete flop?”
Alright, a reader didn’t e-mail that. It came from Patrick Reusse on...
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“12:10 p.m. - Former Wildcats coach Gary Barnett comes in for a sideline...”
– Taken from the Minnesota- (it’s just) Northwestern live blog over at Fringe Bowl Team blog. [FBT]
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