StribSports Daily Delivery

Introduction: Host Michael Rand gets to the two big stories from Monday night right away. The Wolves (and their fans) were teetering before a big win over Oklahoma City restored order and the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference. They won 107-101 despite what Anthony Edwards considered poor officiating. 6:00: The Twins, meanwhile, made their first big move of the offseason by trading longtime infielder Jorge Polanco to the Mariners for a starting pitcher, relief pitcher and two prospects. Seattle got the best player, but the trade should be good for both teams. 12:00: Star Tribune Vikings writer Andrew Krammer joins the show to talk through the Super Bowl matchup and the Vikings' offseason so far. Are they playoffs telling us anything about roster building? And is trading Justin Jefferson something the Vikings should consider? 39:00: T.J. Hockenson had surgery, while the Gophers women's basketball team got bad news about Mara Braun's injury.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joined host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports. The big discussion point, and a debate that will rage for a while, is whether the Lions and head coach Dan Campbell erred in being too aggressive on fourth down attempts -- aiding a San Francisco comeback victory in Sunday's NFC title game. Reusse boils it down succinctly: Campbell was an idiot. Meanwhile, there is fresh concern about the Timberwolves after another bad loss to the Spurs. Is this the start of a second-half slide, or are some recent lapses against bad teams just a lull? Plus thoughts on the Wild and TwinsFest.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand took note of two results Thursday and tried to put them in perspective. The Wolves won ugly against Brooklyn, but grinding out road wins against bad teams is essential for two reasons: proving they can sustain a high level for a full year and gaining a top-four seed in the Western Conference. The Wild's loss to Nashville, meanwhile, was another sign they just aren't quite up for competing for a playoff spot this year. 8:00: Former Twins pitcher Glen Perkins, a longtime teammate of newly elected Hall of Famer Joe Mauer, joins the show to talk about his long history with Mauer, his overall excellence and maybe a few things you didn't know. Plus Perkins gives his thoughts on the 2024 Twins. 34:00: The Falcons have a new head coach, and it isn't Bill Belichick.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand tries to connect the dots on three intriguing national stories. First, longtime NFL play-by-play voice Joe Buck said this week that declaring the touchdown and fake moon by Randy Moss was a "disgusting act" is the one call he'd most like to have back in his career. Plus the Milwaukee Bucks changed coaches even in the midst of success and the Chargers hired Jim Harbaugh. 10:00: Rand is joined by Star Tribune Wild beat writer Sarah McLellan for a deeper look at a team that has been up and down all season. What should we expect the rest of the way from a team that has lacked consistency and has been hampered by injuries? 38:00: The Wolves wiped away a bad loss with a decent win.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand takes a look at two damaging Gophers basketball losses to the Badgers on Tuesday. The men had a chance to change momentum but again had another close loss. The women, meanwhile, might rue their three-point loss in Wisconsin by the time the season ends. Plus Rand is done trying to figure out the suddenly hot Wild. 9:00: La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand to talk a little more about Joe Mauer and about appreciating all the great athletes we have in Minnesota. Who is the most likely candidate to reach the Hall of Fame next? 23:00: Rand rethinks his idea that the Packers are now the cursed franchise.

Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal III joins host Michael Rand after Tuesday's news that Twins great Joe Mauer has been elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame on the first ballot. The final margin was tight -- he cleared the bar by four votes, being named on 76.1% of ballots -- but the honor is undeniable. The St. Paul kid who spent his entire career with the Twins will be enshrined in Cooperstown, N.Y., on July 21 along with Adrian Beltre and Todd Helton. Neal, who covered Mauer's entire playing career, shares stories and unique perspectives of Mauer and celebrates the achievement.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts the show with the Timberwolves, who got 62 points from Karl-Anthony Towns but lost to the terrible Charlotte Hornets on Monday at Target Center. Afterward, head coach Chris Finch blasted the team for its immature approach and "disgusting" defensive effort. 10:00: Rand is joined by Star Tribune writer Kent Youngblood for a midyear check-in on the surging Gophers women's basketball team. Plus Youngblood analyzes WNBA free agency, which opened Sunday. The Lynx have needs, but will they find matches? 31:00: We already pretty much know Joe Mauer will be elected to the Hall of Fame tonight. It's a tremendous honor, but maybe some of the moment is temporarily lost by what we already know?

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports. They started with the NFL playoffs and a batch of compelling division round games. It could have been an all-NFC North title game, but the Packers choked against the 49ers and came up short in their upset bid. The Lions, meanwhile, dispatched Tampa Bay. In the AFC, quarterback excellence was on display. Missed kicks also loomed large. 24:00: A look at the career of Joe Mauer, who is on the verge of being elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. We'll know for sure on Tuesday. 38:00: A disappointing loss for the Wolves and surprising results for the Wild.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with three local teams who were in action Thursday, painting a Dennis Green-esque picture. The Wolves, Wild and Gophers men's basketball teams? They are who we thought they were at the start of the year. The Wolves are very good. The Wild and Gophers still have a long way to go. 9:00: Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins joins Rand for an in-depth look at the process of reporting his excellent new feature on eighth-grade basketball phenom Chloe Johnson. 37:00: Comments from Kirk Cousins about Bill Belichick and increased talks between Belichick and Atlanta could mean nothing. Or they could mean something.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand hates to pile on the Vikings (at least that's what he says), but he came across an evaluation recently of the Vikings' rookie classes in 2023 and 2022 and came away with a pretty easy evaluation: The Vikings didn't get nearly enough from their young players either year, and it's a major reason they are falling behind in the NFC North. 12:00: Randy Johnson joins the show to talk about the Gophers men's hockey team, which has some work to do in the next two months in order to make the NCAA field. Plus an update on Gophers football as well. 24:00: Renovations to Williams Arena? + A professional enough effort for the Wolves, another win for Minnesota's PWHL team and a loss for the Gophers women's basketball team.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand gives the latest update on the Twins' TV situation with another new twist. Diamond Sports, which seemed to be preparing to wind down its operations, instead has a new influx of cash from settling a lawsuit with Sinclair and an investment from Amazon, which could keep it operating beyond 2024. The upshot? The Twins' TV plans in 2024 are on hold again, and the bigger picture is cloudier. 8:00: Rand is joined by two friends as they talk through one of the low points in Vikings history. It was 25 years ago today that the Vikings lost to the Falcons in overtime of the NFC title game. So many moments -- some you might have forgotten -- and the aftermath of the game make it worth revisiting. 37:00: It's shaping up to be a bonkers NFL head coaching cycle.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand asks two questions at the start of the show. First: What in the world happened to the Eagles this season? Second: What do the eight remaining quarterbacks in the NFL playoffs tell us about the path the Vikings should (or shouldn't) take this offseason? 9:00: Timberwolves beat writer Chris Hine joins Rand for a look at the Wolves, who seem to have steadied themselves after a post-Christmas lull. They still have the best record in the Western Conference and now get an easy schedule. But should they be targeting players before the early February trade deadline? 33:00: A rough game for the Gophers men's basketball team and a milestone for Marc-Andre Fleury.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, which included two pretty important NFL playoff games Sunday. The Packers routed the heavily favored Cowboys, adding even more fuel to Jordan Love's ascent. The Lions, meanwhile, won their first playoff game in more than three decades. The Vikings look like they could be the fourth-best team in a four-team division in 2024. The Wild had a players-only meeting after a 6-0 loss to Arizona. They've already fired a head coach and tried to revive their season multiple times. If the reality is that they just aren't that good, what does that mean for the future? The Wolves, on the other hand, are very good. A strong win over the Clippers provided further evidence. The Gophers men's and women's basketball teams, meanwhile, are in the midst of important stretches.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand listens back on Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's season-ending news conference and receives confirmation of the crux of this offseason. The Vikings like Kirk Cousins, and Cousins likes the Vikings. But whether there is a contract that suits both sides is another question -- one that from Rand's perspective leads to the answer of "no." 9:00: Star Tribune Twins beat writer Phil Miller joins Rand to talk through a quiet Twins offseason. But Miller reminds us that this is the time of year the Twins tend to start making their moves. In 2023, for instance, a loud January brought the Carlos Correa signing and the Luis Arraez/Pablo Lopez trade. Plus Miller and Rand get into Twins TV discussions and Joe Mauer's firm Hall of Fame standing. 36:00: Rand can't believe what he just read about Florida State and NIL.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand was almost ready to believe the Timberwolves were true championship contenders before they faltered down the stretch of a wonderful game at Boston. It doesn't mean they won't get there, nor does it mean we can't give the credit for a great short-handed effort. But they still have things to prove. 10:00: The Wolves are feeling some of the same shift in expectations that the Gophers men's basketball team is experiencing. Head coach Ben Johnson and standout big man Dawson Garcia weigh in on that idea. 20:00: Gophers women's hockey senior Madeline Wethington joins the show for a look at her extended hockey family, the PWHL, and a big weekend against Ohio State. 33:00: Hockey teams going in opposite directions; a seismic shift in big-time football.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand takes a look at the Timberwolves, who only have one game left on a grueling 16-game test. They are 9-6 so far after a romp over Orlando on Tuesday. They have already passed the test, and the better news is they have the second-easiest remaining schedule in the NBA while already carrying the best record in the Western Conference. 9:00: Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand for another perspective on what the Vikings should do this offseason at quarterback. His preference: Cut the cord with Kirk Cousins. Move on. The roster isn't good enough and the salary cap isn't flexible enough. Now is the time, and Neal offers his preferences for solutions. They also get into Joe Mauer's Hall of Fame chances and the Twins' offseason. 31:00: Is this the week we found out how we're going to watch the Twins in 2024?

Introduction: Host Michael Rand can't believe Aaron Rodgers would say what he said Monday, but then again he can. At the very least, it gave him an idea about self-awareness as it relates to the Jets quarterback -- who will, by the way, face the Vikings in 2024. 8:00: Andrew Krammer joins Rand to break down the film on the Vikings one more time. Consider this more of a season in review as they look at which players emerged as part of the Vikings' core and which ones might be part of a larger roster overhaul. 27:00: Vikings poetry gets bleak, but it's not wrong. 39:00: A much-anticipated Wild debut coming soon?

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, which included the merciful end to a disjointed Vikings season. Now that it's over, let's hope there is an honest reckoning with the roster and a true path forward, which should include a future without Kirk Cousins. The next few months could be as important as any during the Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O'Connell era. 26:00: The PWHL drew 13,000 fans for Minnesota's home opener, part of a successful weekend aside from the Vikings. Minnesota's team won 3-0, while the Gophers men's basketball team improved to 3-1 in the Big Ten with another tense win. 42:00: Reusse tells some great stories about former Twins manager Billy Gardner, who died recently at age 96.

Introduction: The Gophers men's basketball team earned a huge win Thursday at Michigan, further validating the improvements they've made in Year 3 under Ben Johnson. Balanced scoring was again the key, as was a big defensive stop to preserve a 73-71 victory. Just how good can this team be? Plus the Wild lost again, sending their losing streak to four games. 9:00: Rachel Blount joins host Michael Rand for a look at the new PWHL. Minnesota's franchise won its debut 3-2 on Wednesday, and the home opener is Saturday. Blount describes a new era in pro women's hockey that could take the sport to new heights. 26:00: Ricky Rubio is retiring, and Rand has some thoughts. Plus what are Vikings fans hoping for this weekend in the finale vs. Detroit?

Introduction: Host Michael Rand looks at the history of the Timberwolves, which has included 12 seasons that have ended with 24 wins or fewer. That's how many wins the Wolves have now -- after 33 games. Their most recent efforts in a 24-9 season have been lacking, though, including a loss to New Orleans on Wednesday. As fans grumble through this lull, it's a lesson in expectations. 9:00: Star Tribune Gophers men's basketball beat writer Marcus Fuller joins Rand for a look ahead to Thursday's game at Michigan and the challenges of a Big Ten slate. After some good showings against weak competition, what should we expect from Ben Johnson's team? 33:00: Justin Jefferson sure sounds like he wants Kirk Cousins back as his quarterback; Minnesota's PWHL had a successful debut.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand does a brief history lesson on Vikings starting quarterbacks, finding that Nick Mullens will be the 42nd different one in team history when he takes a snap Saturday against the Bengals. He will also be their fourth starter this season, which has never happened in Vikings history. A staggering 34 different starting QBs have spanned the John Anderson era with Gophers baseball. The U of M announced Tuesday that he's retiring at the end of the 2024 season. 8:00: Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins joins Rand to talk mainly about a newsy offseason for the Gophers football team. Why did defensive coordinator Joe Rossi leave for Michigan State? And is modern recruiting, both in high schools and the transfer portal, going to make life a lot harder for P.J. Fleck going forward? 32:00: Why didn't the Vikings name a backup QB on Tuesday?

Introduction: Host Michael Rand takes a look at the Wolves' loss on Monday at New Orleans, one that was predictable and not yet alarming -- but one that still bears watching. It was the first of 16 straight games against teams above .500, with 11 of those on the road. It's the toughest stretch all year for the Wolves, and they need to maintain their early standard during this stretch. 7:00: Andrew Krammer joins Rand to break down the film from Sunday's still unbelievable 3-0 win over the Raiders. With so much to like on defense and so much to dislike on offense, what does a review of the game tell us about the Vikings going forward? 24:00: Vikings poetry gets into a deep discussion of just how good defensive coordinator Brian Flores has been this season. Plus a finishing thought on a great week for the Vikings overall.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, which included this statistical anomaly: The Vikings and Wild both won by identical 3-0 scores on Sunday, something that might have never happened in the history of Minnesota sports. The Vikings' win was punctuated by injuries and more struggles from Joshua Dobbs, who was replaced by Nick Mullens before the Vikings scored their only points of the game. Will Mullens become the Vikings' fourth starting QB in 14 games? Plus Joe Rossi's departure as Gophers defensive coordinator is interesting and could spell even more difficulty in 2024.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand looks at the major money influence in college football, which was brought up again by Gophers coach P.J. Fleck in a news conference ahead of the Quick Lane Bowl. The financial gap is widening in a lot of places, which we were reminded of again when John Rahm signed a deal with LIV Golf for more than $300 million. 8:00: Star Tribune Twins beat writer Bobby Nightengale joins Rand for a breakdown of the Twins' offseason and this week's Winter Meetings. The Twins are gauging trade interest for mainstays Max Kepler and Jorge Polanco while trying to figure out how to decrease payroll this season. Will deals materialize? And what's the plan in the outfield? 29:00: The Wild's win streak is over, plus a key college hockey series.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand runs through three basketball games Wednesday -- all of them victories of varying magnitudes for the Timberwolves, Gophers men and Gophers women. Ben Johnson thought a lot of Minnesota's win over Nebraska. The Wolves stayed perfect against the NBA's worst teams. And Dawn Plitzuweit's team got a nice road victory. 12:00: Rand breaks down Kevin O'Connell's comments Wednesday on the state of the Vikings' quarterback room and how he came to the decision to keep Josh Dobbs as the starter. 22:00: Your questions about the Wolves, Twins and Gophers get thorough answers.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand looks at the Wild, who just won their fourth straight game in dominant fashion under new head coach John Hynes. The instinct might be to think this team is dramatically different because of dramatically different results. But the margins are so thin at the top levels of sports that even getting a little better means a lot. 8:00: Timberwolves President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly joins Rand. The Wolves are 15-4 and carry the best record in the NBA into Wednesday's game against the Spurs. This comes after tons of criticism of Connelly last season when the Rudy Gobert trade looked bad, plus an offseason when he could have been tempted to remake the roster again. 32:00: We should learn the identity of Sunday's Vikings starting QB today.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand notes that barely more than a week ago, the Vikings and Wild were on much different trajectories. The Vikings had a seemingly easy game against the Bears last Monday to get to the bye week at 7-5, while the Wild were on a seven-game losing streak and fired their coach. Now? According to multiple projection sites, the Wild have a better chance of making the playoffs this year than the Vikings. 9:00: Star Tribune Gophers football beat writer Randy Johnson joins Rand for a look at all the transfer portal comings, goings and ... stayings? The biggest addition is new quarterback Max Brosmer, but players saying they are staying is becoming a new thing, too. 28:00: The Twins are optimistic about Byron Buxton again.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, which included more wins for the Wild and Wolves. The Wolves just completed a huge November and are keeping things going in December, while the Wild are undefeated since making a coaching change. Plus the Gophers football team lands a transfer quarterback. They will put their Quick Lane Bowl dominance (sarcasm font, though they are 2-0) on the line on Dec. 26 against hated Bowling Green as they try to avenge a terrible 2021 upset loss. Thoughts, too, on Gophers basketball, volleyball and the Vikings.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand jumps right into the big news Friday morning that the Twins will have new (but familiar) voices on their TV and radio broadcasts in 2024. With just a few months left in the offseason, though, we still don't know who their TV broadcast partner will be. Plus big wins for the Wolves and Gophers men's basketball show off their depth. 8:00: Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins joins Rand to talk about the three biggest stories of the week: The Gophers' QB upheaval, with Athan Kaliakmanis entering the transfer portal; the Vikings' impending decision at quarterback; and the Wild's coaching change. 31:00: Rand reiterates his preference for a Vikings quarterback and marvels at how much different the Wild looked in a 6-1 win Thursday.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand revisits the Rudy Gobert trade with the Wolves set to face Utah on Thursday, noting that the national narrative around a deal that was widely panned a year ago has started to shift. Gobert is playing like a defensive stalwart, the Wolves have the best record in the West and things look much different now. 8:00: A ranking of quarterbacks in the transfer portal shows the Gophers could be getting an upgrade at that position. 11:00: Jeff Day joins Rand for an in-depth discussion of the Gophers volleyball team, which turned its season around after a rough start and reached the NCAA tournament in Keegan Cook's first year as coach. They face Utah State on Friday in Omaha. 34:00: Another impressive display from the Gophers women's basketball team.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand takes note of the QB disparity during P.J. Fleck's tenure with the Gophers. Minnesota under Fleck is 33-14 when Tanner Morgan starts at quarterback, and just 16-20 when anyone else starts. With that as a backdrop to news that starter Athan Kaliakmanis has entered the transfer portal, where do Fleck's Gophers go from here? Plus Rand gets into the Wild's win under new coach John Hynes and the Wolves' thrilling victory over Oklahoma City. 13:00: Vikings film review and poetry both revolve around the quarterback play, Kevin O'Connell's deficiencies and Brian Flores' strong work with the defense. 36:00: Will O'Connell bench Dobbs when the Vikings return from their bye? Rand thinks that would be a mistake.

Introduction: In a hideous 12-10 Vikings loss to the Bears, the flaws of both quarterback Joshua Dobbs and head coach Kevin O'Connell were on display. Dobbs can be flustered into mistakes, which led to four interceptions and other turnover-worthy plays. O'Connell did him no favors with the game plan and did the Vikings no favors -- again -- with his questionable in-game management. 13:00: Randy Johnson joins host Michael Rand to talk about the Gophers football program, which is doing some soul-searching even as it prepares for a bowl game. Four consecutive losses and a 5-7 record has already led the Gophers to seek changes in the transfer portal. 32:00: How quickly opinions of coaches can change.

Star Tribune Wild beat writer Sarah McLellan joins host Michael Rand to break down Monday's big news that the Wild fired coach Dean Evason and replaced him with former Nashville head coach John Hynes. Early-season struggles turned into a seven-game losing streak, quickly escalating a hot seat for Evason after successful recent regular seasons. Will the Wild's top players start to produce after the coaching change? And will the magnifying glass intensify on General Manager Bill Guerin if things don't improve.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the long holiday weekend of sports, which included the continued demise of two teams that figured prominently in Reusse's Turkey of the Year column on Thanksgiving. The Wild, who took home the grand prize this year for 20 years of mediocrity, have lost seven consecutive games. Changes have to be coming soon, but it's hard to see a path forward given the narrow constraints around the team. The Gophers, meanwhile, grabbed the very last of 82 bowl slots, even after losing four consecutive games to end the year -- the last a 28-14 setback against rival Wisconsin on Saturday. Plus Reusse and Rand get into Twins free agency, Gophers volleyball and Gophers men's basketball.

On Thanksgiving against Dallas 25 years ago -- yes, it's been that long -- Randy Moss unleashed a performance for the ages. He had just three catches, but all of them were for 50-plus yards and all were touchdowns. Where were you when it happened? 9:00: The Gophers football team has had a disappointing season and the program faces a lot of headwinds in the future. But the Gophers still have a chance to do something they haven't done in more than 60 years: beat Wisconsin, Iowa and Nebraska in the same season. Gophers football beat writer Randy Johnson helps break down the opportunity against the Badgers. 28:00: A rundown of Thursday's games.

Introduction: A recent posting by occasional podcast guest Jon Marthaler about the status of Minnesota pro sports teams got host Michael Rand thinking about how much can change in just a month of sports. 6:00: Rand is joined by Star Tribune writer and editor Jeff Day for a discussion of the Timberwolves and Karl-Anthony Towns. They carry a 10-3 record into a big game Wednesday against the 76ers. Just how good can these Wolves be? How good do Towns and the Wolves need to be in order to keep this roster together long-term? And is Towns unfairly criticized at every opportunity? 35:00: An injury of note and a win for the Gophers.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand offers a brief examination of Joe Mauer's Hall of Fame candidacy now that the former Twins great is officially on the ballot. Was his run of excellence long enough and unique enough to get him in sooner rather than later, or will his late career and lack of postseason heroics weigh him down? 5:00: The Wolves are rolling, and maybe it has something to do with their comfort? 10:00: Andrew Krammer joins Rand to review the film from the Vikings' 21-20 loss to the Broncos on Sunday. The running game emerged, but the turnover problem returned. And did Denver figure out the best way to defend Joshua Dobbs? Plus Vikings poetry and the guys you want to hate if you are a Vikings fan. 34:00: The helmet-to-helmet hit that wasn't called Sunday earned a Broncos defensive player a long suspension.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, which included an end to the Vikings' five-game losing streak thanks to a 21-20 loss at Denver. The Vikings outplayed the Broncos in almost every way, leaving Reusse wondering -- aside from turnovers, of course -- how the heck this one wasn't a win. Reusse and Rand also got into the Wolves' narrow win over the Pelicans, Tom Thibodeau coming back to town Monday night, the Gophers football team just trying to keep it close and the big crowd Sunday at the Barn for Gophers vs. UConn. And in a roundabout way, you'll get a preview of Turkey of the Year as well.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand watched the closing minutes, appalled like many other viewers, of the Gophers men's basketball team's 70-68 loss to Missouri on Thursday. Poor execution, costly mental mistakes and questionable coaching decisions were all part of the swirl that saw Minnesota cough up a 20-point second-half lead. 9:00: Star Tribune Wild beat writer Sarah McLellan joined Rand from Sweden, where the Wild are preparing to play a pair of games this weekend. It's an opportunity to show off their heritage for several players, but it's also an important time for the struggling Wild to turn their season around. 31:00: An English Premier League team received an unusual penalty, while a Vikings future opponent suffered a key injury.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand notes that the Wolves carried a lot of national love into the second game of a back-to-back against Phoenix on Wednesday. And a blowout loss to the Suns, 133-115, is not cause for alarm. This is what happens even to good teams that are tired from the fallout after an emotional win over the Warriors that cost Draymond Green a five-game suspension. 8:00: Star Tribune Twins writer Phil Miller joins Rand for the latest on Diamond Sports bankruptcy proceedings and how they impact the Twins, Wolves and Wild. Plus Miller's thoughts on payroll and how the Twins will have less margin for error in 2024 with their decisions, in part because they figure to have less local TV revenue. 30:00: A good showing by the Gophers women's basketball team and an opportunity for the men.