Recent content from Chip Scoggins
Scoggins: Gophers' season of toss-up games will largely be defined by Wisconsin outcome
A loss would drop the Gophers' record over the past two Novembers to 1-7, but a win would let them end a roller coaster regular season on a high note.
When this Minnesota town was fading, a barn helped give it hope
Gary and Sherri Johnson's barn has become Hendricks' barn, and gymnastics has become part of the town's fabric.
Football Across Minnesota: On comebacks, jump-cuts and a can't-lose coach
Read about Minnesota State Mankato's mini-miracle, Charles Langama's nifty moves and Chris Meidt's magical weekend.
Scoggins: Trick play to left tackle a regrettable decision for Gophers
Pass to Ersery did not work, the Gophers remained behind after a field goal and they never got the ball back.
Uncorked QBs smashing records all across Minnesota
Football Across Minnesota: 'Ground and pound' offenses are disappearing, replaced by record-setting quarterbacks at several Division II and III schools. Plus: prep stars, 8-2 Vikings and more.
Scoggins: What does Vikings' 8-2 record say about them?
The Vikings currently are tied for the fourth-best record in the NFL. Does that say more about them or the league? Does it matter? Enjoy it, Vikings fans.
Vikings defenders manage to show their best and their worst
Harrison Smith made a crucial interception, and people in purple dominated the line of scrimmage. But there was that 98-yard pass …
Scoggins: Vikings' O'Connell must crack the code of complicated puzzle
The team's offense has to get back on track, and that means finding a way to get the ball to Justin Jefferson.
Scoggins: Vikings' Smith is 'Hitman' on field and man of many talents off
A many of many talents, star safety Harrison Smith might be the most interesting man in the NFL — and he's a future Hall of Famer
Football Across Minnesota: Meet Cam, the can-do star from down south
One of the most exciting players coming to Minneapolis for Semifinal Week is Cam Hungerholt, the do-it-all star of LeRoy-Ostrander. He can run, throw, tackle, score … and ace that quiz on Monday morning.
Scoggins: Getting even meant getting two picks vs. Edina
Maple Grove defensive back Brayden Dozier had two interceptions Thursday, one year after getting picked on by the Hornets in a playoff loss.
Scoggins: Among pantheon of Gophers running backs, Taylor has his own special traits
What makes Darius Taylor such an effective running back for the Gophers? Many things, but especially his vision and ability to find creases.
Football before sunrise? Why you can find it in St. Paul
Football Across Minnesota: Macalester players have learned to manage a unique schedule. Also: Alexandria's 99-yarder, and a legacy that began with Bud.
Scoggins: Rest up, young man. There's another state championship to chase, and soon.
Gannon Farrens, a senior at Maple Grove, played Friday for a boys soccer state title. On Saturday he'll run in the cross-country state meet. Thanks go to his mom and his coaches.
Scoggins: Now that Fleck has a QB he can trust, it's a new ballgame for Gophers
Few teams passed less than the Gophers over P.J. Fleck's first seven seasons with the Gophers, but senior quarterback Max Brosmer has given them a new identity.
'He's won before kickoff': A senior's journey from brain surgery to section final
Football Across Minnesota: Owen Guertin used his love of sports to recover from a major surgery and is now a senior on a Benilde-St. Margaret's team playing for a bid to state.
Scoggins: No cookies, more sleep as Vikings prepare for Thursday night challenge
With little time to digest Sunday's loss to the Lions, the Vikings have a different set of challenges ahead of Thursday night's showdown with the Rams.
Football Across Minnesota: Twice as many defenders? Not a problem for this freshman
De'Marion Brown isn't just new to Gustavus, he's new to 11-player football. He's showing early signs that adjusting isn't much of an issue.
Scoggins: Lynx's challenge grows steep in WNBA Finals against Liberty
Fatigue is in play, as are emotions after a dramatic loss in Game 3. But the Lynx have proven all season they're a team you can't count out — do so at your own risk
Football Across Minnesota: Gophers QB recruit honors sister lost to SIDS
Jackson Kollock was devastated by the loss of his sister, Catalina Raine, but football helped him through the pain. He's now a top prospect in Laguna Beach (Calif.) and committed to the Gophers.
Scoggins: Pohlad family's decision to sell Twins feels necessary amid fans' criticism
The Twins' attendance fell in 2024 despite their playoff success in 2023, indicating matters had grown too sour.
Scoggins: Rose Bowl remains worth a spot on the bucket list, no matter why you go
The Gophers football team finally made it back to the famous stadium and its mountain setting, this time for a Big Ten game, and fans traveled, too.
Scoggins: UCLA was swimming in debt before the Big Ten floated a life raft
"You do have to modernize," UCLA athletic director Martin Jarmond said. "You can't romanticize because college athletics are not the same."
Faber's gameday: Predictable, until the jump shots start flying
'Getting Ready for Work' series: The Wild's rising star, Brock Faber, has every minute of his gameday mapped out.
'Getting Ready': How Rudy gets his 7-foot-1 frame ready to go
'Getting Ready for Work' series: Rudy Gobert tunes up his tall frame on gamedays, but the Timberwolves' 7-1 center takes especially great care of his mental well-being.
Pablo the Planner: Twins ace doesn't waste a minute on gamedays
Our 'Getting Ready for Work' series: When it's Pablo López's turn to pitch, not a minute will be wasted.
'Getting Ready': How 'mom stamina' steeled this champion
'Getting Ready for Work' series: PWHL star Kendall Coyne Schofield hustles all day before sitting near the empty rink, visualizing her next moves.
For Napheesa Collier, there's a 'mad dash' day before her MVP-caliber play
Our 'Getting Ready for Work' series: Catch Napheesa Collier hustling around Minneapolis before she settles in, styles up and showcases her world-class talent.
Scoggins: Our Minnesota athletes are full of surprises on gamedays
Discovering the idiosyncrasies of some of Minnesota's best athletes was the most fascinating part of this nearly yearlong project.
Harrison Smith goes medieval on gamedays
Getting Ready for Work: The Vikings All-Pro gives himself a twist at home before games.
'Getting Ready': A nap is his only break from soccer
Our 'Getting Ready for Work' series: Midfielder Wil Trapp enjoys the game he loves with the ones he loves on Minnesota United gamedays.
Football Across Minnesota: Why the Vikings' victory Sunday was seven months in the making
The Vikings' massive operation went overseas for a week, and FAM goes behind the scenes to see how the franchise made their trip to London an all-around success.
Scoggins: Vikings are undefeated but still waiting to play their 'best ball'
The 5-0 Vikings are far from perfect, needing their defense to bail out the struggling offense and special teams in Sunday's win over the Jets in London.
Darnold, Vikings offense stall after Jones' injury
Running back Aaron Jones didn't play in the second half because of a hip injury, and Sam Darnold had his worst game as the Vikings quarterback in a 23-17 win over the Jets in London.
Scoggins: Smith and Rodgers' cat-and-mouse game continues on Sunday
A future Hall of Fame safety meets a future Hall of Fame quarterback on Sunday when the Vikings' Harrison Smith and the Jets' Aaron Rodgers face off for the 21st time in their respective careers.
Scoggins: Vikings hitting another gear with speedy set of playmakers
Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell and General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah prioritized speed when reshaping the roster, surrounding Justin Jefferson's all-world talent with complementary teammates.
Scoggins: This one meaningful Minnesota football game tradition could become many
New London-Spicer's annual 'Fallen Heroes Game' should be emulated in many communities around the state.
Football Across Minnesota: Former KARE 11 anchor Randy Shaver still drawn to the Friday Night Lights
Retirement for former KARE 11 sports and news anchor Randy Shaver looks a lot like his working days, as he hustles around town on Friday nights indulging his love of high school football.
Scoggins: O'Connell, Vikings are leaning on Darnold, and it's paying off
Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell trusted quarterback Sam Darnold, who trusted the best receiver in football, helping the team survive a Packers rally and win at Lambeau Field.
Scoggins: It's time for the Pohlads to get serious or sell the Twins
After an approach to the season that was shameful and ended with one of the worst collapses in MLB history, the Twins fanbase deserves better.
Scoggins: Dedication to Pilates part of Nailor's successful start
After dealing with nagging hamstring injuries for most of his life, time spent focusing on Pilates and all-encompassing body work has Nailor thriving for the Vikings
Football Across Minnesota: He's an offensive lineman, but with strings attached
That 6-7 guy playing the national anthem on the violin in a football uniform is Sam Smith, a multitalented young man at Park Christian High in Moorhead.
Scoggins: Think the Vikings' defense looks crazy? That's the way they like it.
After putting the Texans in a vise grip for 34-7 win, the undefeated Vikings have grabbed the NFL's attention by concocting a defense that induces night terrors.
Scoggins: Gophers' first-half good vibes went out the window with a putrid second half
Iowa asserted its dominance after halftime and took Floyd back down the highway after an all-too-brief stay in the Twin Cities.
Scoggins: To win this pig, you'll have to win in the slop
Battle between the Gophers and Hawkeyes will come down to the line of scrimmage, with the winner walking away with the Floyd of Rosedale
Minnesota's most-famous kicker now plays quarterback in Crosslake
Calling the shots as the chief of the Crosslake Fire Department became the second career for Chip Lohmiller.
Scoggins: Vikings teammates see an 'absolute baller' in Darnold
The new Vikings starting quarterback can be brilliant and exasperating. In Sunday's upset of the 49ers, he was a cool customer when his team needed him the most.
Scoggins: The absence of the Twins' Big Three have them on life support heading into the final stretch
The Twins have the potential to be great and make some noise in the postseason, but getting a combined 12% of games from their big three is why they find themselves battling just to make it to October
St. Paul's football spark: 'We need people to put on for the city'
Football Across Minnesota: Rising star Justice Moody might be on to something, with Johnson's jump in numbers to prove it.
Scoggins: 'New' Gophers offense fails to generate much excitement
First-game issues aside, the offense as run by Max Brosmer looked a lot like the relatively pedestrian offenses of P.J. Fleck's past teams.
Scoggins: For Gophers to be successful, Fleck's offense must adapt to modern times and let it fly
The Gophers relied too heavily on the run when they were in the Big Ten West division, but now they're in an 18-team conference with more high-powered offenses.
A tragic death. A town bonded by baseball. How Waterville embraced a family as one their own.
Following the tragic passing of Shane Sellner, the family found comfort and love in a town that wasn't theirs — at least to begin with.
Scoggins: Even a traditionalist can love the revamped college football landscape
The 12-team College Football Playoff, the 18-team Big Ten, the payments to players — all of it can enhance the sport.
Scoggins: O'Connell's leadership has helped Vikings navigate turbulent summer
Having faced a series of emotionally jarring news this summer, the accumulation of it goes beyond the norm, requiring every bit of O'Connell's stewardship.
Scoggins: NBA welcomes Wolves to A-list status
With Anthony Edwards' charisma a key selling point, the Wolves are getting many more prime time appearances.
Loss of Vikings rookie QB J.J. McCarthy a heartbreak, but anguish will pass
Plans for season have been thrown into disarray, but injury is a setback, not the end, for ex-Michigan star.
Scoggins: Gophers QB Brosmer plays chess 10-15 times daily to keep his mind sharp
The Gophers are counting on their new quarterback's quick decision making and accuracy, and he'll face a learning curve coming from New Hampshire.
Scoggins: Heading into tough stretch, Twins ignoring noise
With three young, mostly unproven starters in the rotation in a pennant race after little action at the trade deadline, Twins buckle down and forge ahead.
Scoggins: No telling how Gophers football team will fare in Big(ger) Ten
As a new-look Gophers team prepares for a new-look conference, the only certainty is that things will be more difficult.
Scoggins: Vikings running back Aaron Jones is ultra-confident
The team's offense will probably change dramatically with a versatile Jones in the backfield.
Scoggins: Vikings chess master Flores gets new pieces to move around field
Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores is evolving and changing with the NFL. Did he get enough new playmakers to stabilize the defense?
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.
