Minnesota's Rolling, Favored To Beat Penn State
How's this for a paradigm shift in Big Ten football? Minnesota has won straight three conference games and is favored, ever so slightly, to beat Penn State.
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How's this for a paradigm shift in Big Ten football? Minnesota has won straight three conference games and is favored, ever so slightly, to beat Penn State.
Minnesota coach Richard Pitino is on the verge of his first game with the Gophers. They host Lehigh on Friday night in the season opener. Pitino said before the team's practice on Thursday afternoon that he's nervous before every game, so this will be no different.
There are smiles on the faces of Gopher football players – that's what happens when you win. The U of M is on a three-game Big Ten win streak, something the program hasn't done for years.
Given their bloodlines and new jobs, Minnesota's Richard Pitino and Northwestern's Chris Collins have quite a bit in common. Both are in their 30s. They're the sons of well-known coaches, and they already seem to have a bond heading into their first season in the Big Ten.
Minnesota coach Jerry Kill is working his way back into the job after taking a leave of absence to better manage his epilepsy. He's not ready to return to the sideline. But he said confidently that he'll soon be seizure-free.
Nebraska's home game against Minnesota this weekend will be televised on ESPN. The Big Ten Conference announced which channel would air the game on Sunday.
The Gopher football team takes on Northwestern on Saturday searching for Minnesota's first Big Ten win. It will most likely be defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys' first time as acting head coach in Jerry Kill's absence, as the head coach is in the midst of an indefinite leave to manage his epilepsy.
All-session ticket packages go on sale Monday for the inaugural Big Ten Men's Ice Hockey Tournament. The tournament will be held March 20-22, 2014, at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.
Jake Rudock threw for one touchdown and ran for another and Iowa beat Minnesota on both sides of the ball in a 23-7 victory on Saturday. Mark Weisman rushed for 147 yards on 24 carries, and Mike Meyer made three of his four field goal attempts to help the Hawkeyes (4-1, 1-0) start the Big Ten with a bang. After losing their opener to Northern Illinois, they've outscored their last two opponents 82-10. Senior linebackers Christian Kirksey, James Morris and Anthony Hitchens led a stifling effort on defense, including interceptions by Kirksey and Morris of Minnesota quarterback Philip Nelson. Nelson hadn't played in two weeks because of an injury, but he started ahead of Mitch Leidner for the Gophers (4-1, 0-1).
When Philip Nelson's right hamstring strain forced him out of the game, Minnesota turned to redshirt freshman Mitch Leidner at quarterback. Leidner started for the Gophers last week, too, rushed for 151 yards and four touchdowns and tops the depth chart going into the Big Ten opener Saturday against Iowa. Nelson, the sophomore who took over at midseason last year, has no guarantees of getting the job back.
Quarterback Mitch Leidner rushed for 151 yards and four touchdowns to lift Minnesota to a 43-24 victory over San Jose State on Saturday. Leidner was filling in for injured starter Philip Nelson, who was out with a bad hamstring. He also passed for 71 yards as the Golden Gophers improved to 4-0. Gophers coach Jerry Kill returned to the sideline a week after missing the second half because of an epileptic seizure and made it through the game without incident.
Big Ten football coaches say there aren't very many places where they can unload frustrations about fans, reporters or anyone else without paying a price. On Tuesday's weekly call with reporters, Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said that about the only person a coach can vent to in confidence is his wife. And he joked that that isn't a sure thing.
If all goes according to plan, the possibility of an FCS wins over one of the big boys of college football won't exist much longer in the Big Ten. The College Football Playoff is coming next season, and strength of schedule is part of the criteria the selection committee will use to determine the four teams. Playing FCS opponents wouldn't help the cause.
New coach Rich Pitino and his Gophers will open the Big Ten Conference season with none other than the national runner-up Michigan Wolverines. The University of Minnesota men's basketball team's 2014 conference schedule was released Wednesday, and it includes a home opener against Michigan on Jan. 2 before playing Purdue on Jan. 5 at Williams Arena.
Philip Nelson was a gifted quarterback from Mankato West, where he was turning heads in the Big Ten. He committed to Minnesota, and in his sophomore season he's progressing like he did in high school. "It's a lot like high school when it comes to each year you play, it slows down noticeably, and that's where I'm at right now. It's taken a step slower for me, and I think as an offense we all feel the same way," Nelson said.
Touting a strong finish to the previous season is a natural talking point for any college football team. At Minnesota, momentum has been trumpeted all summer. Even though the Gophers lost their bowl game to fall to 6-7 and won only once after Halloween, they showed signs of progress after back-to-back 3-9 finishes.
When the Big Ten grows to 14 teams, the conference's longtime football powers will literally be out of Minnesota's half of the league. But the Gophers didn't get any breaks on the upcoming schedules. In 2014 and 2015, when Maryland and Rutgers are added to the East, teams will only play two out-of-division opponents. Well, Minnesota drew Michigan and Ohio State for those two foes. In 2016, the Big Ten goes to nine-game conference schedules.
Joe Martinson knows exactly who he is. The Minnetonka senior pitcher doesn't step into the batter's box, or take to the field – his focus revolves solely around the mound.
Century Community College left-handed ace Jared Dettman, who is pitching in the Junior College World series, should get drafted for a second time next week. Cedar Rapids Kernels' manager Jake Mauer sees some similarities between first-round prospect Byron Buxton and his brother - the Twins' Joe Mauer. The Timberwolves are concerned about Kevin Love's conditioning since his injury ended his season.
Indiana is the top seed for the Big Ten baseball tournament, and coach Tracy Smith has an honest admission to make.
For the first time in 10 years the Gophers are going to the NCAA softball tournament. The squad finished second in the conference and is en route to Seattle to face Hawaii on Friday night in the Regionals.
Riley Dearring was well known at Minnetonka. But the big schools were not recruiting him hard -- except for Wisconsin. And his skills are a family affair.
While getting to the Final Four is a big deal, winning it is even bigger. But how much do schools directly benefit from winning the championship game?
Rick Pitino is one proud papa. A day after his son Richard Pitino agreed to become the next head coach at Minnesota, Rick Pitino proclaimed the 30-year-old up-and-comer "more than ready" for the challenge.
One of the biggest names in college basketball is coming to Minnesota to coach the Gophers.
Eleven educators have been selected as finalists for the 2026 Minnesota Teacher of the Year, organizers said Friday.
Paul George scored 23 points, Tyrese Maxey and Kelly Oubre Jr. each had 21 as the 76ers defeat the Timberwolves.
Tristan Gray hit his first career grand slam to cap a seven-run seventh inning for the Minnesota Twins in a 10-4 home-opener victory over the Tampa Bay Rays.
Owen Hailey was the second oldest of four siblings, and was known to be everyone's best bud.
Security footage shows thieves fleeing after discovering a 3-month-old in the backseat of a stolen SUV, leaving the infant alone in an alley for more than an hour before police arrived.
Security footage shows thieves fleeing after discovering a 3-month-old in the backseat of a stolen SUV, leaving the infant alone in an alley for more than an hour before police arrived.
On this Good Friday, dozens of people in Minneapolis marched in the rain to acknowledge a connection they feel exists between how Jesus was crucified and the trauma community members experienced in recent years.
From the initial concept 10 years ago to the opening of two stores in the Twin Cities on Friday, Erin Pash and Shayna Hoechst have reached new highs with Pot Mama's.
Target Field in downtown Minneapolis lost power for around an hour ahead of the Minnesota Twins' home opener on Friday afternoon.
Police are investigating after dozens were smashed and at least three people fled officers in Robbinsdale, Minnesota, on Wednesday morning, according to law enforcement.
A 28-year-old man is in the hospital after a crash involving a plow truck and a pickup truck in Fredenberg Township, Minnesota, on Friday morning.
Julie Le, who was removed from her post after telling a judge "this job sucks," is now challenging Rep. Ilhan Omar in Minnesota's 5th District.
Shattuck-St. Mary's is more than a hockey school, but hockey has helped put the school on the map. They have banners and big names to prove it, though the real evidence lies with a man called Rooster.
Some schools in Minnesota have already announced closings or shifts to virtual learning on Thursday as another round of winter weather threatens parts of the state.
A South Dakota man was killed in a crash south of the Twin Cities Tuesday morning, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.
Owen Hailey was the second oldest of four siblings, and was known to be everyone's best bud.
Efforts to quickly and quietly oust the president of the University of Wisconsin system are drawing fire from a Republican legislative leader.
The president of Wisconsin's largest mosque was detained by federal immigration agents, drawing accusations from local officials and religious leaders that the arrest was motivated by his statements against Israel.
Some schools in Minnesota have already announced closings or shifts to virtual learning on Thursday as another round of winter weather threatens parts of the state.
A suspect is in custody after a "written threat" led to the brief evacuation of a church in Hudson, Wisconsin, Tuesday morning.
Mackenzie Reed, head custodian at Shakopee East Middle School, has painted large-scale murals throughout the building she once attended as a student, creating a more welcoming space for current students.
Kristi comes to the Salvation Army not only to get food, but to shine her light. She talks with and encourages people waiting in line.
The way Mary Hernandez describes it, the effort to keep families off the street in Shakopee, Minnesota, is like trying to keep your head above water.
Deputy Fire Marshal Shawn Johnson, 61, died March 5 after a two-year battle with job-related cancer, the Minnetonka Fire Department announced.
The Minnesota Department of Corrections says 95% of all incarcerated individuals will eventually be released from prison. The DOC says it does all it can to help people transition back into the community as productive citizens.
Officials from 23 states and the District of Columbia filed a lawsuit seeking to block President Trump's executive order that aims to restrict mail voting.
The executive order is designed to increase the NCAA's control over college sports, and threatens to remove federal funding for colleges and universities that don't comply with NCAA rules.
The president of Wisconsin's largest mosque was detained by federal immigration agents, drawing accusations from local officials and religious leaders that the arrest was motivated by his statements against Israel.
The search for the second crew member, a weapons system officer, is continuing, two U.S. officials said.
A former Trump defense attorney will take over, at least temporarily.
Minnesota continues to beat the national gas price average, but there are still ways to save in the metro area.
A passenger on an American Airlines flight from New York to Chicago has been charged with making a false bomb threat that forced an emergency landing at Detroit Metro Airport last month, according to a federal criminal complaint.
Your car isn't the only vehicle that needs gas. It's a huge budget item for Minnesota fire departments, police and mass transit.
As we all pay more to fuel our cars, drivers might miss the savings hidden right at the pump. It comes down to timing, then adjusting your routine.
With the national average for gas prices around $4, the timing is especially concerning for the floral industry amid the height of Easter and Passover preparations.
Security footage shows thieves fleeing after discovering a 3-month-old in the backseat of a stolen SUV, leaving the infant alone in an alley for more than an hour before police arrived.
A Burnsville, Minnesota, paraprofessional is facing seven charges in an undercover child solicitation operation that was carried out by a detective in Carver County last month, according to court records.
Police are investigating after dozens were smashed and at least three people fled officers in Robbinsdale, Minnesota, on Wednesday morning, according to law enforcement.
The president of Wisconsin's largest mosque was detained by federal immigration agents, drawing accusations from local officials and religious leaders that the arrest was motivated by his statements against Israel.
The complaint says the woman admitted to an officer over the phone that she went home and consumed alcohol during her lunch break.
Nurses and physicians at Hennepin Healthcare in downtown Minneapolis, home to the first level-one and busiest trauma center in Minnesota, on Wednesday urged the state Legislature to throw the hospital a lifeline — and fast.
Ramsey County, Minnesota, health officials say the county had its first case of mumps reported in about five years.
The Supreme Court's 8-1 ruling siding with a Colorado counselor who claimed the state's restriction unconstitutionally censored her conversations with young patients does not immediately strike down Minnesota's law.
The produce section at grocery stores is packed with nutrient-dense foods. Certain fruits and vegetables, in particular, are packed with fiber, and a new diet trend has people "maxxing" out on it.
Deputy Fire Marshal Shawn Johnson, 61, died March 5 after a two-year battle with job-related cancer, the Minnetonka Fire Department announced.
A federal judge in New York has tossed out actor Blake Lively's sexual harassment claims against actor Justin Baldoni over their roles in the movie "It Ends With Us," but left intact a claim for retaliation.
Atlanta rapper Gucci Mane was lured to a Dallas studio for a meeting, then allegedly kidnapped and robbed by a group including rappers Pooh Shiesty and Big30.
A Las Vegas performer has sued Taylor Swift over the title of her hit album "The Life of a Showgirl," alleging it violates the performer's trademark.
A Minnesota singer has made the big time, signing his first record deal after 43 years in the music business.
The price hike raises the cost of the standard plan with ads by $1 per month and the cost of the standard and premium plans by $2.
Paul George scored 23 points, Tyrese Maxey and Kelly Oubre Jr. each had 21 as the 76ers defeat the Timberwolves.
Tristan Gray hit his first career grand slam to cap a seven-run seventh inning for the Minnesota Twins in a 10-4 home-opener victory over the Tampa Bay Rays.
Target Field in downtown Minneapolis lost power for around an hour ahead of the Minnesota Twins' home opener on Friday afternoon.
The executive order is designed to increase the NCAA's control over college sports, and threatens to remove federal funding for colleges and universities that don't comply with NCAA rules.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have announced franchise legend Kevin Garnett's long-awaited return to Target Center, though fans will have to wait a little longer for his well-deserved jersey retirement.
Julie Le, who was removed from her post after telling a judge "this job sucks," is now challenging Rep. Ilhan Omar in Minnesota's 5th District.
In 2025, the entire U.S. Attorney's office had 77 immigration detention cases, she said. In January 2026, she alone was assigned 88 cases.
One of the most heated issues remains immigration, where Craig has walked back her support for the Laken Riley Act.
With the DFL nominating convention just eight weeks away, polls that have come out show Peggy Flanagan in the lead for U.S. Senate over Angie Craig.
A DFL senator argues that President Donald Trump's decision to allow prediction market sites in all 50 states means Minnesota should regulate sports betting rather than leave it uncontrolled.
Shattuck-St. Mary's is more than a hockey school, but hockey has helped put the school on the map. They have banners and big names to prove it, though the real evidence lies with a man called Rooster.
Opening Day for the Minnesota Twins is almost here. And across town, the St. Paul Saints are getting ready for their season, too, with some added history.
The Nuss Collection is home to a lot of vintage trucks.
Denis Doyle was born in Kilkenny, Ireland. He emigrated to the U.S. and in 1856, Doyle traveled to Le Sueur County. Other Irish immigrants joined Doyle and the town was born.
One of the oldest operating theaters in the Midwest is in danger of closing its doors for good.
It's estimated that children playing with fire set more than 20,000 fires every year. On average, the fires they start cause nearly 1,000 injuries and 150 deaths each year.
As we all pay more to fuel our cars, drivers might miss the savings hidden right at the pump. It comes down to timing, then adjusting your routine.
The produce section at grocery stores is packed with nutrient-dense foods. Certain fruits and vegetables, in particular, are packed with fiber, and a new diet trend has people "maxxing" out on it.
Minnesota's recent swing from heavy snow to record heat is a recipe for rocky roads.
Heavy snow followed by bitter cold hit Minnesotans with a double whammy of winter. The good news is spring-like weather is right around the corner, but its quick arrival could spell trouble for homeowners.
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Tuesday night.
A look at the newest addition to the polar bear population at St. Paul, Minnesota's Como Zoo.
From food shelves to school programs, our team is proud to serve where it matters most.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new food, drinks and vendors for 2025.
Snow is expected to fall across much of Minnesota on Saturday morning, according to NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer. Residents in areas around Grand Marais and Bemidji could see up to a foot of accumulation by the end of Saturday.
In Minnesota, weather can be all over the place. Here at WCCO, we want to give you what you need to prepare for what's happening next.
Rain will fall in the Twin Cities late Friday and into early Saturday while Minnesotans to the north see snow, according to NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
High pressure brings back some sunshine for Easter Sunday with a quieter pattern into early next week, WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer reports.
Northern Minnesota could see a few inches of snow as another storm pushes through, and though the Twin Cities will see some flakes, NEXT Weather Meteorologist Mike Augustyniak says there won't be much accumulation.
Snow is expected to fall across much of Minnesota on Saturday morning, according to NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer. Residents in areas around Grand Marais and Bemidji could see up to a foot of accumulation by the end of Saturday.
Holy Week is a busy time for clergy members. In this edition of Home Team, Mike Max introduces Father Bob White, a legally blind Minnesota priest who never slows down while accomplishing amazing things.
A U.S. Coast Guard ice cutter was needed to help a freighter that was stuck on Lake Superior in Duluth on Friday.
It was a memorable home opener for the Minnesota Twins and their fans on Friday. There was a power outage, it was cold and the team lit it-up in the late innings of the game. Ubah Ali spoke to fans about the issue.
Search and rescue crews are looking for a pilot after the F-15E fighter jet they were in was shot down over Iran on Friday, U.S. officials said. They were part of a two-man crew flying the aircraft. Rescue teams found the other pilot hours after the crash. Officials also found an A-10 pilot shot down in a separate incident. Charlie D'Agata reports from London.