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.
Officials say emergency crews in St. Paul responded to three different fires within 90 minutes of each other on Saturday.
The Kandiyohi County Sheriff's Office says it received a report of a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of County Road 2 and County Road 33 in Roseville Township just before 2 p.m. Saturday.
One of five Minnesota men facing criminal sexual conduct charges for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl pleaded guilty on Friday, according to court documents.
Police say the girl's phone is off and last pinged on the 2000 block of Irving Avenue North.
Kelvin Yeboah scored two goals to help Minnesota United beat the San Jose Earthquakes 5-1 to snap a nine-game winless streak.
Officials say emergency crews in St. Paul responded to three different fires within 90 minutes of each other on Saturday.
One of five Minnesota men facing criminal sexual conduct charges for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl pleaded guilty on Friday, according to court documents.
Police say the girl's phone is off and last pinged on the 2000 block of Irving Avenue North.
The fight over Flock cameras could be moving to Minnesota's Capitol City. The automatic license plate-reading cameras continue to spark debate across Minnesota, with some cities cutting ties with the technology, as other cities deal with vandals taking matters into their own hands.
Far-right influencer and pardoned Jan. 6 insurrectionist Jake Lang was arrested Saturday, according to the Minneapolis Police Department.
The Kandiyohi County Sheriff's Office says it received a report of a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of County Road 2 and County Road 33 in Roseville Township just before 2 p.m. Saturday.
Advocates say a copper-nickel mine near the Boundary Waters in northern Minnesota is the type of diversification needed to keep the industry alive in the region. Concerned neighbors worry that it could compromise the watershed and tarnish the wilderness area. Beyond environmental concerns, some wonder if a copper-nickel mine in the area makes sense.
A Minnesota hemp farmer won't let a looming federal ban cut down his efforts to create family fun.
A motorcyclist was killed in northern Minnesota Thursday afternoon when a semi truck ran him over during a crash, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.
Gov. Tim Walz's move to ban mining near the Boundary Waters highlights a long-standing debate: Can a copper-nickel mine operate in a northern Minnesota watershed without tarnishing the world-class Boundary Waters? The answer depends on who you ask.
Dozens of cases of E. coli and salmonella in multiple states are linked to an alfalfa grower in Minnesota, health officials say.
The Franklin County Coroner's Office says Jack Pugh died March 30 from acute bronchopneumonia caused by cardiomyopathy, a disease that weakens the heart's ability to pump blood.
The crash happened at approximately 7:12 a.m. on westbound I-94 at milepost 13 in St. Croix County near Roberts, Wisconsin, according to the State Patrol.
Wisconsin residents headed to the polls Tuesday — or voted early — to have their say in the 2026 primary. Here are live results.
Progressive candidates for governor in Wisconsin and U.S. Senate in Minnesota are making their final pushes ahead of Tuesday's election.
Crews in St. Paul, Minnesota, are clearing out the city's largest encampment on Wednesday.
After officials in Minnesota's capital city announced they would shut down encampments for those experiencing homelessness, the City Council approved more than $1 million to expand capacity at local shelters.
The city of St. Paul, Minnesota, is taking a stand and closing encampments amid growing concerns.
Baseball fans might remember the Metrodome's iconic blue seats, and now in Atwater, Minnesota, spectators can once again grab a blue seat and watch a game.
Tucked away in the Midway neighborhood in St. Paul is a community treasure many have come to love and respect.
The U.S. and Canada have wrangled for decades over trade, and somehow, they still managed to remain friends, allies and trading partners.
The Pentagon has given separation notices to both the publisher and the editor-in-chief of Stars and Stripes, according to people familiar with the matter.
Chief Justice John Roberts issued a stay that will remain in place until the Supreme Court takes further action.
An unexpected reunion with one of the president's friends turned foes is gaining attention.
Democrat Jake Johnson, a high school math teacher, is running a competitive race against Republican Rep. Brad Finstad, prompting analysts to downgrade Finstad's reelection outlook.
An outbreak of E. coli and salmonella is linked to an alfalfa grower in Minnesota, health officials say. WCCO speaks with a food safety expert about the risks associated with alfalfa sprouts.
Dozens of cases of E. coli and salmonella in multiple states are linked to an alfalfa grower in Minnesota, health officials say.
Twin Metals says a copper-nickel mine near the Boundary Waters would bring hundreds of union jobs and 1,400 additional positions. Still, opponents say the environmental risks to the watershed are not worth the trade-offs.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison released nearly 700 documents Wednesday in his office's investigation into Fleet Farm, alleging the company "ignored an internal warning" about selling firearms to a "straw buyer."
Target is reporting its second straight quarter of comparable sales gains, saying a merchandising overhaul under the discount retailer's new CEO was attracting more customers.
One of five Minnesota men facing criminal sexual conduct charges for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl pleaded guilty on Friday, according to court documents.
Police in Minneapolis are investigating after at least 87 vehicles were damaged across several areas of the city in nine separate incidents early Friday.
Marquez Hill Turnipseed, 24, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in May. He told investigators he went to the park to help fellow gang members in attacking an opposing gang on the evening of June 1, 2025.
A 34-year-old man is accused of playing shadow puppets with the grapple of a boom and crushing his coworker's head as they were trimming trees in Apple Valley, Minnesota, on Thursday evening.
Jurors heard Duane "Keffe D" Davis tell detectives his nephew Orlando "Baby Lane" Anderson fired the shots that killed Tupac Shakur.
Could you have a life-saving kidney? A Minnesota woman with end-stage renal disease says she needs one.
An outbreak of E. coli and salmonella is linked to an alfalfa grower in Minnesota, health officials say. WCCO speaks with a food safety expert about the risks associated with alfalfa sprouts.
Friday marks the fifth annual National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day, which has the goal of raising awareness about a drug epidemic that costs tens of thousands of lives a year.
Dozens of cases of E. coli and salmonella in multiple states are linked to an alfalfa grower in Minnesota, health officials say.
Maybe you've experienced the "Sunday scaries" which is when you worry about the looming work week or wish you could have accomplished more over the weekend. The "August blues" create similar feelings, one being regret.
Hairball, an '80s rock 'n' roll tribute band, will replace the Rod Stewart show at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand that was slated for Sept. 1.
The Renaissance Festival, county fairs, Picklefest and Potato Days — there's plenty to do this weekend in Minnesota.
"Today, Elwood and I lost a great friend and collaborator, and the world lost one of the most naturally innovative drummers and a great and true son of Texas," ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons said in a statement.
Madonna leads all artists with 11 nominations at this year's MTV VMAs, and a full sweep would tie her with Beyoncé and Taylor Swift for the most VMA wins in history.
Co-stars and friends of Hayden Panettiere are remembering her for her friendship, intelligence and talent after her shocking death on Sunday.
Kelvin Yeboah scored two goals to help Minnesota United beat the San Jose Earthquakes 5-1 to snap a nine-game winless streak.
Jake Cronenworth raced home with the tying run on an error and Ty France singled in the go-ahead run during a four-run rally in the seventh inning that gave the San Diego Padres a 7-5 win against the Minnesota Twins.
Ty France homered and drove in three runs and Randy Vásquez and two relievers combined on a two-hitter as the San Diego Padres beat the Minnesota Twins 6-2 in the opener of a three-game series between teams fighting for wild-card berths.
Olivia Miles scored 24 points, Natasha Howard added 21 points on 10-of-12 shooting and the Minnesota Lynx beat the Washington Mystics 94-84 on Friday night for their sixth straight win.
Marc Lore is selling the majority of his stake in the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx, ESPN reports, giving the franchises a new controlling owner.
Democrat Jake Johnson, a high school math teacher, is running a competitive race against Republican Rep. Brad Finstad, prompting analysts to downgrade Finstad's reelection outlook.
In the aftermath of the primary, Republicans in Minnesota are more optimistic about their November chances than they ever have been.
In the aftermath of the primary, Republicans in Minnesota are more optimistic about their November chances than they ever have been.
The candidates for the Minnesota general election are all set, and the campaigns are shifting into a higher gear.
The Minnesota primary is Tuesday, with the final barrage of political ads in overdrive and candidates making their final pitches.
For five generations, one family has run the Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours along the St. Croix River.
Keith Richardson is a home brewer and beer memorabilia collector. His collection got so big that, two years ago, he moved everything into an old toy store near downtown Lanesboro and opened the Hammarama Museum and Gift Shop.
Passing trains and scenic bluffs are a big part of Buffalo County, Wisconsin, but in the middle of it all is a garden where creativity and flowers grow together, all courtesy of a man named Herman Rusch.
Thousands of pictures of Split Rock Lighthouse are taken each year. And oftentimes a little island appears in those photos. Ellingsen Island has developed a following of its own.
There's a scenic, nearly century-old spot in St. Cloud, Minnesota, where right now you'll find thousands of flowers in bloom.
Maybe you've experienced the "Sunday scaries" which is when you worry about the looming work week or wish you could have accomplished more over the weekend. The "August blues" create similar feelings, one being regret.
As if the constant barrage of political ads wasn't enough, some WCCO viewers are particularly bothered by the language candidates are using.
There's a certain elegance to the common loon. Its black and white plumage carries a gentle sheen of green as though dressed for a formal affair. Subtle colors that allow its piercing red eyes to steal your gaze.
Parents will be digging deeper into their wallets this back-to-school season.
Minnesotans have become quite familiar with drought in recent years. Not only how it affects the water supply, but also the rules that can come with it.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new foods for 2026.
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.
WCCO meteorologist Katie Steiner has the latest forecast.
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.
Sunday will be a #Top10WxDay with sunshine and a high temperature of around 80 degrees.
Today is our second Top 10 Weather Day! Temperatures will be in the low 80s. Meteorologist Katie Steiner shares when we can see our next chance of rain and what you should expect if you're heading to the fair Thursday.
We have a second Top 10 Weather Day on Sunday! Temperatures will be in the low 80s. Parts of Minnesota could see isolated rain early Sunday morning. Another chance comes later in the week. Meteorologist Lisa Meadows shares when that chance may be and what you should expect if you're heading to the fair Thursday.
Among the big winners in this month's primary was Matt Little, now the DFL nominee in Minnesota Congressional District 2. Little, the former Mayor of Lakeville, beat two other prominent Democrats by double digits. He now faces Republican state Sen. Eric Pratt in the November general election.
WCCO meteorologist Katie Steiner has the latest forecast.
New details following nearly a dozen arrests after an out-of-town agitator and protesters clashed in Minneapolis Saturday. It happened outside City Hall during a planned event that attracted counterprotesters. Frankie McLister heard from city leaders about the incident.
Here are the latest updates and headlines from WCCO.com.
Today is our second Top 10 Weather Day! Temperatures will be in the low 80s. Meteorologist Katie Steiner shares when we can see our next chance of rain and what you should expect if you're heading to the fair Thursday.