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| Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Fla. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Gophers: Sour Citrus Mars Season
The Gophers lost to Missouri in the Citrus Bowl at Orlando 33-17. It wasn't a surprise that they lost another post-season game (they haven't won one since the 2004 Music City Bowl, and have dropped seven since), or that coach Jerry Kill has yet to win one (he's 0-5, and that includes his previous stop at Northern Illinois). Bad decisions by Kill, five fumbles and the second-half domination by SEC-tested Missouri made sure of that. It's just that it happened on New Year's Day, when it seemed the entire state of Minnesota (and a few other souls) were tuned in to ABC to witness something that hasn't happened in over 50 years. It's kind of like watching the Vikings on Super Bowl Sunday, expecting a different result.
The Gophers finish at 8-5 (5-3 in the Big Ten Conference), with a much tougher schedule on tap in 2015. With the usual comings and goings of players (Sophomore Maxx Williams, who scored a "Sportscenter"-worthy touchdown in the Citrus Bowl, is headed for the NFL), it's always a question of how Kill will mold what talent he's got to compete. If the Gophers ever expect to be invited back to another of those big-deal bowl games, they'd have to play a lot better than they did in Orlando. Or Nashville. Or Houston. Or Tempe. Or . . .
Vikings: No More Drama?
The Vikings completed their first full season at the college stadium that's named for a bank with a 7-9 record, good for third in the NFC North. They defeated the last-place Chicago Bears 13-9 for their only division win of the year. There would have been more victories had the Vikings held on to the lead late in some games.
They come away from the experience with Teddy Bridgewater as the undisputed Number One quarterback, leaving Matt Cassel (whose season-ending injury ushered in the Bridgewater Era much sooner than anyone anticipated) and Christian Ponder in the background and wondering about their futures. The defense has improved to the point where no one misses Jared Allen (now with the Bears) any more. But the offensive line left a lot to be desired.
Coach Mike Zimmer did well in his first season, considering all the challenges he faced. Injuries. No Adrian Peterson. Cordarrelle Patterson seemingly checked out. Mistakes made in play-calling, which cost the Vikings some games. You know, the usual.
The major question going into next season, besides improvements on the offensive line, is what to do about Peterson. He's due to come off his NFL suspension in April, and all signs point to him leaving the Vikings (and possibly football) because he's suddenly become a major PR liability. But Zimmer and most of his players want Peterson back, if only to goose their record beyond seven wins. With or without Adrian Peterson, the Vikings aren't ready for a playoff spot yet. But they'll be a lot better off than they were before this season.
A Couple Other Things . . .
- Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton recently let it be known that he's tired of having to get up early just to watch the Gopher football games, some of which started at 11 a.m. this past season. So he wants a law that bans kickoffs before noon. Doesn't the Governor know that the University of Minnesota doesn't control the start times for games, but ESPN and the Big Ten Network do? Besides, in spite of their success this season, the Gophers aren't considered "elite" enough to warrant a better time slot against the likes of Ohio State or Wisconsin. So forget the law, Governor, and start setting your alarm on Saturday mornings.
- Is anyone else as surprised as we are to see Ohio State and Oregon in the national college football championship game? It means that, for a change, the Midwest and Pacific Northwest are the epicenters of the sport. Not the Southeast.
- Our preliminary Super Bowl matchup: New England vs. Seattle.
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