SB Nation Minnesota: All Posts by Jeff Briggshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48959/mn-fave.png2013-04-03T21:43:39-05:00https://minnesota.sbnation.com/authors/jeff-briggs/rss2013-04-03T21:43:39-05:002013-04-03T21:43:39-05:00Experts predict Louisville to win it all
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<figcaption>Andy Lyons</figcaption>
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<p>Experts believe the tournament's No. 1 overall seed, Louisville, will be crowned national champions on Monday night.</p> <p>In an NCAA Tournament and basketball season filled with upsets, the experts believe that the No. 1 overall seed, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/louisville-cardinals">Louisville</a>, will win the National Championship and cut down the nets on Monday night.</p>
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<b>More: </b><a href="http://www.cardchronicle.com" target="_blank">Card Chronicle</a><b> </b><a href="http://www.maizenbrew.com" target="_blank">Maize n Brew</a><b> </b><a href="http://www.nunesmagician.com" target="_blank">Nunes Magician</a><b> </b><a href="http://www.midmajormadness.com" target="_blank">Mid Major Madness</a>
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<p><br id="1365038476457">Beginning with Saturday's games, they experts all pick Louisville to end the Cinderella run of Wichita State. All <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/ncaa-tournament/expert-picks/straight-up/national-semifinals">four CBS Sports experts</a> predict that Louisville will not only win, but also <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/ncaa-tournament/expert-picks/against-the-spread/national-semifinals">cover the 10.5-point spread</a>. At <a href="http://www.oddsshark.com/ncaab/final-four-prediction-louisville-favored-by-95-against-wichita-state-on-saturday-april-06-2013">OddsShark</a>, they have things a bit closer, but like the Cardinals to advance with a 82-75 victory. Professional prognosticator <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2013/03/18/sports/ncaabasketball/nate-bracket.html?_r=0">Nate Silver of the <i>New York Times</i> blog FiveThirtyEight</a> gives Louisville a 84.6 percent chance of advancing past the Shockers.</p>
<p>The experts are unanimous when it comes to the second semifinal as well, with all of them picking the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/michigan-wolverines">Michigan Wolverines</a> to beat the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/syracuse-orange">Syracuse Orange</a>. All four CBS Sports experts agree and believe the Wolverines will cover their 2.5-point spread, but OddsShark projects a thriller, with <a href="http://www.oddsshark.com/ncaab/final-four-prediction-michigan-wolverines-visit-syracuse-orange-in-college-basketball-clash-april-06-2013">Michigan coming out on top, 80-79</a>. Silver also has this game a lot closer, giving the Wolverines a 51.9 percent advantage.</p>
<p>Overall, <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2013/03/18/sports/ncaabasketball/nate-bracket.html?_r=0">Silver likes the Cardinals</a>, putting Louisville's chances to cut down the nets at 55 percent compared to 21.2 percent for Michigan, 19 percent for Syracuse, and 4.7 percent for Wichita State. <a href="http://www.oddsshark.com/ncaab/final-four-trends-odds-favor-chalk">OddsShark also believes it will be Louisville</a> left standing in the end, citing the success of favorites in past Final Fours.</p>
<h4>More in College Basketball:</h4>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/longform/2013/4/3/4178540/ray-king-cancer-profile-nc-central-basketball?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">Living and playing basketball with cancer</a></p>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2013/4/3/4171162/andrew-wiggins-recruiting-kentucky-dunks-mcdonalds-game?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">Andrew Wiggins is the anti-LeBron</a></p>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2013/4/3/4178560/mike-rice-fired-rutgers-basketball-player-abuse?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">Rutgers coach Mike Rice fired after abuse allegations</a></p>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/2013/4/1/4172216/2013-final-four-michigan-will-beat-syracuse-three-reasons-why?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">3 reasons why Michigan beats Syracuse</a></p>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2013/4/2/4171082/kentucky-basketball-recruiting-mcdonalds-all-american-game-julius-randle-harrisons?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">The best recruiting class ever? Calipari reloads</a></p>
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https://minnesota.sbnation.com/2013/4/3/4181344/ncaa-final-four-predictionsJeff Briggs2013-02-07T10:15:39-06:002013-02-07T10:15:39-06:00Minnesota pulls in a solid recruiting class
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<p>The Golden Gophers signed 19 players to their 2013 recruiting class. While there were no superstars, they did land several three-star recruits.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/minnesota-golden-gophers">Minnesota Golden Gophers</a> have a tough time battling against other Big Ten schools for recruits, but did a solid job in 2013, signing a large number of three-star recruits.</p>
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<a href="http://www.thedailygopher.com/2013/2/5/3954872/national-signing-day-the-2013-golden-gopher-football-recruiting-class" target="_blank">Full National Signing Day coverage from The Daily Gopher</a>
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<p>The Gophers brought in two three-star recruits at quarterback in Chris Streveler and Donovahn Jones. Minnesota was able to <a href="http://www.thedailygopher.com/2013/2/5/3956622/minnesota-football-recruiting-donovahn-jones-commits/in/3718913" target="_blank">lure Jones away from Missouri</a> by offering him the chance to play quarterback. The Tigers were interested in Jones as a receiver, but he flipped to the Gophers for the opportunity to show what he can do behind center. The Daily Gopher was particularly excited about luring Jones to campus:</p>
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<p>Big time athlete, big time pick up. And one hell of a coup by the Gopher staff to poach him away from SEC country right before NSD.</p>
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<p>Expect one of the two quarterback recruits to redshirt and the other to see some playing time. Minnesota used multiple quarterbacks for much of the 2012 season, so you will likely see both Streveler and Jones on the field in the future.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football-recruiting" target="_blank">SB Nation's full coverage of College Football Recruiting</a>
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<p>Minnesota landed another solid <a href="http://www.thedailygopher.com/2013/2/5/3120637/national-signing-day-the-2013-golden-gopher-football-recruiting-class/in/3718913" target="_blank">offensive recruit</a> in Berkley Edwards, brother of NFL wide receiver Braylon Edwards. On the <a href="http://www.thedailygopher.com/2013-gopher-football-recruiting/2013/2/5/3925506/national-signing-day-the-2013-golden-gopher-football-recruiting-class/in/3718913" target="_blank">defensive side of the ball</a>, the Gophers have a few more holes to fill and could see some recruits step up as starters in 2013. JUCO transfer Damien Wilson should compete for the starting middle linebacker job off the bat.</p>
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https://minnesota.sbnation.com/minnesota-golden-gophers/2013/2/7/3963666/national-signing-day-2013-minnesota-football-recruiting-resultsJeff Briggs2013-01-03T14:46:32-06:002013-01-03T14:46:32-06:00Packers receiving corps returns to full strength
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<p>Wide receivers Randall Cobb and Jordy Nelson and tight end Jermichael Finley all participated fully in practice on Thursday after being limited on Wednesday.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Green Bay Packers</a> offense is nearing full strength as wide receivers <span>Randall Cobb</span> and <span>Jordy Nelson</span> returned to full participation in practice on Thursday, as did tight end <span>Jermichael Finley</span>. All three players were limited on Wednesday with various injuries, but were full participants on Thursday and are expected to play on Saturday against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a>.</p>
<p>Cobb missed the Week 17 game against the Vikings due to an ankle injury. He was the Packers leading receiver on the season with 80 receptions for 954 yards and eight touchdowns.</p>
<p>Nelson looked the least likely to play early in the week with a knee injury, but now he appears ready as well. Nelson caught 49 passes for 745 yards and seven touchdowns in 12 games this season.</p>
<p>Finley was slowed early in the week by a quadriceps injury, but will be ready for Saturday. He caught 61 passes for 667 yards and two touchdowns this season.</p>
<p>Wide receiver <span>Jarrett Boykin</span> (ankle), cornerback <span>Tramon Williams</span> (illness), and defensive end <span>Jerel Worthy</span> (knee) did not practice on Thursday. Worthy has already been ruled out for Saturday. Running back James Starks was limited on Thursday with a knee injury. Starks has been out since the first game between the Vikings and Packers this season on Dec. 2.</p>
<p>Cornerback <span>Charles Woodson</span> was a full participant again on Thursday and remains on track to play in his first game since breaking his collarbone Oct. 21.</p>
https://minnesota.sbnation.com/minnesota-vikings/2013/1/3/3832828/packers-injuries-randall-cobb-jordy-nelson-jermichael-finleyJeff Briggs2013-01-03T13:41:54-06:002013-01-03T13:41:54-06:00Ponder limited for second day in Vikings practice
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<p>Quarterback Christian Ponder was limited by a sore elbow in practice on Thursday for the second straight day.</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> quarterback <span>Christian Ponder's</span> elbow will likely keep him from being 100% for the Vikings playoff matchup with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Green Bay Packers</a> on Saturday. Ponder was limited in practice for the second straight day as coach Leslie Frazier said they wanted "to let that elbow calm down a bit."</p>
<p>Frazier was seen <a href="https://twitter.com/TomPelissero/status/286910411478024192">talking to backup quarterback</a> <span>Joe Webb</span> and third-string <span>McLeod Bethel-Thompson</span> after practice. Bethel-Thompson has yet to be active for a game this season, but may be in uniform on Saturday if Ponder's elbow really is a concern.</p>
<p>Also limited on Thursday were running back <span>Adrian Peterson</span> (abdomen), defensive end <span>Brian Robison</span> (shoulder), and safety Harrison Smith (knee). All players are expected to play on Saturday.</p>
<p>Missing practice on Thursday were cornerback <span>Antoine Winfield</span> (hand) and linebacker <span>Tyrone McKenzie</span> (shoulder). McKenzie is not expected to play but Winfield has been <a href="http://minnesota.sbnation.com/minnesota-vikings/2013/1/3/3832610/antoine-winfield-injury-vikings-packers">fitted for a new cast</a> and will likely be ready on Saturday.</p>
<p>Defensive end <span>Jared Allen</span> (shoulder), cornerback <span>A.J. Jefferson</span> (ankle), defensive end <span>George Johnson</span> (quadriceps), punter <span>Chris Kluwe</span> (knee), and tackle <span>Phil Loadholt</span> (knee) were all listed on the injury report, but were full participants in practice on Thursday.</p>
https://minnesota.sbnation.com/minnesota-vikings/2013/1/3/3832624/minnesota-vikings-injury-report-christian-ponderJeff Briggs2013-01-03T11:21:04-06:002013-01-03T11:21:04-06:00Timberwolves 4th in Northwest Division
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<p>Minnesota is .500 on the season, but the division leaders are putting more space between themselves and the Timberwolves.</p> <p>With one win and one loss over the past week the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canishoopus.com/">Minnesota Timberwolves</a> remain at .500 on the season with a 14-14 record, but are in fourth place in the Northwest Division. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/">Oklahoma City Thunder</a> lead the division at 24-7 and hold an 8.5 game lead on the Timberwolves.</p>
<p>The rest of the division is still closely packed together, chasing Oklahoma City. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.denverstiffs.com/">Denver Nuggets</a> (18-15) are in second place, seven games behind the Thunder and 1.5 games ahead of Minnesota. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blazersedge.com/">Portland Trail Blazers</a>, at 16-15, are eight games off the lead in the division. Only the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.slcdunk.com/">Utah Jazz</a> (16-17) are behind the Timberwolves, nine games off the division lead.</p>
<p>The Thunder also hold the best record in the Western Conference right now, ahead of the Southwest Division leading <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/">San Antonio Spurs</a> (26-8) and the Pacific Division leading <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.clipsnation.com/">Los Angeles Clippers</a> (25-8).</p>
<p>Having lost to Utah on Wednesday, Minnesota has two more immediate chances to move up in the division. They play in Denver on Thursday and host the Blazers on Saturday.</p>
https://minnesota.sbnation.com/minnesota-timberwolves/2013/1/3/3832124/nba-standings-2013-minnesota-timberwolvesJeff Briggs2013-01-01T11:37:21-06:002013-01-01T11:37:21-06:00Timberwolves in middle of NBA power rankings
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<figcaption>Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Minnesota Timberwolves remain near .500 and in the middle of most NBA power rankings.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canishoopus.com/">Minnesota Timberwolves</a> are the healthiest they've been all season, but are struggling to improve their record and remain in the middle of the pack in NBA power rankings from around the web. Minnesota is 14-13, but has not won back-to-back games since mid-December.</p>
<p>The Timberwolves come in at No. 15 in <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/powerrankings">Marc Stein's power rankings at ESPN</a>. In <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/powerrankings">John Hollinger's power ranking system</a> at ESPN, Minnesota received its highest ranking at No. 12. <a href="http://www.nba.com/2012/news/powerrankings/12/31/week9/index.html?ls=nbahpfull2">John Schuhmann of NBA.com</a> ranks the Timberwolves 13th and makes a point about their inconsistency. Schuhmann points out that Minnesota's starting front court combined for just 17 points against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/">Rockets</a> on Dec. 26, but three days later it combined for 71 points against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Suns</a>. In <a href="http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/12/31/nba-power-rankings-western-conference-dominates-top-spots/">Kurt Helin's power rankings at Pro Basketball Talk</a>, the Timberwolves received their lowest ranking, coming in at No. 16.</p>
<p>Overall that gives Minnesota an average power ranking of 14. With division road games on Wednesday and Thursday, the Timberwolves have a chance to set themselves apart from the pack this week.</p>
https://minnesota.sbnation.com/minnesota-timberwolves/2013/1/1/3824686/nba-2013-power-rankings-minnesota-timberwolvesJeff Briggs2012-12-27T14:46:50-06:002012-12-27T14:46:50-06:00Brandon Roy could return on Saturday vs. Suns
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<figcaption>Jesse Johnson-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Brandon Roy could return to the court for the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday when they take on the Phoenix Suns.</p> <p>Minnesota Timberwolves guard <span>Brandon Roy</span> went through a full practice on Thursday and <a href="https://twitter.com/Twolves_PR/status/284390484409991168">could return to the court on Saturday</a> to face the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Phoenix Suns</a>.</p>
<p>Roy has been out since Nov. 9 and underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee on Nov. 19. He has only played in five games this season, averaging 5.8 points and 4.6 assists. Roy has been slowly rehabbing his knee as he prepares to make his return. He said after Thursday's practice that if things go well on Friday, he could play against the Suns.</p>
<p>Roy retired after the 2010-11 season due to problems with both knees that included bone-on-bone pain. He signed with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canishoopus.com/">Timberwolves</a> on July 31 and was in good form until a collision in a preseason game on Oct. 26 that ultimately led to his arthroscopic surgery. Roy spent five years with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blazersedge.com/">Portland Trail Blazers</a> before retiring and made three All-Star teams as a member of the Blazers.</p>
https://minnesota.sbnation.com/minnesota-timberwolves/2012/12/27/3809066/brandon-roy-injury-updateJeff Briggs2012-12-27T14:25:06-06:002012-12-27T14:25:06-06:00Vikings not expected to draft Ponder's replacement
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<p>Despite struggled from Christian Ponder throughout the season, the Minnesota Vikinga aren't expected to take a quarterback high in the 2013 NFL Draft.</p> <p><span>Christian Ponder</span> struggled for much of the season, but ESPN's Kevin Seifert <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/69157/nfc-north-wrap-all-division-team-and-more">doesn't believe the Vikings will look to replace him in the 2013 NFL Draft</a>. Seifert cites Ponder's improved performance in recent weeks and the poor class of quarterbacks as the main reasons the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a> will stick with Ponder for at least another season.</p>
<p>Ponder has passed for 2,701 yards, 15 touchdowns and 12 interceptions this season with a 78.8 rating. He has also rushed 58 times for 237 yards and two touchdowns. Ponder had some major difficulties this year, including three games in which he threw for under 100 yards. Over the past two weeks however, Ponder has not thrown any interceptions and kept the Vikings in the playoff race.</p>
<p>With Geno Smith of West Virginia as the only quarterback sure to be selected in the first round (he is projected to be the first overall selection), the Vikings are likely to give second-year QB Ponder another year to develop. </p>
https://minnesota.sbnation.com/minnesota-vikings/2012/12/27/3808986/2013-nfl-draft-news-vikingsJeff Briggs2012-12-27T11:16:12-06:002012-12-27T11:16:12-06:00Timberwolves in last place in Northwest Division
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<p>The Minnesota Timberwolves have lost four of their last five games and now find themselves in last place in the Northwest Division.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canishoopus.com/">Minnesota Timberwolves</a> have struggled through a tough schedule recently, losing two straight and four of their last five, dropping them into last place in the Northwest Division at 13-13. The Timberwolves are 7.5 games behind the division leading <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/">Oklahoma City Thunder</a> (21-6), who they beat on Thursday, Dec. 20.</p>
<p>After the Thunder, the rest of the Northwest Division is clumped closely together. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.denverstiffs.com/">Denver Nuggets</a> (16-14) are in second, 6.5 games behind OKC and only one game ahead of Minnesota. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blazersedge.com/">Portland Trail Blazers</a> (14-13) are third in the division, seven games behind the Thunder and only a half-game ahead of the Timberwolves. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.slcdunk.com/">Utah Jazz</a> (15-15) are tied with the Timberwolves at .500.</p>
<p>The red-hot <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.clipsnation.com/">Los Angeles Clippers</a> have the best record in the Western Conference at 22-6, a half-game ahead of the Thunder. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/">San Antonio Spurs</a> lead the Southwest Division at 22-8 and currently would be the three-seed in the West, behind the Clippers and Thunder.</p>
<p>The Timberwolves are currently a half-game behind Portland for the eight-seed in the West.</p>
https://minnesota.sbnation.com/minnesota-timberwolves/2012/12/27/3808194/2012-nba-standingsJeff Briggs2012-12-20T15:00:29-06:002012-12-20T15:00:29-06:00Three Vikings lead Pro Bowl fan voting
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<p>Three Minnesota Vikings received the most fan votes at their position in the NFC - running back Adrian Peterson, defensive end Jared Allen, and offensive tackle Matt Kalil.</p> <p>Three <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> topped the fan voting at their positions in the NFC. Running back <span>Adrian Peterson</span>, defensive end <span>Jared Allen</span>, and offensive tackle <span>Matt Kalil</span> all tallied more votes than any other NFC player at their positions. Fan voting counts for one-third of determining the Pro Bowl rosters along with voting from players and coaches. Voting closed on Dec. 17.</p>
<p>Adrian Peterson received the most votes of any player in the NFC with 828,225. He finished fourth in overall voting behind <span>Peyton Manning</span>, <span>Tom Brady</span>, and <span>Arian Foster</span>. Peterson is having a record season with 1,812 yards and 11 touchdowns rushing on a 6.3 yards per carry average. He needs 293 in his final two games to break Eric Dickerson's single-season rushing record. Peterson has been selected to the Pro Bowl four times in his first five seasons.</p>
<p>Jared Allen led all NFC defensive players with 351,571 votes. He has nine sacks, 42 tackles, and three passes defended on the season. Allen is also a four time Pro Bowl selection.</p>
<p>Matt Kalil is a rookie out of USC who led NFC tackles with 193,563 votes. He is the only rookie to lead fan voting at his position.</p>
<p>The Pro Bowl rosters will be announced on Dec. 26 on the NFL Network at 6 p.m. CT. The Pro Bowl will be played on Jan. 27 in Honolulu at 6 p.m. CT on NBC.</p>
https://minnesota.sbnation.com/minnesota-vikings/2012/12/20/3789214/pro-bowl-voting-2013-results-fansJeff Briggs