Giving Thanks for the Best of Minnesota Sports

Nov 22, 2014; Lincoln, NE, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers defender

-Calhoun (29) yells after recovering a fumble against Nebraska Cornhuskers in the final moments of the second half at Memorial Stadium. Minnesota won 28-24. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

It is no secret that a lot of the teams in Minnesota have been struggling, some for a very long time. That being said, if there was ever a day designed for glass half full thinking, it’s Thanksgiving. Despite the troubles, there is still a lot to be thankful for here in SportingSota land. Here are some of the things I am thankful for:

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• Gophers Football: We are a couple days away from the most important Gophers game since the Sixties. It will be a very difficult one to win, playing a very good Wisconsin team in Madison. The point is, there is still a chance to win the conference, and we have a shot at beating our biggest rival to get to the championship game. Thank you, Jerry Kill, staff and players. It’s been a very fun ride. Also, up here in Duluth, UMD is still alive in the Division II playoffs, seeking their third national title in seven seasons. Minnesota Stake-Mankato is still alive as well.
• Teddy Bridgewater and Mike Zimmer: Overall, this season has been similar to many others recently. Too many close losses and out of the playoffs. Despite some difficulties, I still think Bridgewater and Zimmer are the right men for the job of pulling the franchise out of this tailspin and back to contending for division titles and more. Zimmer has already vastly improved the defense. As for Teddy, I like what I’ve seen despite his accuracy issues. He looks comfortable for the most part and has been able to drive the team down for scores in clutch situations. Given both enough time, and with improvements to the offensive line and receiving corps, I still believe in Zimmer and Bridgewater for the long term.
• Andrew Wiggins: As another Timberwolves season is getting ruined by injuries, at least we have Wiggins and the rest of the young guys showing signs of potential and growth. Wiggins has future star written all over him, and Ricky Rubio was making real strides until his ankle injury.
• College Hockey: The state currently has three teams ranked in the top ten of the polls and a fourth in the top 20. In the Pairwise, which mimics the NCAA selection process, the news is even better, with Minnesota State-Mankato ranked first nationally, then Minnesota-Duluth third and Minnesota fourth. Whether you are a Gophers, Huskies, Mavericks or (like myself) Bulldogs fan, there is a lot to be excited about. Bemidji State fans, your time will come.
• The Length of the NHL Season: The Wild just got pounded 4-0 at home by the Kings last night. The Wild now sit 12-9-0, which is not terrible but not as good as it should be after starting 7-3-0. The good news is, Jonas Brodin will be back soon, and the season is only a quarter of the way finished. I still fully expect the Wild to make the playoffs this spring.

Those are just a few of the sports-related things I am thankful for this year. How about you?