Deciphering Kevin O'Connell's QB thoughts; A 20-year Vikings anniversary

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the question of J.J. McCarthy vs. Carson Wentz, which will intensify this week. McCarthy is back at practice. Wentz has started the last three games. Both are talking to the media on Wednesday, but a starter hasn't been named for Sunday's game against the Eagles. It's a lot like old times. Plus the Wild has suddenly figured out its power play, but now they can't score 5-on-5? 11:00: Star Tribune Gophers writer Randy Johnson checks in on the 4-2 football team, which is more than a touchdown underdog against Nebraska at home Friday. Plus the men's hockey team has a huge series at North Dakota. 28:00: A listener wants more Gophers volleyball coverage, the Twins have managerial interviews set and it's National Pug Day.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with an important win for the Wild fueled by their power play and young goalie. Plus a dissection of how Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell watches football. 16:00: Jon Marthaler joins Rand to break down what's at stake for Minnesota United in this weekend's final regular season game. 33:00: Nebraska is a big favorite against the Gophers.

Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports. It's a football-heavy show starting with the Gophers, who made clutch plays but also struggled in many moments in a 27-20 Homecoming win over Purdue. P.J. Fleck's team is still searching for an identity, as are the Vikings. Plus Chip gives an update on an ex-Gophers QB with a son who is a rising star.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Wild's 5-0 win over St. Louis in Thursday's opener. The best sign from the game was Ryan Hartman scoring twice because he is a good indicator of Minnesota's success. 6:00: La Velle E. Neal III joins the show to talk about the Twins' managerial search, the Vikings' QB dilemma and big-picture Wild optimism. 28:00: Listener questions about J.J. McCarthy, MLB replay, pro vs. college coaches and big spending by MLB owners.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand takes a spin through some national news, including reports that Bill Belichick and North Carolina could be severing ties soon. Plus a bounceback game for a former Twin and Las Vegas on the cusp of winning the WNBA title. 9:00: Andrew Krammer joins Rand for a film review from London and a larger discussion of the Vikings' quarterback conundrum. 37:00: Wild at Blues kicks off the season tonight.

Host Michael Rand starts with a Wild season preview and talks to Star Tribune writer Sarah McLellan for a big-picture look at the franchise after a busy offseason. 25:00: Randy Johnson joins the show to talk Gophers football. Minnesota lost 42-3 last week to Ohio State, but the Gophers' fate will be determined by what happens in these next four weeks.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand spins through Kevin O'Connell's Monday news conference to interpret KOC's thoughts on the Will Reichard kick, Vikings' QB situation, the offensive line and his team's fumbling problem. 18:00: Vikings poetry overseas, part two. 30:00: The Love Boat turns 20, and Andrew Van Ginkel's wife saves the day?

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, including a narrow Vikings win, a blowout Gophers loss and big-time games in the baseball playoffs.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with an upset win by the 49ers on Thursday that involved a good fourth down debate and revealed a truth about the modern NFL. Plus a controversial call in a key spot of the Cubs' win over the Padres shows why Rand hates the new replay rule coming next year to MLB. 10:00: La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand for their weekly debate segment. In focus: A big decision and offseason for Derek Falvey. A must-win game for the Vikings. And is it wise for the Lynx to take on WNBA leadership? 31:00: Minnesota draft revisionist history.