A perfect opponent for the Vikings + Sarah McLellan on the Wild

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Wild's nice win over Dallas, continuing a trend of playing better against stronger competition. Plus a look at Vikings QBs of the past and present -- and perhaps the future? 9:00: Bobby Nightengale joins Rand fresh off a trip to the Winter Meetings in Orlando. There are plenty of Twins notes to unpack. 30:00: The Gophers volleyball team ran into a buzzsaw.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand lays out why he thinks Dallas is the perfect opponent this weekend for the Vikings and QB J.J. McCarthy. Plus a Gophers volleyball opportunity, a basketball loss and Michigan's coaching situation. 9:00: Star Tribune Wild writer Sarah McLellan joins Rand for a check-in ahead of Thursday's game vs. Dallas. Can the Wild withstand a rash of recent injuries and find their form? 27:00: Steph Curry is returning to face the Wolves.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand tries to connect the dots on the Twins' offseason plan and comes up wondering what exactly they hope to accomplish. 7:00: Chip Scoggins joins Rand for a college football discussion, ranging from Notre Dame to Indiana to the Gophers. 27:00: Randy Johnson hops on for more college football talk, including some transfer portal news with the Gophers. 38:00: Can Niko Medved's Gophers shock the world again?

Introduction: Host Michael Rand has some thoughts on Rudy Gobert, Rob Dillingham and the Wolves after a 108-105 loss to the Suns. Plus the Wild salvaged a win at the end of a tough road trip and the Twins are looking for lottery luck today. 8:00: Andrew Krammer joins Rand to break down the film from Sunday's 31-0 Vikings win. Is this a sign of J.J. McCarthy getting more comfortable, an incredibly weak opponent or a little of both? 25:00: Vikings poetry never disappoints. 38:00: A great Monday Night Football game, a desperate QB situation and some love for an overlooked team.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports. Among the big topics: A turnaround for the Vikings and QB J.J. McCarthy in a 31-0 victory over Washington; a terrible closing sequence in a one-point Gophers women's basketball loss to Maryland; and the Gophers football team heading to the Rate Bowl.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports. Among the big topics: A turnaround for the Vikings and QB J.J. McCarthy in a 31-0 victory over Washington; a terrible closing sequence in a one-point Gophers women's basketball loss to Maryland; and the Gophers football team heading to the Rate Bowl.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Wolves and Wild, who didn't exactly learn lessons from their Tuesday victories. But the Wolves won again over the Pelicans, establishing further evidence that they can at least beat bad teams. The Wild lost at Calgary but are in a good spot in their division. 6:00: Ben Goessling joins Rand for a deep dive into the 4-8 Vikings, J.J. McCarthy, Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen's departure. 42:00: A big weekend of college volleyball.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with a stunning Gophers men's basketball victory over No. 22 Indiana in Niko Medved's Big Ten coaching debut. It's not likely sustainable this season, but it sure was fun. Plus the Vikings are trying to help J.J. McCarthy not overthink things and Adam Thielen is teaming up with Aaron Rodgers. 11:00: La Velle E. Neal III joins for a debate segment on the Vikings, Twins and Gophers football. 31:00: The Wild and Wolves get another shot.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with a trio of Minnesota pro sports victories. The Wild got another shutout win from goalie Jesper Wallstedt, this time a 1-0 nailbiter over Edmonton. The Wolves needed 47 minutes and 44 points from Anthony Edwards to escape with an overtime win over New Orleans. And the Frost cruised 5-1. 11:00: Randy Johnson joins Rand on three Gophers football topics: The win over Wisconsin, signing day and bowl projections. 28:00: A fresh Byron Buxton trade rumbling and bad injury news for Niko Medved's Gophers.