The Wild are set up to win, but will they do it? + A huge Gophers football stretch

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.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the rise of Kirill Kaprizov. A decade ago, he was a relatively unknown fifth-round pick. Now he's the face of the franchise and the highest-paid player in NHL history. Plus a look at the business and baseball struggles of the Twins. 10:00: Star Tribune Timberwolves writer Chris Hine joins for a look at burning training camp questions. How will the Wolves divide point guard minutes? How many players will crack Chris Finch's rotation? 33:00: The Vikings' offensive line is bleak.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the new Kirill Kaprizov contract, explaining how there might be sticker shock but it won't be like the Suter and Parise deals. Plus the most important thing Derek Falvey said about the Twins' managerial search. 12:00: Cassidy Hettesheimer from the Star Tribune helps break down Napheesa Collier's strong comments about the WNBA. You'll hear Collier's full statement as well. 32:00: Randy Johnson on Drake Lindsey and Gophers football, plus a change at QB for the Vikings' Sunday opponent.