We Are Maroon and Gold Episode 092

The 76 albums Chandler listened to in 2019.

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We Are Maroon and Gold Episode 091

A smattering of sports topics.

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We Are Maroon and Gold Episode 090

The Josh Donaldson signing, football, and the death of Neil Peart.

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We Are Maroon and Gold Episode 089

The Bonnaroo lineup, the Gophers and Vikings' unexpected wins and their futures, and a tribute.

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In Review: Auburn 24-31 Minnesota

1. For the first time since the forward pass was legal, Minnesota won 11 games in a season.

P.J. Fleck's third season in charge of the Gophers was the program's best since at least 1967, when they last made the Rose Bowl. Though they fell short of Pasadena in 2019, an 11-2 finish with marquee wins over two brand-name programs shows how far Fleck has already taken Minnesota, as well as where he can take it from this point.

Conference politics are annoying, and the public's heavy reliance on bowl games to inform their opinions is not always logical, but the bottom line is that in college football, perception shapes reality. Programs need narratives on their side to continue to recruit well and to gain and maintain the faith of fans and boosters. Beating an opponent of Auburn's caliber, especially one that comes specifically from the SEC, carries tremendous weight. This win gives Minnesota a major boost of credibility.

This was a joyous season for Minnesota fans, and they should forever cherish its signature moments. But what determines the legacy of the 2019 Gophers — as a brilliant but brief moment, or as the start of something greater — is what comes next. Winning this game increases the chances that what comes next is just as good, if not better.

We Are Maroon and Gold Episode 088

The Vikings' playoff chances and an Auburn-Minnesota preview.

Chandler said he thought that no one has returned a kickoff or punt for a touchdown against Auburn this season. This is half-correct: Despite their 130th-ranked punt coverage team, Auburn has not allowed a punt return touchdown; however, they allowed a kickoff return touchdown against Alabama.

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Previewing Auburn

It wasn't a dream season for Minnesota, but it sure was a good one. The Gophers' reward: a trip to Tampa to play Auburn on New Year's Day. Though it doesn't compare to the Rose Bowl, it's a good place to go for a team entering what looks to be the program's brightest period since the 1960s, and it's a chance to compete against a high-profile SEC team that appeared in multiple national championship games this decade. The Gophers have a tough task ahead of them, but a win would further show the progress P.J. Fleck's team has made.

We Are Maroon and Gold Episode 087

A smattering of sports topics, including the MLB offseason, Gopher men's basketball's win over Ohio State, and the upcoming Packers-Vikings game.

It was probably clear that I don't have much of a grasp of what the word "nekton" means. Just read the associated Wikipedia page instead of relying on me to explain it.

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