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Gophers 101 — a Minnesota Gophers Podcast

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Minnesota Gophers talk for the long-haul fan.

The gist

Gophers 101 is a Minnesota-focused sports conversation centered on Gophers football, basketball, hockey, and the emotions around them. Ross Brendel, Manny Hill, and occasional guests work through coaching changes, tournament hopes, rivalry pettiness, and the uneven expectations around each program.

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About Gophers 101 — a Minnesota Gophers Podcast

Gophers 101 is a Minnesota Gophers show with the feel of a recurring conversation among people who have lived through the highs, stalls, false starts, and almosts. It is not confined to one sport. Basketball, hockey, football, NCAA Tournament paths, coaching searches, roster construction, and Big Ten rivalry culture all move through the same room. Ross Brendel and Manny Hill often anchor the exchanges, with other named voices appearing when a topic calls for a different angle. The show’s natural mode is candid fan analysis. It asks what should count as success for Minnesota programs with very different histories. Hockey carries a championship standard. Basketball gets measured against patience, injuries, recruiting, the transfer portal, and the realistic climb back to relevance. Football questions surface through spring-game curiosity, roster makeup, and special-teams worries. The show is comfortable admitting uncertainty. It can speculate about coaches without pretending every name is a lock, and it can praise progress while still naming the limits of a season. Rivalry talk gives the podcast its sharper local edge. Wisconsin and Iowa are not abstract opponents here; they are family, regional, and friend-group pressure points where lighthearted pettiness becomes part of the fun. That tone keeps the show loose. So do recurring jokes about Sunday morning class, the YouTube machine, and the scarcity of people talking Gophers in depth. Still, Gophers 101 is not only banter. The episodes can turn personal, especially when the Score North community is dealing with loss. Those moments give the show a sense of place beyond wins and losses. It is local, loyal, sometimes exasperated, and deeply invested in whether Minnesota can turn possibility into something sturdier.

Made for: For Minnesota Gophers fans who follow football, basketball, and hockey closely enough to care about coaching standards, roster depth, tournament paths, and Big Ten rivalries. It especially suits listeners who like local, conversational sports analysis with room for both optimism and complaint.

What sets it apart: The show’s strength is its multi-sport Gophers focus, moving from basketball injuries to hockey expectations to rivalry culture without losing the local fan perspective. It sounds less like national college-sports coverage and more like a standing check-in from people still emotionally invested in every Minnesota turn.

In their own words

Gophers 101 hosts Ross Brendel, Manny Hill and Thor Nystrom are long-suffering, dedicated followers of Minnesota Gophers football, basketball, hockey and more! Each week, they dive into the latest Minnesota Gophers news, topics, and discussions from around Dinkytown, the Big Ten and college athletics. Gophers 101 is your go-to place for fun and informative Minnesota Gophers discussion and Minnesota Gophers news. Row the Boat, Ski U Mah, and Go Gophers! A SKOR North production.

As heard by us

Based on 6 episodes we listened to · August 2026

Gophers 101 gives Minnesota fans a sharp local read on Gophers hoops, hockey, rivalries, and roster pressure.

Gophers 101 is a Sports show built for Minnesota college fans who already know why every roster move and rivalry jab matters. The sampled episodes stay close to Gophers basketball and hockey, with talk that moves from Niko Medved's first roster work and Big Ten tournament…

Read our full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

When the Gophers make you grade Niko, process Motzko, and side-eye Wisconsin before lunch.

Press play if you want

  • Minnesota optimism with enough injury caveats to keep it honest
  • a Gophers friend who can be petty about Wisconsin and still keep it cordial
Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →
Minnesota Gophers basketballMinnesota Gophers hockeyBig Ten rivalriescoaching changesNCAA Tournament hopesroster buildingtransfer portal depthWisconsin and Iowa fan culture

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Episodes

  1. 1

    Where do Minnesota Gophers and P.J. Fleck go from here?

    ·50m
  2. 2

    SPORTS CHAT: Are Minnesota Twins going to sell at MLB Trade Deadline?

    ·49m
  3. 3

    4 WOLVES TAKES: Minnesota Timberwolves advance to the Western Conference Semifinals

    ·26m
  4. 4

    MSC: Minnesota Timberwolves are NBA Finals good!

    ·35m
  5. 5

    4 WOLVES TAKES: The Minnesota Timberwolves must make Luka defend

    ·17m
  6. 6

    MSC: Talkin' Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings with Tom Barnard

    ·51m
  7. 7

    College basketball SHOCKER! Michael Malone to North Carolina!

    ·49m
  8. 8

    Minnesota Gophers exit NCAA Tournament. Where has Cinderella gone?

    ·41m
  9. 9

    Brett Larson is NEW Bench Boss for Minnesota Gophers; National Championship or BUST?

    ·29m
  10. 10

    Remembering Jessi Pierce - Minnesota Gophers are Sweet 16 bound

    ·49m
  11. 11

    BREAKING: Bob Motzko and Minnesota Gophers are parting ways; Brad Frost out too!

    ·35m
  12. 12

    Minnesota Gophers headed for NCAA Tournament and College Basketball Crown

    ·40m
  13. 13

    Minnesota Gophers and Niko Medved get B grade in year 1

    ·34m
  14. 14

    Minnesota Gophers and Niko Medved are building something special

    ·30m
  15. 15

    Minnesota Gophers are Golden at the Olympics! Men’s and Women’s hoops showing out!

    ·26m
  16. 16

    The Big Ten WILL NOT REST until every team makes the College Football Playoff!

    ·44m
  17. 17

    Minnesota Gophers P.J. Fleck to receive NEW amended contract; PLUS, time to renovate Williams Arena?

    ·36m
  18. 18

    2026 Minnesota Gophers football schedule release; 8 or 9 wins on the horizon?

    ·40m
  19. 19

    Year one comparisons for Minnesota Gophers Niko Medved and Ben Johnson

    ·27m
  20. 20

    HEARTBREAKING week for Minnesota Gophers!

    ·39m
  21. 21

    What we like about Minnesota Gophers basketball so far; Cade Tyson is AWESOME!

    ·45m
  22. 22

    Can Minnesota Gophers surprise in Big Ten Hoops? Koi Perich done with Gophers?

    ·38m
  23. 23

    Minnesota Gophers WIN Rate Bowl over New Mexico! What's next for the program?

    ·1h 9m
  24. 24

    Who will win the Rate Bowl? Minnesota Gophers or New Mexico Lobos?!

    ·47m
  25. 25

    Ranking Minnesota Gophers big three coaches; P.J. Fleck, Niko Medved and Bob Motzko

    ·31m
  26. 26

    Breaking down every college football bowl game and CFP matchup!

    ·1h 23m
  27. 27

    Minnesota Gophers STUN unbeaten Indiana Hoosiers in Big Ten opener!

    ·24m
  28. 28

    Minnesota Gophers HOTTEST TAKES after 7-5 regular season

    ·54m
  29. 29

    Minnesota Gophers NEED to beat Wisconsin Badgers!

    ·39m
  30. 30

    Minnesota Gophers AWFUL defense is holding program back; is Danny Collins back in 2026?

    ·45m
  31. 31

    MUST wins for Minnesota Gophers against Northwestern and Wisconsin Badgers?

    ·40m
  32. 32

    Minnesota Gophers defense continues to STRUGGLE; Ducks win BIG!

    ·45m
  33. 33

    Finding Minnesota Gophers path to HISTORIC upset over Oregon Ducks!

    ·49m
  34. 34

    Defining Minnesota Gophers success for rest of season; plus what to expect from Niko Medved and Gophers

    ·40m
  35. 35

    Minnesota Gophers grinding out wins is just fine; what we liked from last weekend’s win!

    ·45m
  36. 36

    Minnesota Gophers ESCAPE with win over Michigan State; earn bowl eligibility

    ·55m
  37. 37

    SPORTS CHAT: Minnesota Timberwolves draft process was good. College football is still a mess.

    ·38m
  38. 38

    Minnesota Gophers are BLOWN OUT by the Hawkeyes in Iowa City

    ·42m
  39. 39

    Minnesota Gophers prepare for Iowa Hawkeyes; have season expectations changed after BIG win?

    ·55m
  40. 40

    Minnesota Gophers DISMANTLE Nebraska in big win!

    ·55m
  41. 41

    P.J. Fleck is BEST Minnesota Gophers coach in 75 years!

    ·1h
  42. 42

    HOTTEST Minnesota Gophers takes after beating Purdue Boilermakers!

    ·59m
  43. 43

    Minnesota Gophers NEED defense to tighten up; plenty of winnable games left!

    ·46m
  44. 44

    Minnesota Gophers are no match for mighty Ohio State

    ·50m
  45. 45

    Can Minnesota Gophers SHOCK Ohio State?

    ·45m
  46. 46

    Minnesota Gophers pass first Big Ten test; Drake Lindsey SHOWS OUT!

    ·45m
  47. 47

    Athan Kaliakmanis revenge game for Minnesota Gophers?

    ·45m
  48. 48

    Big Ten football pecking order; where do Minnesota Golden Gophers sit?

    ·58m
  49. 49

    Minnesota Gophers season just beginning despite loss at Cal; time for Koi Perich to SWITCH focus?

    ·57m
  50. 50

    Minnesota Gophers squander game in California; Koi Perich STRUGGLES!

    ·56m
  51. 51

    Should fans BELIEVE in Minnesota Gophers football team and Drake Lindsey?

    ·52m
  52. 52

    Did we learn anything from Minnesota Gophers win over Northwestern State?

    ·47m
  53. 53

    Minnesota Golden Gophers pass first test; Drake Lindsey looks the part!

    ·52m
  54. 54

    Minnesota Golden Gophers deceptively DOMINATE in season opener!

    ·45m
  55. 55

    Minnesota Golden Gophers will go as far as Drake Lindsey and Koi Perich take them!

    ·51m
  56. 56

    Will Anthony Edwards EVER be face of NBA? Minnesota Twins Rocco Baldelli seat getting HOT?

    ·45m
  57. 57

    4 WOLVES TAKES: Will the Minnesota Timberwolves clinch a top 5 seed

    ·14m
  58. 58

    4 WOLVES TAKES: Minnesota Timberwolves can repeat last years' success

    ·19m
  59. 59

    How would Minnesota Vikings fans react to Sam Darnold return?

    ·58m
  60. 60

    What should Minnesota Vikings offseason plan be?

    ·34m
  61. 61

    4 WOLVES TAKES: Minnesota Timberwolves future looks BRIGHT

    ·19m
  62. 62

    4 WOLVES TAKES: Minnesota Timberwolves SURGING into NBA All-Star break

    ·19m
  63. 63

    SKOR North's Judd Zulgad on Minnesota Timberwolves & Minnesota Vikings; Anthony Edwards stepping up?

    ·31m
  64. 64

    Minnesota Vikings commit to Kevin O’Connell, Super Bowl next?

    ·44m
  65. 65

    4 WOLVES TAKES: Reasons to be optimistic about the Minnesota Timberwolves

    ·19m
  66. 66

    Minnesota Vikings were NOT winning the Super Bowl! Vikes fans need to CHILL OUT!

    ·35m
  67. 67

    4 WOLVES TAKES: Anthony Edwards needs to figure out how to get back on track

    ·27m
  68. 68

    4 WOLVES TAKES: Minnesota Timberwolves intervention and accountability session

    ·23m
  69. 69

    College Football Bowl Game Bonanza! EVERY Bowl Game Previewed!

    ·1h 1m
  70. 70

    4 WOLVES TAKES: Minnesota Timberwolves are starting to play winning basketball

    ·18m
  71. 71

    Minnesota Vikings and Sam Darnold just keep on winning!

    ·34m
  72. 72

    4 WOLVES TAKES: Minnesota Timberwolves making things harder than they have to be

    ·18m
  73. 73

    Minnesota Golden Gophers and Wisconsin Badgers! Paul Bunyan's Axe Week!

    ·31m
  74. 74

    4 WOLVES TAKES: Minnesota Timberwolves: Good, bad, and ugly so far this season

    ·18m
  75. 75

    Can Minnesota Golden Gophers BEAT Penn State?

    ·24m
  76. 76

    Minnesota Golden Gophers suffer BRUTAL loss to Rutgers

    ·26m
  77. 77

    CHAT: Minnesota Vikings fans should just enjoy the season!

    ·37m
  78. 78

    4 WOLVES TAKES: Early takeaways from the Minnesota Timberwolves 4-3 start

    ·15m
  79. 79

    Just how GOOD are the Minnesota Gophers?

    ·36m
  80. 80

    SKOR North's Judd Zulgad joins; should we WORRY about the Minnesota Vikings?

    ·31m
  81. 81

    Minnesota Gophers play best game in YEARS; beat Maryland!

    ·31m
  82. 82

    College Football Roundup: Minnesota Golden Gophers Bowl Bound?

    ·27m
  83. 83

    Minnesota Golden Gophers OWN Southern California!

    ·24m
  84. 84

    WOW! Minnesota Golden Gophers STUN USC

    ·26m
  85. 85

    Minnesota Golden Gophers have ZERO conference wins and NO Little Brown Jug!

    ·27m
  86. 86

    Minnesota Golden Gophers relinquish Floyd of Rosedale; prepare for Michigan Wolverines

    ·28m
  87. 87

    Minnesota Golden Gophers and Iowa Hawkeyes; who takes the bacon?

    ·25m
  88. 88

    Minnesota Vikings fans are CHEERING for Sam Darnold!

    ·30m
  89. 89

    Minnesota Golden Gophers BREEZE past Rhode Island; prep for Nevada!

    ·18m
  90. 90

    Minnesota Gophers not so golden in loss to North Carolina!

    ·24m
  91. 91

    How good will Minnesota Golden Gophers be? - College Football Preview

    ·28m
  92. 92

    Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Twins injuries are out of control

    ·31m
  93. 93

    Taxi Squad, Ep. #94 - Is J.J. Already Ready?

    ·53m
  94. 94

    Wins and losses do not matter for 2024 Minnesota Vikings

    ·38m
  95. 95

    Minnesota Vikings Jordan Addison needs to GROW UP!

    ·39m
  96. 96

    Minnesota Twins Brooks Lee has ARRIVED in the MLB!

    ·34m
  97. 97

    Taxi Squad, Ep. #93 – Dilly Dillingham

    ·49m
  98. 98

    Minnesota sports round up with SKOR North and Jazz88’s Manny Hill

    ·34m
  99. 99

    4 WOLVES TAKES: Minnesota Timberwolves bounce back vs the Pelicans

    Artis Woods discusses the Minnesota Timberwolves' inconsistent performance and their bounce-back win against the New Orleans Pelicans.

    ·21m
  100. 100

    Minnesota Gophers continue to DOMINATE rivalry with Wisconsin Badgers

    A recap of the Minnesota Gophers' 17-7 victory over the Wisconsin Badgers to retain the axe, with sponsor messages at the start.

    ·47m
  101. 101

    CELEBRATING Wisconsin Badgers failure!

    Hidden gem

    A sports podcast celebrating the failure of the Wisconsin Badgers, with a focus on Gophers sports and rivalry.

    Apr 15, 2026·33m·2 clips
  102. 102

    College basketball SHOCKER! Michael Malone to North Carolina!

    A sports podcast host discusses the shocking news of Michael Malone coaching North Carolina men's basketball, with sponsor messages for Dickie's Barbecue and Score North advertising.

    Apr 7, 2026·49m·2 clips
  103. 103

    Minnesota Gophers exit NCAA Tournament. Where has Cinderella gone?

    The hosts discuss the Minnesota Gophers' exit from the NCAA Tournament and explore the absence of Cinderella stories in this year's March Madness.

    Mar 30, 2026·41m
  104. 104

    Brett Larson is NEW Bench Boss for Minnesota Gophers; National Championship or BUST?

    The podcast discusses the hiring of Brett Larson as the new head coach for the Minnesota Gophers hockey team and the expectation of winning a national championship.

    Mar 24, 2026·29m
  105. 105

    Remembering Jessi Pierce - Minnesota Gophers are Sweet 16 bound

    Ross Brendel and Manny Hill discuss the emotional passing of Jessi Pierce and the Minnesota Gophers women's basketball team's Sweet 16 run.

    Mar 23, 2026·49m
  106. 106

    BREAKING: Bob Motzko and Minnesota Gophers are parting ways; Brad Frost out too!

    Hidden gem

    Judd Zulgad says Gopher hockey now needs a GM, not just a coach.

    Mar 18, 2026·35m·2 clips
  107. 107

    Minnesota Gophers headed for NCAA Tournament and College Basketball Crown

    Hidden gem

    Minnesota women got a four seed, a home site, and Green Bay despite losing their Big Ten tournament opener.

    Mar 17, 2026·40m·2 clips
  108. 108

    Minnesota Gophers and Niko Medved get B grade in year 1

    Gophers 101 grades Minnesota’s first season under Nico Medved after a March 8 senior night at Williams Arena and lands on a B for the men’s 8-12 Big Ten record.

    Mar 8, 2026·34m·2 clips
  109. 109

    Minnesota Gophers and Niko Medved are building something special

    Ross Brendel and Manny Hill assess Niko Medved’s first season after Minnesota defeated UCLA in front of an estimated 65–70% full Williams Arena.

    Mar 1, 2026·30m·2 clips
  110. 110

    Minnesota Gophers are Golden at the Olympics! Men’s and Women’s hoops showing out!

    Feb 22, 2026·26m
  111. 111

    The Big Ten WILL NOT REST until every team makes the College Football Playoff!

    Feb 17, 2026·44m
  112. 112

    Minnesota Gophers P.J. Fleck to receive NEW amended contract; PLUS, time to renovate Williams Arena?

    Feb 8, 2026·36m
  113. 113

    2026 Minnesota Gophers football schedule release; 8 or 9 wins on the horizon?

    Feb 1, 2026·40m
  114. 114

    Year one comparisons for Minnesota Gophers Niko Medved and Ben Johnson

    Jan 25, 2026·27m
  115. 115

    HEARTBREAKING week for Minnesota Gophers!

    Jan 18, 2026·39m
  116. 116

    What we like about Minnesota Gophers basketball so far; Cade Tyson is AWESOME!

    Jan 10, 2026·45m
  117. 117

    Can Minnesota Gophers surprise in Big Ten Hoops? Koi Perich done with Gophers?

    Hidden gem

    Ross Brendel and Manny Hill discuss the Minnesota Gophers men's basketball team's start in Big Ten play, including a win over Northwestern, and question their ceiling.

    Jan 5, 2026·38m·2 clips
  118. 118

    Minnesota Gophers WIN Rate Bowl over New Mexico! What's next for the program?

    Dec 27, 2025·1h 9m
  119. 119

    Who will win the Rate Bowl? Minnesota Gophers or New Mexico Lobos?!

    Dec 23, 2025·47m
  120. 120

    Ranking Minnesota Gophers big three coaches; P.J. Fleck, Niko Medved and Bob Motzko

    Dec 18, 2025·31m
  121. 121

    Breaking down every college football bowl game and CFP matchup!

    Dec 12, 2025·1h 23m
  122. 122

    Minnesota Gophers STUN unbeaten Indiana Hoosiers in Big Ten opener!

    Dec 4, 2025·24m
  123. 123

    Minnesota Gophers HOTTEST TAKES after 7-5 regular season

    Dec 3, 2025·54m
  124. 124

    Minnesota Gophers continue to DOMINATE rivalry with Wisconsin Badgers

    A recap of the Minnesota Gophers' 17-7 victory over the Wisconsin Badgers to retain the axe.

    Nov 30, 2025·47m
  125. 125

    Minnesota Gophers NEED to beat Wisconsin Badgers!

    Nov 25, 2025·39m
  126. 126

    Minnesota Gophers AWFUL defense is holding program back; is Danny Collins back in 2026?

    Nov 23, 2025·45m
  127. 127

    MUST wins for Minnesota Gophers against Northwestern and Wisconsin Badgers?

    Nov 20, 2025·40m
  128. 128

    Minnesota Gophers defense continues to STRUGGLE; Ducks win BIG!

    Nov 15, 2025·45m
  129. 129

    Finding Minnesota Gophers path to HISTORIC upset over Oregon Ducks!

    Nov 13, 2025·49m
  130. 130

    Defining Minnesota Gophers success for rest of season; plus what to expect from Niko Medved and Gophers

    Nov 9, 2025·40m
  131. 131

    Minnesota Gophers grinding out wins is just fine; what we liked from last weekend’s win!

    Nov 6, 2025·45m
  132. 132

    Minnesota Gophers ESCAPE with win over Michigan State; earn bowl eligibility

    The Minnesota Gophers secured bowl eligibility with a 23-20 win over Michigan State.

    Nov 2, 2025·55m
  133. 133

    Where do Minnesota Gophers and P.J. Fleck go from here?

    Oct 30, 2025·50m
  134. 134

    Minnesota Gophers are BLOWN OUT by the Hawkeyes in Iowa City

    Oct 26, 2025·42m
  135. 135

    Minnesota Gophers prepare for Iowa Hawkeyes; have season expectations changed after BIG win?

    Oct 23, 2025·55m
  136. 136

    Minnesota Gophers DISMANTLE Nebraska in big win!

    Oct 18, 2025·55m
  137. 137

    P.J. Fleck is BEST Minnesota Gophers coach in 75 years!

    Oct 16, 2025·1h
  138. 138

    HOTTEST Minnesota Gophers takes after beating Purdue Boilermakers!

    Oct 12, 2025·59m
  139. 139

    Minnesota Gophers NEED defense to tighten up; plenty of winnable games left!

    Oct 9, 2025·46m
  140. 140

    Minnesota Gophers are no match for mighty Ohio State

    Oct 5, 2025·50m
  141. 141

    Can Minnesota Gophers SHOCK Ohio State?

    Oct 2, 2025·45m
  142. 142

    Minnesota Gophers pass first Big Ten test; Drake Lindsey SHOWS OUT!

    Sep 27, 2025·45m
  143. 143

    Athan Kaliakmanis revenge game for Minnesota Gophers?

    Sep 25, 2025·45m
  144. 144

    Big Ten football pecking order; where do Minnesota Golden Gophers sit?

    Sep 21, 2025·58m
  145. 145

    Minnesota Gophers season just beginning despite loss at Cal; time for Koi Perich to SWITCH focus?

    Sep 18, 2025·57m
  146. 146

    Minnesota Gophers squander game in California; Koi Perich STRUGGLES!

    Sep 14, 2025·56m
  147. 147

    Should fans BELIEVE in Minnesota Gophers football team and Drake Lindsey?

    Sep 11, 2025·52m
  148. 148

    Did we learn anything from Minnesota Gophers win over Northwestern State?

    Sep 7, 2025·47m
  149. 149

    Minnesota Golden Gophers pass first test; Drake Lindsey looks the part!

    Sep 3, 2025·52m
  150. 150

    Minnesota Golden Gophers deceptively DOMINATE in season opener!

    Aug 29, 2025·45m