Thursday, December 5, 2013
MSU Reporter • 27
Sports
FOOTBALL “No doubt this (quarterback) will be the biggest position the Mavericks focus on from offseason workoust, to the spring ball game and all the way to week one in 2014. Even though Brozovich took the second most snaps this season, that doesn’t mean he will take the most next year. Pieruccini opened up some eyes last spring when he completed 10 of his 18 pass attempts for 160 yards and a touchdown. Pretty sure he’s been looking forward to show how much he’s improved this next spring game since he walked of the field back in April.” continued from 26
receiver role. “I think with the addition of Kyle Riggott coming back healthy next year, now we’ve got guys who are proven pass catchers,” Keen said. “Keyvan Rudd I think had some significant development this year as well.” The three leading receivers returning next year were Rieder, 530 receiving yards and five touchdowns, sophomore tight end Bryce Duncan, 199 yards, and Rudd with 157 yards. Before Wolf took the majority of the carries starting last season, junior running back Andy Pfieffer was a 1,200-yard rusher who touched the ball almost 30 times a game. Granted, they didn’t possess the wild-man runner in Connor Thomas that year, but with Wolf gone and to give the new quarterback some time to get comfortable in the r NSIC, those two will be relied heavily to move the chains. Players start their winter strength-conditioning program that will go five days a week. For five weeks before spring break the coaches take over for a morning conditioning period. According to Keen, “That’s where championships are won.” For the first time in four years, the Mavericks coaching staff needs to find their next consistent placekicker, and there aren’t many out there like Brockshus. Keen’s goal is to locate a transfer player for the spring rather than throwing a freshman out there in the fall. The Mavericks were lucky enough to fill the void former linebacker Marcus Hall-Oliver left last season with sophomore Tyler Henderson having a breakout season, but will they have the same luck with Isaac Kolstad leaving? Sophomore Evan Koehler could be that guy. With 41 tackles, 19 of them solo and a sack this season, he’s proven to be a great tackler, which will always get a player playing time. Safety Jordan Hale will also leave a player a daunting task in filling his shoes, but the Mavericks have groomed junior Sam Thompson for the last three seasons to be ready to compete for that starting role next season. Thompson worked in with different formations throughout his career and finished with 28 tackles and three pass deflections this season. This is a tough senior class to watch walk out the locker room for the last time, but the program under Keen doesn’t rebuild—it reloads. “That’s kind of the fun of coaching,” Keen said. “From my perspective, is the challenge of replacing people like that.”
NFL “The NFL is all about getting hot at the right time and fielding a healry group of guys. Any twist or injury can dramatically change the outlook of a season. My bet woul be the Patriots and Seahawks facing of in New York for the Super Bowl this season. ” continued from 23 The Lions lead the division at 7-5 but are trailed by the 6-6 Chicago Bears and the 5-6-1 Packers. At this point, each team has a couple home and away games with a similar difficulty in their opponents. If the Packers return their starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers, you simply cannot count them out, with that being said, they need to win now and hope the Lions or Bears don’t go on a hot streak. It will be a race to the end in the North if each of those three can play up to their potential. The NFC South is an exciting battle between the 9-3 Carolina Panthers and the 9-3 New Orleans Saints. The battle will be showcased on Sunday Night Football this Sunday in New Orleans and again two weeks later in Carolina. Based on their remaining schedule they both should win their two remaining games against other teams, so if one team can sweep the other, they should have the division claimed. The NFC West has been dominated by the Seattle Seahawks who are an impressive 14-0 at home since second year quarterback Russell Wilson has taken over. Coming off their 34-7 victory at home against the Saints and clinching home field advantage in the playoffs, it appears the Seahawks have a clear path to the Super Bowl. Unfortunately for the San Francisco 49ers, they have played inconsistent throughout the year, their 8-4 record may not hold up against the records of the Saints or Panthers in the wildcard race. The same goes for the recently surging Arizona Cardinals who are currently 7-5. It’s going to take a hot streak for the 49ers and Cardinals make the playoffs, although I don’t foresee that happening. With a lot of brutal season left it’s hard to say who is going to prevail. After the beating the Seahawks handed the Saints last week, it’s hard to believe anyone will come to Seattle and beat them. Personally, I think Carolina’s defense on top of Cam Newton’s play-making ability, they have the best shot to take them down. The Broncos and Patriots are my favorite moving forward into the playoffs. With their veteran quarterbacks in Peyton Manning and Tom Brady it will be tough to take them down. Manning’s 9-11 playoff career with eight one-and-done playoff trips stacked against Brady’s two Super Bowls. With all that being said, the young Andrew Luck, who took Manning’s spot in Indianapolis, has the potential to take either down. The NFL is all about getting hot at the right time and fielding a healthy group of guys. Any twist or injury can dramatically change the outlook of a season. My bet would be the Patriots and Seahawks facing off in New York for the Super Bowl this season.
David Bassey • MSU Reporter The Maverick offense wouldn’t have been as explosive if they didn’t have one of the best offensive lines in Division II. In 12 games, the Mavericks rushed for 3,536 yards.
FOR RENT
FOR RENT
HELP WANTED
MISCELLANEOUS
MISCELLANEOUS
5 OR 4 OR 3 OR 2 OR 1 bedroom houses/apartments. Available right now. Some for next year. Many to choose from. Check out our website. www.ottoH.com owner/agent or call 507-6251010. 6/19 1633lofts.com LUXURY UNITS within walking distance to campus. 5/1
COLLEGETOWNMANKATO. COM private bathroom in every bedroom. 5/1 COLLEGESTATIONMANKATO. COM Affordable housing on the bus route. 5/1 RENTMSU.COM 3-10 BEDROOM student houses. 5/1
TACO JOHN’S NOW HIRING for breakfast openers, lunch positions, evenings, and closings. Flexible shifts and great meal discount. Apply in person at 2112 N. Broad CT, Mankato or online at TacoJohns.com. 12/5
FREE SHOTOKAN KARATE classes offered Monday 6-8pm. Tuesday 7-9pm. Thursday 6-8pm. Room PH 102. Beginners are welcome. Need not to be a MSU student to join. For info call Brad @ 507-388-5301 or lostgonzo@gmail.com or search MSU Shotokan on facebook or yahoo groups. 5/1
SECONDHAND BOOKSTORE & EXCHANGE, South Front Street across from Fillin’ Station Coffee house. All types of leisure reading. Browsers welcome. Once Read. 388-8144. Mon.-Sat. 10am-5pm. 12/5