Tubby Smith Contract Extension

Tubby Smith had his Gophers basketball contract extended for three years with a relatively small salary increase.

Smith's overall compensation with the new deal will depend primarily on incentive bonuses based on his and the team's performance.

Smith has two seasons remaining on his current contract. The new deal will run through the 2016-17 season.

Smith's current annual compensation is a bit over the $2 million mark. Salary has not been an issue during negotiations relative to buyout compensation should Smith be terminated before the end of the contract.

2011-2012 Great Gophers Memories!

The Gophers are trying to position themselves for another successful year on the ice. Looking back at 2011-12, I remember one of my favorite Gopher Hockey moments.

 For the first time at home since 1996, the Gopher hockey team swept North Dakota Nov 4-5. The first game, a 2-0 win, highlighted Nick Bjugstad and Tom Serratore. Kent Patterson boasted 24 saves as he recorded his fifth shutout of the season.

 The game marked Minnesota's first shutout against North Dakota since 2004. It was also Minnesota's first shutout against North Dakota at Mariucci Arena since 1993.

 Cheers to more Gopher memories! I plan on making tons more this year as the Gophers hope to march towards another WCHA title.

Brian Bobek Transferring to Minnesota

The Minnesota Gophers have a new football player and he seems to be a pretty solid prospect.

Brian Bobek of the Ohio State Buckeyes announced that he would be transferring to Minnesota. He was a four star recruit for the Buckeyes on the offensive line.

"Minnesota was one of the first schools my family and I had contacted when I made the decision to transfer, and the coaches responded as soon as they got permission from Ohio State to contact me."

Bobek will lose a year of eligibility because he staying in the same conference. The 6'2", 275-pound sophomore will join the Gophers in 2013. By that time, Minnesota should have a strong offensive line... for at least a few seasons!

T.J. Oakes Signs with Colorado Rockies

Former Minnesota Golden Gophers pitcher signed with the Colorado Rockies. Oakes was selected in the 11th round by the Rockies in the MLB draft.

Oakes will officially join the organization on Monday and will be headed to Washington to play for the Rockies' short season Single-A affiliate.

Oakes is a 6'5", right-handed pitcher. He went 7-3 with a 2.31 ERA for the Gophers. He was third in the Big Ten in strikeouts with 78, while leading the conference in number of strikeouts looking at 28.

Congratulations to T.J. Oakes! Say 'hi' to Michael Cuddyer!

Jerry Kill Instructs Gophers to be "Uncommon"

There won't be tickets for sale for a couple of years, but Minnesota's home football games in 2015 could be quite a hot commodity.

The Big Ten revealed its 2015 and 2016 slates on Monday. After a four-year absence from their schedule, the Gophers will face Ohio State at TCF Bank Stadium on October 13, 2015. Minnesota also will host Nebraska, Iowa and Wisconsin that season. The Gophers will play at Ohio State on November 5, 2015, their first trip there since 2009.

Of course I'll let you know when these tickets go on sale, but plan ahead and get your tickets for this season!