Randy Johnson
College football reporter
Gophers football and hockeyJohnson also spent 17 years as sports copy editor/layout editor at the Star Tribune after five years in a similar role with the St. Paul Pioneer Press. He also was assistant sports editor and Penn State football beat writer for the Centre Daily Times in State College, Pa., for five years.
Latest from Randy Johnson
Gophers
Gophers defense at a tipping point: Stop the run, or get trampled trying
Michigan can win without passing - just ask USC - so the Gophers have a clear mission Saturday to improve their faltering run defense.
September 28, 2024
Gophers
Can the Gophers pull a big upset at Michigan? Preview and prediction
The defending national champion Wolverines are coming off a marquee victory against Southern Cal. Michigan has a stifling defense, which has helped it overcome its passing issues.
September 28, 2024
Gophers
Gophers’ best hope at Michigan might be ex-Wolverines recruit Taylor
Minnesota needs to improve its running game, a daunting challenge against Michigan’s stingy defense, but that’s where Darius Taylor comes in.
September 27, 2024
Gophers
Who wins, Wisconsin or USC? Penn State or Illinois? Randy Johnson's Big Ten picks.
Washington at Rutgers is another matchup worth watching this week in the coast-to-coast, 18-team Big Ten.
September 26, 2024
Colleges
UNLV QB to sit out following NIL dispute
College Football Insider: Rebels QB Matthew Sluka is redshirting the remainder of the season following an NIL dispute, despite UNLV being undefeated with a potential shot at the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff
September 25, 2024
Gophers
Big Ten power rankings: Gophers fall as Illinois, Rutgers continue upward climbs
Illinois and Rutgers are two dangerous teams coming up on Minnesota’s schedule, with the Illini on Nov. 2 and Rutgers on Nov. 9.
September 24, 2024
Gophers
Fleck’s Gophers slumping vs. major conference opponents
Michigan and USC are next on the schedule, and those already calling for P.J. Fleck’s firing should know that his current buyout is $26.9 million.
September 24, 2024
Gophers
Gophers Insider: U having trouble with running game on both sides of ball
In both of their losses, the Gophers were run over after halftime, and on Saturday they visit a Michigan team that rushed for 290 yards vs. USC.
September 22, 2024
Colleges
UNLV QB to sit out following NIL dispute
College Football Insider: Rebels QB Matthew Sluka is redshirting the remainder of the season following an NIL dispute, despite UNLV being undefeated with a potential shot at the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff
September 25, 2024
Gophers
Big Ten power rankings: Gophers fall as Illinois, Rutgers continue upward climbs
Illinois and Rutgers are two dangerous teams coming up on Minnesota’s schedule, with the Illini on Nov. 2 and Rutgers on Nov. 9.
September 24, 2024
Gophers
Fleck’s Gophers slumping vs. major conference opponents
Michigan and USC are next on the schedule, and those already calling for P.J. Fleck’s firing should know that his current buyout is $26.9 million.
September 24, 2024
Gophers
Gophers Insider: U having trouble with running game on both sides of ball
In both of their losses, the Gophers were run over after halftime, and on Saturday they visit a Michigan team that rushed for 290 yards vs. USC.
September 22, 2024