Notes from the Sports Desk by Tyler Julson

 

So close.

The Tigers came so close to winning their football game Friday night. I knew it was going to be a good game before the opening kickoff. I could feel it in the air; there was just a different type of energy going through the stadium and Jim Gustafson Field that night. The team came out motivated and played really well in nearly every aspect. When they took that lead late in the fourth quarter, I thought they for sure would hold on to win.

Even though it’s not always easy to see the positives after a tough loss like that, the team has made loads of improvement over the past year. I’ve said it before, but this team is on its way up and could be dangerous in the coming years.

The volleyball team has also shown a lot of improvement. I’ve only been to one match so far, but that team has a lot of energy. Coach Cameron has them trending in the right direction.

Another hot team in the area so far has been the United South Central football team. I went and watched them week one and they dominated in every aspect of the game. Even after losing their starting running back early in the game, they had the “next man up” mentality and cruised to a victory. Then this week, the Rebels go on the road and beat the No. 4-ranked team in the state. I hope they can keep this streak going and make a deep run come playoff time.

The Gophers are looking decent so far, going 2-0 to start the season with what looks like an easy game (on paper) against Miami of Ohio this week. However, losing Rodney Smith to an injury for the rest of the season and a tough Big Ten schedule — it’s going to take a lot for them to keep it up.

The Twins aren’t officially eliminated from the playoffs just yet. Sitting 15 1/2 games back from the Indians, ESPN still has them at .1 percent to make the playoffs, but we all knew the season was done by the trade deadline. My pick to take home the trophy at the end of the season is still the Red Sox; they seem to be miles ahead of everyone else.

Kirk Cousins looked great in his Vikings debut, as did pretty much every other player that stepped on the field for them. With a game against a dinged up Aaron Rodgers coming up, my prediction of the Packers taking the NFC North is looking a little shaky right now. Hopefully Rodgers turns out to be alright. I know many people — especially here — don’t like him, but the league is better when guys with his talents are on the field.

Another impressive season opener came from the Kansas City Chiefs. Patrick Mahomes looked like exactly what I wanted him to look like, and with him throwing to guys like Tyreek Hill all season, they’re going to lead the league in offensive production. I’m still liking my prediction of the Rams over the Chiefs in this year’s Super Bowl.

Tyler Julson is the Tribune’s sports reporter. He can be contacted at tyler.julson@albertleatribune.com.