Columnist | Sports

Scoggins was born in Missouri but moved to Tennessee when he was only a few months old and lived there until he was 20. He graduated from the University of Missouri with a journalism degree. He worked at newspapers in Texas, Connecticut, North Carolina and Chicago before joining the Star Tribune in 2000.


Scoggins: Gophers' QB search twice as tricky, given Fleck's philosophy

Nebraska coach Matt Rhule said a good quarterback in the transfer portal costs $1 million or more in NIL money these days.


Hooray for bold coaching! Inside two decisions with state titles at stake

Football Across Minnesota: Props to Chanhassen's Cullen Nelson and Edina's Jason Potts for going for the win at the Prep Bowl instead of playing conservatively — like another coach did at U.S. Bank Stadium.


Scoggins: Gophers finally close regular season laden with disappointment

In a season full of confounding shortcomings, coach P.J. Fleck and his Gophers have only themselves to blame.


Scoggins: Gophers fans frustrated, whether the Axe stays or not

The Gophers blew another chance to win a wide open Big Ten West and fumbled too many winnable games to set up a party if they're able to beat Wisconsin again.


Too much caution costly for Fleck, O'Connell in their teams' defeats

Football Across Minnesota: P.J. Fleck needs more fight in his game plan. Kevin O'Connell called a better game but blew a chance to keep the Vikings' winning streak alive. Plus: Prep Bowl previews and more.


Scoggins: Vikings kept leaving door ajar until Broncos finally kicked it in

The Vikings handed over easy points to the Broncos and brought their own momentum to a halt with the poor execution and questionable decisions that were a big part of their 1-4 start to the season.


Scoggins: Vikings' bet on 'Flo' looking like a big winner

The defensive coordinator has dusted off defense that was in the NFL basement last season and created an identity that is successful and tough to plan against.


Scoggins: How Dobbs and Vikings found success in only a dozen days

Success and harmony on the football field usually takes months and minicamps to create. Joshua Dobbs and his Vikings coaches have developed it at warp speed, by comparison.


6-9 and growing: Ex-DeLaSalle lineman could be NFL star — or governor

Football Across Minnesota: From Minneapolis to the Ivy League to a next big step yet to be determined, Jalen Travis is adding to the family's successes in sports and other pursuits.


Scoggins: 'The sky was never falling' for these improbable Vikings

Even in this era with the NFL's reputation of unpredictability, the Vikings' recent rise-from-the-grave act is hard to believe.