"The Vikings have won four of their past five games, and in three of the four they have rallied in the fourth quarter to win.

A nice trend?

"What does that get us this week?" six-time Pro Bowl center Matt Birk said. "This is a week-to-week deal."

On Sunday, the Vikings travel to Tampa Bay to play the Buccaneers. Past results — even recent results — mean nothing, Birk said.

"Everybody always wants to quantify and qualify and put it into words, but you know what, we're just a bunch of guys just trying to win games," he said. "Whatever it takes. Why are we playing better? I don't know. You turn the ball over four times (last week against Green Bay); that's not good.

"I mean, it's great to win those games, but it doesn't get you anything this week."

Among Gophers players who will welcome outdoor football when the team moves to TCF Bank Stadium next year is sophomore quarterback Adam Weber. Minnesota will play outside this Saturday at Wisconsin.

"Obviously, when it's 15 degrees outside and snowing, it would seem unfavorable, but that's what's so enjoyable," Weber said. "I find the greatest games to watch are the ones where it's snowing outside and cold.

"I like playing inside the Metrodome, and as a quarterback, no wind, perfect temperature, it's nice. But playing outdoors, there's just something about it; it reminds me of when you were a little kid playing outside with your neighbors. It makes football seem

more real."

The last time an American League player won a batting title and Gold Glove in the same season, as the Twins' Joe Mauer did this year, was future hall of fame outfielder Ichiro Suzuki with Seattle in 2004.

Attending the Wild-Phoenix Coyotes game in his hometown of St. Paul on Thursday night was popular former Harding, Gophers, Fighting Saints and North Stars winger Paul Holmgren, who is general manager of the Philadelphia Flyers.

Holmgren is helping 2010 U.S. Olympic men's hockey general manager Brian Burke scout for the team. While in town, he also will watch R.J. Anderson and the Gophers play Michigan Tech on Saturday at Mariucci Arena. The Flyers own Anderson's NHL rights.

The 6-foot-2 Holmgren, 52, played at 220 pounds but now weighs 205.

"Stress," he joked.

Former Gophers football coach Glen Mason dined Thursday evening at the home of legendary Penn State coach Joe Paterno and his wife. "It does not get any better than that," Mason said.

Joel Przybilla, the 7-foot-1 former Gopher from Monticello, continues to start for the Portland Trail Blazers, who come to Target Center on Saturday night. Przybilla, 29, who is averaging 4.5 points and a team-leading 8.6 rebounds a game, is in the third year of a $32 million, five-year contract. He has been nicknamed "The Eraser" by teammates.

Pyzybilla's 72 percent shooting percentage from the floor (16 of 21) leads the NBA.

The Timberwolves on Thursday reported that about 2,000 tickets remain for their Nov. 21 game against Kevin Garnett and the Boston Celtics at Target Center, which has capacity of 19,364.

Twins first baseman Justin Morneau, who is on the advisory staff of Wilson Sporting Goods Co. for baseball gloves, has joined the advisory staff of the ATEC pitching and training machines.

Wild owner Craig Leipold is the scheduled featured speaker at today's Dunkers Club breakfast at the Minneapolis Club.

Former Gophers defenseman Keith Ballard leads the Florida Panthers in scoring with two goals and eight assists, as well as in penalty minutes (35).

Wild goaltending prospect Anton Khudobin stopped 75 of 76 shots over the past two games for the Florida Everblades of the East Coast Hockey League.

The death of pitcher Herb Score at age 75 this week reminded 1954 Edina High graduate Bobby Johnson, 72, of his first major league hit off the lefthander, then pitching for the Chicago White Sox, when Johnson played for the Kansas City Athletics in 1960. "