Welcome, By-Godders, to the Shotgun/Throwdown, WVU's best place for sports links, information and a few daily distractions. Today we're being brought to you by Rolling Rock Green Light.

I apologize for the delay, but sometimes there is work to do.  Everybody knows the big story today is Kelly leaving Cinci.  Some are glad, some aren't.  That's their mess, I'm not gonna worry about it.  Anyway, stay warm, try to catch the Mountaineer men on Saturday (they're off until next Saturday) and support the women on Sunday if you're in Morgantown.  Have a great weekend.  I'm always open for suggestions and requests.  Let's GOOOOOOOOO...

What You May Have Missed:

Gold and Blue Report for Friday - WVMETRONEWS.COM

Football: West Virginia Recognized by AFCA - MSNsportsNET.Com

Academic Success - MSNsportsNET.Com

Irish eyes are smiling at Kelly hire - SI.com

News of Note:

Gator Bowl 'fortunate' to host Bowden farewell - Charleston Daily Mail

The Will to Succeed - MSNsportsNET.Com

Jonnie West on his own path - Times West Virginian
Hertzel Column

WVU's Kevin Jones - WVIllustrated.com

What's On Tap:

Georgetown vs. Washington - SI.com
2pm on Saturday.  I believe on Fox Sports Net.

Coppin State vs. West Virginia - SI.com
7 pm on Saturday from the Coliseum. Coverage on ESPN 360 and MASN. I'm not sure but other regional sports channels, such as Fox Sports Pitt may carry it.

St Francis (NY) vs. Syracuse - SI.com
Sunday at 1pm.

Villanova vs. Temple - SI.com
Sunday at 3pm.

Cincinnati vs. Xavier - SI.com
Sunday at 7pm on ESPNU.

Around the League (and Beyond):

Cincinnati Bearcat players among last to know Brian Kelly's decision - Cincinnati Enquirer

Cincinnati sells out Sugar Bowl allotment - ESPN

Good Riddance - Protect R Turf
Somebody's happy he left.

Cincinnati takes Miami's best shot - Cincinnati Enquirer
"The No. 19-ranked Bearcats led most of the way Thursday night, but still had to hold on to beat Miami 63-59."

Pitt forwards playing outside comfort zone - PPG

Syracuse basketball dumps Florida, stays unbeaten - syracuse.com

Rutgers wide receiver Tim Brown does not practice, status for St. Petersburg Bowl uncertain - Star Ledger

Strong to handle U of L's defense himself - Courier-Journal

Losing Gilchrist creates vacuum for Bulls - Tampa Tribune

Jones, Trickett to interview today for Herd post  - Charleston Daily Mail

Video of Interest:

Thanks, as always, to WVIllustrated.com.

Video of (Dis)Interest:

This is awesome!!!!!!!

Santa's Helpers Gallery of the Week:

via coedmagazine.files.wordpress.com

Miss Throwdown:

Today's Miss Throwdown is a gorgeous native of Philly.  Please make welcome, Vanessa Veasley.

via i42.tinypic.com

Rolling Rock Green Light image via geekrentalsandbox.com