Welcome, By-Godders, to the Shotgun/Throwdown, WVU's best place for sports links, information and some fun distractions. Today we're being brought to you by Victoria Bitter Gold in honor of today's Miss Throwdown.

The big news everywhere seems to be B11 expansion.  Almost every article I found of fellow BE football members want their team considered.  That does say something about the state of our conference, regardless of your or my personal opinions.  Plenty inside about that.  I've also got something special planned for around 1pm today.  So make sure to check back then.  Tips, suggestions and requests would be greatly appreciated.  Here we go...

What You May Have Missed:

Gold and Blue Report for Wednesday - WVMETRONEWS.COM

2009 CFN All-Big East Team & Top 30 Players - Scout.com

Big East better watch out for Big Ten expansion - ESPN

Big Ten to explore possibility of expansion in next 12 to 18 months - ESPN

Expanding to 12 teams could hurt Big Ten in BCS, pocketbook - SI.com

Time is right to explore Big Ten expansion - ESPN

College Football Live Extra: Dec. 15th - ESPN Video
ESPN Video: Should the Big Ten expand?

Momentum seems to be on side of Big Ten expansion -- chicagotribune.com
"Joe Paterno's strong comments at the Big Ten meetings in May were "catalytic," according to a league source. Paterno's criticism that the league "goes into hiding for six weeks" between the regular season and the BCS bowls prompted some to re-examine their views on a league title game."

Mountaineers in the NFL - WVIllustrated.com

News of Note (FB):

Out of the Spotlight - BlueGoldNews.com

Big Ten sets off the raid sirens - Charleston Gazette

Jimbo Fisher loves life with Florida State - Charleston Daily Mail

Fisher is looking smart for FSU - Washington Times

Expansion in Big Ten could hurt Big East - Times West Virginian
Hertzel Column - Kind of overstating the obvious isn't he?

Lots of scenarios for Gator - Parkersburg News and Sentinel

Making the Most of Bowl Prep - WVIllustrated.com

NCAA panel recommends new rules on concussions for all sports - USATODAY.com

News of Note (BB):

Women's Basketball: West Virginia Ranked 23rd - MSNsportsNET.Com
The women have worked their way into the rankings.

Basketball Notebook - MSNsportsNET.Com

Bracketology - ESPN
#2 in the East

Recruiting:

Ohio running back's commitment to Mountaineers firm despite Nebraska visit - WVIllustrated.com
Braylon Heard

Around the League (and Beyond):

Butch Jones to be Cincinnati Bearcats' next football coach - Cincinnati Enquirer

Brian Kelly had no choice but to leave Cincinnati for Notre Dame - Andy Staples - SI.com

Cincinnati looking to rebound from Xavier loss against UAB - Cincinnati Enquirer

Pitt takes step toward rebuilding O-line - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Silence isn't best strategy for USF during investigation - Tampa Tribune

Five Reasons Syracuse Will Go To The Big Ten - Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician

Would Syracuse ever be seriously considered for Big Ten expansion? Please, say it ain't so. - syracuse.com
One person doesn't think it would be a good idea.

Rutgers in the Big Ten? Do whatever you have to do to make it happen, Scarlet Knights - Star Ledger

Big 10 to expand to 12? Louisville a possible candidate? - Card Chronicle

Texas faculty find Mack Brown's $5 million raise unseemly - SI.com (AP)

What's On Tap:

UCF vs. South Florida - SI.com
Tonight at 7 from the Sun Dome in Tampa on ESPN 360.  The Bulls are giving 8.5.

Oral Roberts vs. Louisville - SI.com
Tonight at 7 on ESPN 360 from Freedom Hall.  No line given.  Can ORU pull the upset for their recently departed patriarch?

Cincinnati Bearcats vs. UAB Blazers - ESPN
Tonight at 7 from Birmingham.  Cinci is favored by 1.5. No TV that I can find.

Video of Interest:

Thanks to WVIllustrated.

Video of (Dis)Interest:

An appetizer for later today.

Cool Toy Gallery of the Week:

Hey!!!  It's not all T&A around here...sometimes.

via coedmagazine.files.wordpress.com

Miss Throwdown:

Today's Miss Throwdown is a gorgeous Aussie actress.  Say G'Day to Nicky Whelan.  The link leads to a message board posting.  The gallery is at the top if it's slow loading for you.

via img249.imageshack.us

This seems to be her.  I say close enough.

Victoria Bitter Gold image via www.jankvollmer.de