The Shotgun/Throwdown: Monday (8/31/09) Edition

Welcome By-Godders to the Shotgun/Throwdown, Monday morning, opening game week preparation edition.  Today's edition is brought to you by Boddington's.

It's finally here.  It's game week people.  The long drought ends this Saturday.  When I walked outside this morning to leave for work, there was a crispness in the air that absolutely, positively signified the beginning of football season.  The tipline is always open, there's a renewed bounce in my step and I'm getting anxious already.  On with the show:

What you may have missed:

Notebook: Freshman eligibility decisions coming in  - The Charleston Gazette
Hickman's notebook.

WVU releases academic non-qualifier - Charleston Daily Mail
Casazza's Notebook.

Four Earn Football Scholarships - BlueGoldNews.com
Four former walk-ons get their tabs picked up.

WVU Stuns No. 5 Penn State - MSNsportsNET.Com
In case you haven't heard, our women's soccer team is pretty good. This one was on the road too, btw.

Nick Saban commits to Alabama Crimson Tide through 2017 season - ESPN
But is it really a commitment anymore?

Complete Free Press Investigation (links inside) Freep.com
Don't kid yourselves, no major penalties will come from this.  The news is the fractured state of the team.  The entire college football world is talking about this, so I'd be remissed to omit it.

News of Note:

Article - X’s and O’s with WVU’s offensive coordinator - Dominion Post
NIce article on the T-1000.  You don't have to be a subscriber to read this one (the continuation link is hidden at the top of the page).

Securing A Spot - MSNsportsNET.Com
Another story with Sowers.

Tackling the issue  - The Charleston Gazette
Hickman discusses the kick-off coverage situation.

Redshirting freshman QB not a good idea  - The Charleston Gazette
Vingle likes keeping Geno ready.

Reworked O-line finding its groove  - The Charleston Gazette

Leader of the Band - MSNsportsNET.Com
Selvish Capers is profiled.

Mullen Expecting High-Octane Offense - eersports.com
Another decent article interviewing T-1000.

PSU, Pitt, WVU could be national contenders - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Can Pitt, Penn State and West Virginia become national championship contenders again, now or in the future?

Bitancurt driven by competition  - The Charleston Gazette
Don't piss off the kicker.

Logsdon takes long road to WVU - The Times West Virginian
A profile on the 27 year old Army veteran and walk-on from Berkeley Springs, WV.

No real reason to worry - Martinsburg - The Journal
Mickey F. gives his prediction for the season.

Which way will WVU go? - Parkersburg News and Sentinel
This writer is still on the fence.

Believe it or not, Liberty can pull upset - The Times West Virginian
Hertzel replays the Appy State/UM game scenario with former AS Mountaineer and current WVU Mountaineer coach Lonnie Galloway.

Liberty coach will set aside admiration for opponent - PPG
Coach Rocco loves us apparently.

BlueGoldNews.com's Photos - Hall of Traditions | Facebook
If you have never visited the Puskar Center and the Hall of Traditions, I highly recommend doing so. They have done a wonderful job of displaying our football heritage and history (you don't have to be a Facebook member to view).

Big East Week 1 preview - ESPN
Bennett offers up a little preview of the games around the league this week.

Updated RU News & Notes - Protect R Turf
And by updated, they mean their first post since Aug 18.

All The Cool Kids Will Be Wearing Greg Paulus T-Shirts - Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician
2 points for being semi-creative.

Big 12 blood brothers, Year of Gator in 25 things to watch - CBSSports.com
Dennis Dodd offers some amusing things to watch for.

Big East preseason power rankings - College Basketball - Rivals.com
Football season is starting but I know there are some of you who follow BB just as close, if not closer.

What's on Tap:

Minnesota vs. Houston tonight on ESPN 8pm.

Video of (Dis)Interest:

To get you in the football mood, if you aren't there already, here's a highlight clip of the 2nd most exciting QB to strap on a helmet for the Old Gold and Blue ("The Run" is at the 42 second mark):

Miss Throwdown:

Today's Miss Throwdown is Miss Kelly Brook of the UK.  So crack open a cold Boddington's and drink to Miss Brook.  As always, the pic links to a gallery.

via www.thebeergoggler.com

I've set it up to start at the best part when you press play, especially if you don't have time for the full video.

Boddington's image via www.gedaz.com