Welcome, By-Godders, to the Shotgun/Throwdown, WVU's nationally recognized best place for sports links, information, sophomoric humor and daily distractions. We're being brought to you today by Pitchfork Beard Shark Ale because it's that cool.
Self-evaluation has morphed into full blown expansion. With only 2 BE games this week (including one tonight?), expect this to be the trend the rest of the week. If you have any tips, suggestions or requests for content that you think is worth sharing, you can send them to me by email or Twitter and don't forget to "LIKE" the Smoking Musket MAIN PAGE on Facebook (follow this link, then hit "LIKE"). See you after the jump...
What You May Have Missed:
Forde Yard Dash - ESPN
#24 and the Forde First Yard video
Stewart puzzle pieces include contract, NCAA and Minnesota - Charleston Gazette
Hickman has some interesting tidbits in here
WVU football: Limiting turnovers focus at practice - Charleston Daily Mail
Video: Bill Stewart and the hot seat - ESPN
Time to hit panic button? - Parkersburg News and Sentinel
Time for your evaluation - WVU Sports with Mike Casazza
Huggins won’t settle for a rebuilding year - Register-Herald (AP)
It's KJ's Time To Lead - WVMETRONEWS.COM
Article and Video
'Pep' Preps for Big Season at WVU - WVillustrated.com
News of Note:
Big East stock report, Week 10 - ESPN
West Virginia, Cincinnati seek turnover fix - ESPN
Stewart: Players not to blame for loss - Inter-Mountain
Musings of a Mountain Man: Week 10 - WVillustrated.com
WVU Team Report by The Sports Xchange - WVillustrated.com
Big East Expansion
Big East expansion approved unanimously with Villanova eyed as the primary target - Star Ledger
Doesn't mention it in the article, but said on the headline blurb that teams such as TCU or UCF, if added, would be for football only.
Big East Confirms Expansion Plans (Insert Yawn Here) - Cardiac Hill
They stole your line, Charley
Big East Votes To Expand Football-Playing Membership To 10 - Hartford Courant
There is a belief that the Big East will partner with the Big 12 to petition the NCAA for a championship game for 10-team conferences. Currently, conferences that have championship games must have at least 12 teams.
Big East sets outline for football expansion - Charleston Gazette
Big East seeks 10 football teams - Charleston Daily Mail
Big East must add good teams - Times West Virginian
Hertzel Column - But let me throw this at ya: who might look good now, may not in 3-4 years.
Big East makes smart move forward - ESPN
Top candidates for Big East expansion - ESPN
Big East Football Approves Expansion - NCAAFB FanHouse
Imperfect 10: Big East should expand to 12 teams or call off search - Sporting News
Marquette goes from Big East boon to burden - Sporting News
"Big East football plan does Marquette dirty"
Big East Votes To Expand: Would You Want Boston College To Go Back? - BC Interruption
From BC's blog
@Andy Katz: Remember the Pac-10 invite ... - Twitter
Andy's got a point
Around the League (and Beyond):
Bulls hoping to turn tables on Rutgers tonight - Tampa Tribune
Rutgers gameday: Scarlet Knights look to flex healthy offense against South Florida - Star Ledger
2010 Big East Fearless Picks: RU-USF TONIGHT - College Football News
If you can get around all the ads
Pitt, Syracuse Pull Away from the Pack - WVMETRONEWS.COM
Pitt Football: Shhh! Don't tell Panthers they have Big East by the tail - PPG
That's just disgusting to read
Louisville's Victor Anderson cleared to play - Courier-Journal
UConn men: Recruit guarded on commitment - Journal Inquirer
The previously WVU committed/de-committed Ryan Boatright. What is it with these kids and expecting to be the only one recruited? Are they that afraid to compete?
College Football Power Rankings - Andy Staples - SI.com
Zebra Report: Baylor-Texas Muff - NCAAFB FanHouse
Mississippi State defensive end Nick Bell dies from cancer - ESPN
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends and team
What's On Tap:
Men's Soccer: WVU Set for First Round Game - MSNsportsNET.Com
The West Virginia men’s soccer team will begin its trek toward the BIG EAST Championship with a first round game against South Florida on Wednesday, Nov. 3. The match will begin at 7 p.m. at Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium.
LeBlanc Looking For Big Crowd - MSNsportsNET.Com
Men's Soccer: Mountaineers in the Mix - MSNsportsNET.Com
Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. South Florida Bulls - ESPN
7 pm EDT tonight from Ray Jay. Bulls are giving 13.
Video of Interest:
Video of (Dis)Interest:
Time traveler or clever lame video editing? You decide.
Miss Throwdown:
Today's Miss Throwdown is the orange bikini girl from last week's Hump Day post. She's a former elementary school teacher (I never had one that looked like this), born in PA and raised in FL. Here's a lovely gallery of Erica Chevillar (click on the pic).
Pitchfork Beard Shark image via filesll.fluxstatic.com