The Shotgun/Throwdown: Friday (4/15/11) Edition

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 Castle Lager, in honor of today's Miss Throwdown.

Day 8 of practice is in the books and plenty of reports and features today.  The big news being that Brad Starks was injured, has already had surgery and will be out for 12 weeks.  I also have more on AD Oliver Luck's beer at Mountaineer Field proposal.  Sorry for the lack of commentary, as I'm in a bit of a rush.  Have a great weekend everyone!!

What You May Have Missed:

Student-Athletes Honored - MSNsportsNET.Com
A total of 431 West Virginia University student-athletes were recognized for their achievement in the classroom, Thursday evening, at the annual Athletic Director’s Academic Honor Roll Banquet.

Players Speak Out About Past Experiences - WVMETRONEWS.COM
Articles and videos of the speeches

WVU AD Oliver Luck Discusses Proposal to Board of Governors - WVillustrated.com

Officials support Luck’s attempt to change alcohol policy - Daily Athenaeum

Luck: Control key to beer proposal - Times West Virginian
Financial aspect significant but isn’t driving motivation, WVU’s AD says

Holgorsen Offense Widespread in Texas - WVMETRONEWS.COM

Spring 2011: Ranking The Big East Coaches - College Football News
Greg Schiano #3?!!? What?

News of Note:

Day Eight Recap - WVMETRONEWS.COM
Article and gallery

Day 8 Quick Hits - WVillustrated.com
Coyle's Notebook

Starks Has Surgery, Out For 12 Weeks - WVMETRONEWS.COM

WVU’s Stewart praises upperclassmen taking leadership - Inter-Mountain

WVU defense could struggle this year - Daily Athenaeum

WVU defense strives to reload, not rebuild - Daily Athenaeum

Direction of WVU offense yet to be determined - Charleston Gazette

WVU football: Offensive line satisfies, surprises Bedenbaugh - Charleston Daily Mail

Tino, Geno hold keys for West Virginia, Pitt - Big East Blog - ESPN

Secondary goes on sans Sands - Times West Virginian
Hertzel Column

Running Back Shawne Alston - Mountaineer TV
Shawne Alston talks about his role in the new offense.

VIDEO: WVU Spring Practice Day Eight Interviews - WVillustrated.com
Geno, Avery Williams, Michael Calicchio, Trey Johnson, Shawne Alston, Tavon, Will Clarke and Matt Lindamood.

WVU Football Photos 2011 WVU Spring Practice Days 5-7 - WVillustrated.com

Recruiting:

Dominique Rutledge Signs with WVU Basketball Team - WVillustrated.com

Around the League (and Beyond):

Big East Doomsday Clock: It Is 4 Minutes To Midnight - Voodoo Five

Hakeem Smith has been a dream find for Louisville football - Courier-Journal

Syracuse Football: It's Blue vs. White For The Orange (What?) - Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician

What We've Learned At Spring Practice: QB Spot Still Up In Air - Hartford Courant
A look at UConn's quarterback candidates as spring practice concludes

Rutgers' Steve Beauharnais set for new role at strong side - Star Ledger

Pitt's Sunseri capable of running new offense - PPG

Videos of Interest:

Video of (Dis)Interest:

Yvonne Strahovski of TV's Chuck takes on three of today's biggest pop stars:

Miss Throwdown:

Today's Miss Throwdown is one of the latest stunners to do a "Me in My Place" spread for Esquire (and a SI Swimsuit model).  Here's today's gallery (click on the pic) and videos of Genevieve Morton on this, National Cleavage Day.

via s2.nextround.net

Castle Lager image via www.ideabounty.com