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 Rugen Brau.
It's the second most wonderful time of the year (the most is when actual games start). Fall football training camp opens today in Morgantown for WVU at 5 pm this evening. We are officially within one month of witnessing Mountaineer football live and in person, when it counts. Today we have several features previewing the camp, including several takes on a "Five Questions Heading Into Camp" schtick. It's apparent that the Sporting News isn't buying the WVU hype (we'll find out later today if the coaches SID's do, when USA Today reveals their list). In other news, Sam Huff will be honored at the JMU game and WVUPros examines the relationship between Bruce Irvin and Chris Clemons. All of this, your Big 12 roundup and more...
Programming note: The Shotgun/Throwdown will run daily through the week (with a couple likely special Saturday editions mixed in every once in a while, when coverage dictates it) until the end of the coming basketball season.
Let's GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What You May Have Missed:
College football preseason Top 25: Sporting News' take on the best - Sporting News
#24 here
G&BN: Fall In To Fall Camp - WVMETRONEWS.COM
In Thursday's show, the first fall practice begins for the Mountaineers and we find out more about one of the newest recruits.
Single-game tickets go quickly - Charleston Daily Mail
West Virginia University suspended ticket sales to all but two of this year's home football games in a matter of hours Tuesday, the latest sign of excitement over the school's inaugural Big 12 season.
Football: JMU Game "Sam Huff Day" - WVUsports.com
Huff will be the Mountaineers’ honorary captain and recognized at halftime. He will also be honored pregame, on the video boards and at special events at FedExField throughout the day.
Enemy Insight: West Virginia Mountaineers 2012 Football - Burnt Orange Nation
Here's my chat with Peter Bean on the upcoming WVU season and the matchup with UT, in case you missed it on Twitter
West Virginia Mountaineers 2012 Football Preview - Burnt Orange Nation
...and here's his full (very well done) preview
Seahawks' Chris Clemons Serves as a Mentor to Bruce Irvin - WVU Pros
The Seahawks' veteran defensive linemen has a growing relationship with rookie Bruce Irvin.
News of Note:
Assessing the contenders: West Virginia - Big 12 Blog - ESPN
To begin the season, I see six teams with a legitimate chance to win the Big 12. Today we'll continue our series looking at why each team will or will not win the league
WVU football: Holgorsen molding future - Charleston Daily Mail
"But the minute I got here, I started to evaluate things from a long-term standpoint. If there was something that needed to be fixed, like having desks out as soon as you come in so someone can help you, that was something I voiced an opinion on."
Cradle of QBs - WVUsports.com
If the last four NFL drafts are any indication, then the Big 12 has definitely become the top quarterback conference in the country.
Geno Smith Expects To Lead A Deeper Offense This Season - WVillustrated
The WVU offense returns nine starters from the 2011 team and adds some young talent in 2012.
Three Big 12 teams have elite receivers - Big 12 Blog - ESPN
No. 2 is West Virginia, behind only USC.
Austin All Smiles And Excited About New Season - WVillustrated
Tavon Austin discusses his favorite play on offense and his thoughts on the new kickoff rules.
Finding motivation not an issue as WVU’s Austin heads into senior season - Daily Athenaeum
"I really don’t like all the hype and all the media stuff," Austin said. "I’m the type of person who likes to go on the field and show what I can do."
Road to realizing expectations begins now - Charleston Gazette
Now the trick is to live up to them.
HERTZEL COLUMN: The work starts now for WVU - Times West Virginian
It’s a new year and new league.
WVU back in action - Parkersburg News and Sentinel
Holgorsen, Mountaineers open fall practice
Defense to be key for WVU - Martinsburg Journal
It is going to be difficult for any media type covering the Mountaineers to be in position to make a prediction, however, until they actually see some games.
Five Questions As WVU Opens Training Camp - WVillustrated
There are always questions facing a team as it begins practicing for a new season. WVU is no different as it opens training camp today.
The most pressing questions for West Virginia are on defense - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Here are five things to watch during preseason.
WVU faces many questions going into Big 12 play - Times West Virginian
As Dana Holgorsen’s second team begins its month-long preseason preparations, five questions loom large as you try to analyze exactly where they stand.
Recruiting:
New Big 12 teams adjust Texas strategy - Big 12 Blog - ESPN
But Holgorsen didn’t need the West Virginia athletic director's advice to know the importance of the Lone Star State.
Around the League (and Beyond):
Depth, Unity Keys To Big 12 Resurgence - Scout.com/AP
Big 12 Storylines - WVUsports.com
Big XII Football: Spotlighting The Weaknesses In Each Team - Crimson And Cream Machine
Depth Perception: Defense - Wide Right & Natty Lite
Q&A: OSU's Todd Monken talks about the Cowboys' offense - Oklahoman
How Does Kansas Football Define Success In 2012? - Rock Chalk Talk
Red Raider Gridiron | Offensive and Defensive Line Previews - Double-T Nation
OU Football 2012: Sooners Fixture Along Offensive Line Career Cut Short - Crimson And Cream Machine
Texas Football 2012: Running Back Position Preview - Burnt Orange Nation
Old school - Times West Virginian
Unlike Big XII foes, Texas to rely on run
2012 TCU Football Fact Book - Frogs O' War
What's On Tap:
Let's Go Camping - WVMETRONEWS.COM
"[Strength and conditioning coach] Mike Joseph and our strength staff [got] after us this summer," said redshirt junior offensive tackle Pat Eger.
WVU Training Camp Opens Thursday - WVillustrated
Video of Interest:
Video of (Dis)Interest:
Miss Throwdown:
Today's Miss Throwdown is a Dutch supermodel. HERE'S today's gallery of Marloes Horst.