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.

The big news, of course, is Coach Holgorsen's contract. What many may not realize is that it's actually his first official contract with the University (he was still working off of the initial terms sheet). We also have plenty of assistant coaches interviews and player features to get through. Caleb has a couple of NFL updates for us and we have the daily Big 12 roundup as well. All of this and more...

One of our fellow SB Nation bloggers, Tim Allen from Cannis Hoopus, was lost this week and his family has designated the Humane Society for donations. Thank you.

What You May Have Missed:

Holgorsen, WVU agree to six-year contract - Charleston Daily Mail
Twenty months after West Virginia hired him as an assistant football coach and 14 months after he was promoted to head coach, Dana Holgorsen has signed his contract.

Holgorsen Contract PDF - Charleston Daily Mail
If any of you are legally inclined and/or interested

Football: Luck & Holgorsen Quotes - WVUsports.com
Transcript here, video embedded below

Long Term Commitment - WVUsports.com
"We are very excited that Dana is making a long-term commitment to us, and we are excited about the season that is obviously rapidly approaching.”

HERTZEL COLUMN: Holgorsen not going anywhere - Times West Virginian
Since it now appears more certain than ever that Holgorsen will be among us for more than just a year or two, perhaps it is time to find out just what this man is really like and what makes him tick, for he is surely more than just a football coach.

Moving up to Big 12 comes with hefty price - Charleston Gazette
It's neither good nor bad nor indifferent. It's just reality.

WVU football: Next move is to lock up Luck - Charleston Daily Mail
But that's where WVU is right now and that's what WVU must to do maintain the footing it's fought so hard to find. Luck and Holgorsen are a tag team that wants to work together.

WEST VIRGINIA MAKES DOWN PAYMENT ON MANSION OF GREATNESS - Every Day Should Be Saturday
Oh, Spencer... *swoon

WVUPros NFL Preseason Week 1 Previews: Thursday Night - WVU Pros
We preview the first full night of NFL Preseason action involving former West Virginia Mountaineers.

Steve Slaton's Role Becoming Clearer as Dolphins' Camp Continues - WVU Pros
Steve Slaton could have a larger role on the Dolphins than many thought.

News of Note:

Young corners need to step up for WVU - Charleston Gazette
Deep isn't what the Mountaineers are right now, at least as far as players with experience is concerned.

Dustin Garrison stays in the present - Charleston Daily Mail
Gillespie is going back to school and learning what he can about what a player goes through during the recovery.

Jordan Thompson Continues to Thrive Despite Size - WVillustrated
Jordan Thompson was given a chance here at West Virginia, and he has been taking full advantage of that opportunity this offseason.

Youngsters Look To Help Veterans - Intelligencer / Wheeling News-Register
Three seniors man WVU offensive line

Jenkins happy he’s back - Martinsburg Journal
the 6-foot-4, 291-pound native of Parkersburg is just grateful for the opportunity to be a fifth-year player this season.

Video: Staff Interviews 8/8 - BGN
Coaches Gillespie, Patterson and Spavital

VIDEO: WVU Assistant Coach Interviews - WVMETRONEWS.COM
Patterson, Gillespie, Slaughter and Bedenbaugh

Football: Assistant Coach Quotes - WVUsports.com
Roberts, Bedenbaugh, Spavital and Slaughter

MORE PHOTOS from Day 4 of WVU Football Training Camp - WVillustrated

Recruiting:

Smallwood Becomes Latest Mountaineer Commitment - WVillustrated
A Maryland running back is the latest to pledge to the Mountaineers.

Around the League (and Beyond):

Wednesday Morning Video/Poll: RB Battle at Fall Camp - Our Daily Bears

KU's Weis no stranger to turning around football teams - KUsports.com

Kansas State QB Collin Klein has his flaws, but also has 'will to win' - Sporting News

Opening camp: Iowa State Cyclones - Big 12 Blog - ESPN

Video: What's Left Of The Oklahoma Offensive Line After The Strike Of The Injury Bug - Crimson And Cream Machine

2012 Texas Longhorns Wide Receiver: Who Steps Up? - Barking Carnival

TCU coach fails to back his own message on drug use - Dallas Morning News

Tech notebook: Starts moves to tackle - Red Raiders

What's On Tap:

WVU stars to visit Charleston Department Store - Charleston Daily Mail
Former West Virginia University greats including Major Harris, Joe Mazzulla and Da'Sean Butler will be at the West Side location of Charleston Department store from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Video of Interest:

Video of (Dis)Interest:

Miss Throwdown:

Today's Miss Throwdown is Australian model Shanina Shaik. HERE's today's gallery.