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 Sam Adams Alpine Spring Ale.
What You May Have Missed:
Gold and Blue Now: Friday, May 3 - WV MetroNews
Kendall Rogers of perfectgame.org previews the Oklahoma/WVU series, Wendell Barnhouse gives us an update on Big 12 football and Brett McMurphy of ESPN discusses the impact of the new SEC Network.
Track Prepares for Big 12 Outdoor Championships - WVU Athletics
May 3-5 at the Hart-Patterson Track & Field Complex in Waco, Texas.
Women’s Soccer Schedule Revealed - WVU Athletics
"The 2013 schedule is challenging, but one that we are excited about," says coach Izzo-Brown
Post-Draft News:
Why Did Geno Smith Really Fire His Agents? - Deadspin
Geno Smith fell to the second round of the NFL draft, 39th overall. It wasn't unfathomable, but it was toward the most pessimistic end of the most pessimistic projections. Then, weird stuff happened
Let’s circle back now - WVU Sports with Mike Casazza
So on April 1, Nolan Nawrocki swung a sledgehammer at Geno Smith. His Pro Football Weekly scouting report was a harshly worded criticism that was a lightning rod for pre-draft conversation.
Video: Judging Geno Smith for firing his agents - ESPN
Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless discuss whether quarterback Geno Smith should be judged for firing his agents.
HERTZEL COLUMN: Smith finds himself in mine field - Times West Virginian
New York, you see, can be the greatest place to play sports in America or the worst.
News of Note:
Trickett didn't come to Morgantown to stand around - Charleston Daily Mail
Trickett will battle for starting QB spot
Forecasting WVU: Where the Mountaineers stand after spring practices - Pittsburgh Tribune Review
A position-by-position breakdown of how the West Virginia football team looks after spring practices
Mountaineers face key series against Oklahoma - Charleston Daily Mail
WVU plays 10th-ranked Sooners in three-game set at Appalachian Power Park
WVU baseball defying the odds - Charleston Gazette
"Every odd is against us,'' Frazer said. "And that's great for us. That just gives us a chance to prove everybody wrong and show that we can do it.''
WVU hosts Sooners in crucial series - Times West Virginian
The Mountaineers (27-19, 9-6 Big 12) are one game behind the Sooners (33-12, 10-5 Big 12) in the Big 12 standings.
Furfari: Mazey has Mountaineer baseball team on a roll - Register-Herald
In his first season as West Virginia’s head coach, Randy Mazey appears to have put together a team that performs very well as a smooth unit and can win games.
WVU Set For Huge Series Against No. 10 Oklahoma - WVillustrated
WVU will have its chance to prove it belongs in the conversation for a Big 12 title when it takes the field in game one of a three game series tonight against No. 10 Oklahoma.
Recruiting:
NCAA suspends rule change on unlimited text messages to recruits - ESPN
The NCAA Division I Board of Directors has suspended rule changes passed in January that would have allowed unlimited electronic communication -- including text messaging -- from college coaches to football recruits.
Around the League (and Beyond):
Iowa State knows it has running backs, Chris Klenakis knows the Pistol - Football.com (Mike Casazza)
Iowa State returns four offensive linemen who have started and three running backs who combined for more than 1,200 rushing yards in 2012.
Art Briles raps along to Young Jeezy at Baylor practice - SBNation.com
Cyclones finding transfers harder to come by - Ames Tribune
KU men's basketball releases nonconference schedule - Lawrence Journal World
Gronkowski opening eyes at fullback - Manhattan Mercury
Trey Millard talks about returning for senior year - Oklahoman
Oklahoma State post-spring roster update: LB Nico Ornelas leaves team - Oklahoman
Football Outsiders: 2013 Texas Longhorns Will Win Big 12 - Barking Carnival
TCU Horned Frogs spring wrap - ESPN Dallas
Red Raider Gridiron | Three Verts and Dragging Underneath - Viva The Matadors
What's On Tap:
WVU Hosts No. 10 Oklahoma - WVU Athletics
Game one of the series begins at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, game two begins at 4 p.m. on Saturday and first pitch for game three is slated for 1 p.m. on Sunday.
Video of Interest:
Video of (Dis)Interest:
Miss Throwdown:
Today's Miss Throwdown is a Brazilian VS model who's also done work for the SI Swimsuit folks. CLICK HERE for today's gallery of Izabel Goulart.