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 ATG Brewery's Kentucky Ryed Chiquen.
What You May Have Missed:
Gold and Blue Now: Wednesday, April 23 - WV MetroNews
Randy Mazey discusses his team’s 14-2 win over Maryland. We also hear from WVU pitcher Ross Vance after the big victory over the Terrapins.
Mike Casazza: WVU figures out financials as NCAA figures out its future - Charleston Daily Mail
Even in the presence of swirling story lines that seem destined to forever change the relationships between colleges and student-athletes, there remains some static at West Virginia University. More than two years ago, the athletic department began making budgetary plans to accommodate a $2,000 stipend for those on scholarship.
News of Note:
Baseball
Baseball Routs Maryland at Hawley Field - WVU Athletics
The offense had 16 hits and sophomore left-hander Ross Vance struck out six as the WVU baseball team routed Maryland, 14-2, on Tuesday evening at Hawley Field.
WVU batters Terps 14-2 for biggest blowout since 2011 - WV MetroNews
Bobby Boyd hit a three-run homer and left-hander Ross Vance enjoyed another quality start.
Vance Hurls WVU Past Terps - BGN
Ross Vance threw six innings of one-run ball for a second straight excellent start and Bobby Boyd and Brad Johnson combined for seven RBI to lead West Virginia past Maryland 14-2 at Hawley Field on Tuesday.
BGN Video: Baseball vs Maryland - BGN
Ross Vance dazzled for the second straight midweek game as head coach Randy Mazey and staff appear to be pushing all the right buttons. Here, Mazey, Ross and centerfielder Bobby Boyd discuss the dismantling of Maryland - and how to avoid a drop-off against in-state foe Marshall on Wednesday.
Football
Holgorsen Big 12 Teleconference Remarks - WVU Athletics
The post-spring ball comments from WVU's coach.
Holgorsen: Graduate transfer rule may be on the way out - Charleston Gazette
"You get four-year guys that really don’t have any issues at their current school,’’ Holgorsen said. "They graduate, their grades are fine and they can become immediately eligible. I think that’s something that’s interesting to a lot of coaches out there.’’
Mountaineers have benefited from incoming football transfers - Register-Herald
Websites like Scout.com and Rivals.com stalk the high school sidelines and blow up potential recruits’ cell phones in search of the latest information. But there’s one important aspect that often goes ignored — transfers.
Holgorsen Talks Transfers & Playoff - WVSports.com
Over the past year, West Virginia Head Coach Dana Holgorsen has brought big name transfers like Charles Sims, Clint Trickett and Rushel Shell to Morgantown.
Transfer Trail - BGN
West Virginia has built its depth via a variety of transfers over the past couple of years, and while head coach Dana Holgorsen has seen a lessening of one type this season, he still believes the numbers will continue to increase.
Holgs Has Questions About Playoff - EerSports
"They want to continue to treat it like a bowl game, which is great," said Holgorsen. "But I would have a hard time having five or six days at the semifinal game, then turning around and going home for a couple days, then turning around and having to do it all over again."
WVU’s Millard has shown great patience - Parkersburg News and Sentinel
Patience is a virtue.
WVU receivers: Can they get their swagger back? - WV MetroNews
As the post-spring position-by-position series continues, MetroNews sizes up Mario Alford and the Mountaineers wideouts
Recruiting:
WVU recruiting: Next QB could come out of ‘evaluation period’ - Charleston Gazette
In college recruiting, there are a lot of "periods" — dead periods, quiet periods, contact periods and signing periods. When it comes down to it, though, none may be more important than the evaluation period, which began last week.
Pro News:
Geno Smith says he will be the Jets' starter - TheJetsBeat via BGN
The New York Jets entered the first phase of their offseason workout program today. Following the workouts, Geno Smith spoke in front of reporters, addressing his second quarterback competition in two years. Find out what No.7 had to say of his counterpart and who he thinks will be the 2014 starter.
HERTZEL COLUMN: WVU faithful again have a reason to root against Vick - Times West Virginian
It would be one final indignation, that’s what it would be if Michael Vick were to beat out Geno Smith and win the starting quarterback job with the New York Jets.
Around the League (and Beyond):
Isaiah Austin To Forgo Remaining Eligibility, Declares For 2014 NBA Draft - Our Daily Bears
Rhoads wants starting QB named by mid-August - Ames Tribune
Charlie Weis says Montell Cozart was clear winner at quarterback for KU - Kansas City Star
Kansas State uses spring football game as dress rehearsal - Kansas City Star
Trevor Knight A Heisman Hopeful? - Crimson And Cream Machine
Cowboys' defense makes strides in spring - Stillwater News Press
Where Texas QB David Ash was before his injury - Burnt Orange Nation
A&M transfer Matt Joeckel has small shot at stardom as TCU quarterback - CultureMap Dallas
13 thoughts on the Red Raiders' depth chart - Lubbock Avalanche Journal
Video of Interest:
Comments from head coach Randy Mazey, after the Mountaineers tallied 16 hits in their 14-2 victory over Mayland, Tuesday night at Hawley Field.
Bobby Boyd, Ross Vance and Brad Johnson led the way for the Mountaineers, as they tallied 16 hits and defeated Maryland, 14-2, on Tuesday night at Hawley Field.
Video of (Dis)Interest:
Hump Day Video of the Week:
Miss Throwdown:
Today's Miss Throwdown is a Dutch model who's done work for VS and is a rookie in this year's SI Swimsuit Issue. CLICK HERE for today's gallery of Bregje Heinen.