The Smoking Musket - All Posts

Big 12 Coaches Book Club

2013-05-24T17:00:06Z

The guys over at Black Heart Gold Pants did a fun post the other day comparing the Big 10 coaches to a flavor of ice cream. We don't want to completely rip them off. But the post did inspire the idea of what would happen if the Big 12 coaches formed a book club.We think that meeting would go a little something like this.

Bob Stoops - Exposing the SEC Myth

Hey guys, I got a great book this spring. Don't know if you heard about it, but it's right in line with my point of view about the SEC. (Gary Patterson makes wanking gesture) Look Patterson, you don't stick out of the ground high enough yet. Sit still and show some respect. (Art Briles makes wanking gesture followed by Holgorsen, Kingsbury, and Gundy) Screw you guys! Charlie, what do you got?

Charlie Weis - Never Say Diet Cook Book

I don't know if you guys know it, but I have a bit of a weight problem. Anyway, I found this gem by Richard Simmons. (Holgorsen and Kingsbury blow snot bubbles)Look, I'm being real here. It's a problem for some guys and I want to...can someone wake up coach Snyder?

Snyder: "I am awake Charles."

Oh, I'm sorry. You just looked...uh...Hey Dana, what book did you bring?

Dana Holgorsen - How to Pick Up Trashy Women

(Holgorsen doesn't say anything. Just looks at book then the group and giggles. Then looks at Rhoads)

Paul Rhoads - Hells Angels

Hello Chaps. I stumbled upon a delightful adventure written by one Hunter S. Thompson. Apparently a doctor of Gonzo Journalism. If you share my love of the Vincent Black Shadow and the shady underbelly of this land we call America, I would highly recommend it.

Stoops: "Why are you talking like some uppity English guy?"

Oh, I see you've fallen prey to my ruse. Over the years, I've pretended to be an animated ruffian of ill repute. But in fact, I graduated from Oxford and have been doing research for the last 20 years...

Stoops: "Okay, you just shut your mouth and we'll move on to what Mack has to offer."

Mack Brown - Who Stole My Mojo?

Hello men. I have to say, I'm a bit out of sorts after reading this dang book. I thought it would be funny like all the movies. But it wasn't.

Stoops: "And?"

That's it. End of story. I'm quitting this dang book club. Nothing but a bunch of grab-ass horse crap if you ask me.

Stoops: "Come on, coach....Well Kliff, what do you have for us?"

Kliff Kingsbury - Smack That Ass

You all know how I like to smack an ass, right?

(Holgorsen, Gundy, Patterson, and Briles look over his shoulder and nod approvingly)

Stoops: "GUYS!!! I was hoping we could all bring a book with words in it. You know? Aw eff it! You got anything interesting, Gundy?"

Mike Gundy - How to Lose Friends and Infuriate People

My book was very informative and it helped me decide which schools I didn't want Wes Lunt to go to.

Stoops: "Yeah, that one made you look like a real jerk. You should probably burn it and never think of it again. Actually, on second thought, keep it up. I don't know about anyone else, but my recruiting is going great since you pulled that."

Bill Snyder -

You young men may not believe it. But we did have books when I was a kid.

Stoops: "Any good ones?"

Yes

Stoops: "Do you want to give us some titles?"

Stoops: "Briles...Patterson...either one of you have anything for us?"

Art Briles and Gary Patterson

We didn't read anything. We've just been driving around the state photobombing each others pictures. This one is from Paris, TX. Get it?

GRRRRRR!

Mountaineer Morning Links: Friday (5/24/13) Edition

2013-05-24T12:57:53Z

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 Harboe Pilsner, in honor of today's Miss Throwdown.

What You May Have Missed:

Gold and Blue Now: Friday, May 24 - WV MetroNews
we hear from Kyle Wiggs as the Mountaineers fall to Kansas 7-2 in the Big 12 Championship opener, Bob Huggins finds out who is in the field for the Cancun Challenge and Huntington Prep coach Rob Fulford talks about the incoming freshman class at WVU.

Insiders say Big 12 bowl lineup is strong - Charleston Gazette
In the next couple of weeks the complete conference bowl lineups for the 2014-19 cycle will come tumbling out

HERTZEL COLUMN: Jarrod West treasures time with his family - Times West Virginian
But, as dramatic and heroic as that moment was in WVU history, it was something West put on Facebook a week back that hit home and needs to be spread far further than it reached with just his followers.

Furfari: Howley considered best all-around WVU athlete - Register-Herald
Chuck Howley’s greatest fame came in football at West Virginia University and then with the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys.

News of Note:

Thomas Shuts Down Mounties in Game One - WVU Athletics
In its first game of pool play against Kansas at the Phillips 66 Big 12 Baseball Championship, the West Virginia University baseball team was defeated, 7-2.

Early Miscues Doom WVU - BGN
West Virginia gambled by not throwing its number one starter in its opening pool play game in the Big 12 Baseball Championships, and the resulting 7-2 loss to Kansas put them in a hole going to Friday's second contest.

Interviews: WVU vs Kansas Postgame - BGN
WVU head coach Randy Mazey was both philosophical and honest about his team's 7-2 loss to Kansas on the first day of pool play in the Big 12 Baseball Championships.

Photo Gallery: WVU vs Kansas - BGN

Ballpark FAQs - WVU Athletics
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about the new ballpark.

VIDEO: WVU Head Coach Dana Holgorsen Interview - WVillustrated
Holgorsen spoke with the media prior to a Mountaineer Athletic Club Coaches' Caravan stop in Princeton.

Looking through the Crystal Ball: West Virginia - Frogs O' War
It was one of the most exciting games of 2012, but the rematch could be a blowout.

MEN'S HOOP BLOG - WVU Athletics
Tournament officials announced today the eight teams selected to compete in the 2013 Men’s Cancun Challenge, played at the all-inclusive Aventura Palace resort near Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

Spanning the Globe ... So You Don't Have To - WVU Athletics
This week's West Virginia University news and notes.

Remaining employed job No. 1 for coaches - Charleston Daily Mail
Given how college sports have evolved and how players are a little like employees who get a couple weeks of vacation, is it odd that there are three NCAA football teams and six NCAA men's basketball teams without coaches.

Pro News:

Who could have the better rookie season: E.J. Manuel or Geno Smith? - Pros Report
For most of the pre-draft process, many considered WVU's Geno Smith to be the top prospect at that position.

Around the League (and Beyond):

Big 12 Is Strongest At Top, But Can The Bottom Surprise? - Football.com (Mike Casazza)
Early top 25 projections suggest one of a few teams could win the league and that six teams will have a chance. But in an even league without an obvious contender, could a team start at the bottom and rise to the top?

How the hell do you stop Baylor? Part II: The defensive gameplan - Football Study Hall

Video: Paul Rhoads singles out an unsung Cyclone - Des Moines Register

KU football adds Miami Ohio wide receiver Nick Harwell - Lawrence Journal World

Worth the wait; K-State takes Big 12 tourney opener - Topeka Capital Journal

The Countdown To Kickoff Is Officially On - 100 Days & Counting - Crimson And Cream Machine

OSU Hoops: Cowboys Set Series With Memphis - Oklahoman

Does The Longhorn Network Suck? - Burnt Orange Nation

Notes On A Scorecard - TCU Horned Frogs Official Athletic Site

Red Raider Hoops | State Champion High Jumper to Play for Tubby Smith and Texas Tech? - Viva The Matadors

What's On Tap:

WVU Faces TCU In Must-Win Game - WVillustrated
West Virginia's pool in the Big 12 tournament saw a pair of upsets on day one as WVU and Oklahoma State were both upset by lower seeded teams. WVU must beat TCU Friday to keep its hopes of advancing

Video of Interest:

WVU Baseball coach Randy Mazey and outfielders Jacob Rice and Brady Wilson were invited to visit Moore, OK by CNN. They took the time to talk to families and take in the devastation. This is an incredible look at what they encountered.

Video of (Dis)Interest:

CLICK HERE for the red band version of this:

Miss Throwdown:

Today's Miss Throwdown was last year's SI Swimsuit Rookie of the Year. CLICK HERE for today's gallery and HERE for a bonus gallery of the one who went to prom in Kate Upton's place, Danish model Nina Agdal.

Mountaineer Morning Links: Thursday (5/23/13) Edition

2013-05-23T12:48:50Z

What You May Have Missed:

Gold and Blue Now: Thursday, May 23 - WV MetroNews
Randy Mazey talks about the upcoming game against Kansas, Dana Holgorsen gives an update on Mountaineer football, and Keaton Miles is transferring out of WVU.

WVU exceeds NCAA 56-game limit - WV MetroNews
The worst-case fallout, Parsons surmised, would involve WVU being docked a game or two next season.

Larceny? - BGN
I’ve said it for three months: if WVU head coach Randy Mazey isn’t named Big 12 Baseball Coach of the Year, then a crime has been committed.

News of Note:

Adverse situations challenge for Mountaineers - Charleston Daily Mail
The circumstances to precede West Virginia's first Big 12 baseball tournament seem to have come together to conspire against the Mountaineers.

Mountaineers to begin tourney play today - Inter-Mountain
"I think the change in format actually helps us," coach Randy Mazey said. "You don't go into an elimination game on Friday."

A remarkable act in the midst of a remarkable season - Charleston Gazette
Late this afternoon, at what is certainly one of the few perfectly-manicured patches of land still remaining in the Oklahoma City, Okla. area, West Virginia's baseball team will get back to the business at hand.

HERTZEL COLUMN: Big 12 baseball tournament is about America - Times West Virginian
With West Virginia University representing everything that is right in the world, the tournament will be held amid the destruction and despair of the killer tornado that ripped through “Tornado Alley,” taking lives and belongings but unable to take the spirit of the hardy brand of people who tamed our Wild West.

Dierdorff, not Musgrave, starts opener - WV MetroNews
WVU coach Randy Mazey will save his ace for Friday's Game 2 of pool play against TCU.

Regardless of postseason outcome, 2013 a success for WVU baseball - Daily Athenaeum
Although the team and West Virginia fans may be expecting to make a run in the Big 12 tournament, this season should go down as a success regardless of the Mountaineers’ play in the postseason.

Pros News:

Rams rookies Tavon Austin, Stedman Bailey have something to prove - Turf Show Times
Both players know they have a big role in turning around a struggling offense.

Geno Smith "did a lot of good things" at first day of Jets OTA's - Pros Report
After one day of OTA's, it appears Smith has the upper hand, but it's still very early.

Mark Sanchez, Geno Smith not sharp early in Jets' QB battle - Sporting News
Sanchez and Smith took the majority of snaps — about 80 percent of them — on Wednesday.

Geno Smith officially signs with Jay-Z, Roc Nation Sports - Pros Report
New hire Kimbery Miale has come on and will now take over as Smith's contract agent.

Can Jay-Z remix Geno’s image? - WV MetroNews
Ex-WVU star joins newly formed Roc Nation Sports agency.

Recruiting:

William Crest recruit scouting report: The next Geno Smith? - SBNation.com
Scouting William Crest, who looks like a more filled-out Geno Smith.

Around the League (and Beyond):

How the hell do you stop Baylor? Part I: What are they doing? - Football Study Hall

Iowa State Football and Arrested Development - Wide Right & Natty Lite

Video: Hope and Concern -- Kansas - Big 12 Blog - ESPN

Kansas State may have much at stake in Big 12 baseball tournament - Wichita Eagle

Sooner football teammates, coaches united again, in tragedy - Oklahoman

Marcus Smart accepts invitation to USA U19 World Training Camp - Oklahoman

Quandre Diggs replacing Kenny Vaccaro as Texas nickel back - Burnt Orange Nation

TCU’s margin for error narrows with format change in Big 12 tournament - Dallas-Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Recruiting on the South Plains | Texas Tech Football Recruiting Q&A with Wescott Eberts - Viva The Matadors

2013-14 college football bowl game TV schedule revealed here - SBNation.com

College bowl tie-ins: What if we made these games interesting? - SBNation.com

College Football Mailbag - Stewart Mandel - SI.com

What's On Tap:

Big 12 Championship Preview - WVU Athletics
Mountaineers to battle the Jayhawks Thursday evening.

Video of Interest:

The Mountaineers got some practice time in on Wednesday, made a pitching decision for Thursday, and visited Norman, OK to deliver supplies to tornado victims.

Video of (Dis)Interest:

SOON:

Miss Throwdown:

Today's Miss Throwdown is the brunette in the commercial below. CLICK HERE for today's gallery of Emily Ratajkowski.

WVU Baseball Players With Coach Mazey On CNN From Moore, Oklahoma

2013-05-22T22:03:02Z

CNN interviewed Coach Mazey, Jacob Rice and Brady Wilson regarding their efforts to help after the horrible scene this week.

Mountaineer Morning Links: Wednesday (5/22/13) Edition

2013-05-22T13:00:25Z

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 Cerveja Sagres, in honor of today's Miss Throwdown.

What You May Have Missed:

Gold and Blue Now: Wednesday, May 22 - WV MetroNews
Harrison Musgrave wins, the Big 12 Tournament’s format has been changed, the Big 12 Pitcher of the year award goes to Harrison Musgrave, and Randy Mazey talks about giving back to the victims of tornado in Oklahoma.

Miles plans to transfer from WVU - WV MetroNews
The 6-foot-7 forward from Dallas saw his role diminish as a sophomore.

Another Departure - BGN
One player in line to fill it is Daxter Miles (no relation) a point guard who would help even out WVU's forward-heavy roster for next year.

Holgorsen Looking for Growth in WVU Offseason - WVillustrated
Mountaineers work extends beyond the weight room as team tries for better showing in year two with Big 12.

HERTZEL COLUMN: Bill Stewart is missed, remembered - Times West Virginian
One minute he was telling one of those stories that would entertain you no matter how many times you had heard them — and rest assured Pastilong had heard this one numerous times — and then he was gone.

Furfari: WVU AD on wrong track with golf - Martinsburg Journal
Apparently the powers-that-be have been too busy spending money freely to seriously consider adding a meaningful sport such as track and field. Isn't it still the world's oldest sport?

News of Note:

WVU baseball team channels energies to help Okla. victims - Charleston Daily Mail
Coach says players were ready to lend a hand any way they could

Priorities - BGN
While WVU head coach Randy Mazey has done wonders in resurrecting the WVU baseball program from the doldrums, he might have done his best teaching job over the past couple of days.

Play ball the right call for Big 12 - WV MetroNews
Tournament can bring more relief and assistance to tornado-ravaged area than an extended momentum of silence.

Mazey, WVU Continue Help in Oklahoma - WVillustrated
The West Virginia baseball team just so happened to be the first Big 12 member to make the trip to Oklahoma City for the conference tournament.

WVU baseball team helps those in tornado’s path - Times West Virginian
“As soon as we decided we were safe, I got on the phone with the Oklahoma City police,” Mazey said. “They transferred me to the Moore police, who gave us the command center.”

A University Baseball Team Steps Up For Tornado Victims - Buzzfeed
One player called it “the most humbling experience of [his] life.”

Pitching In - WVU Athletics
The Mountaineers step up in a time of need.

Musgrave Earns Pitcher of the Year - WVU Athletics
Sophomore Harrison Musgrave tabbed Big 12's top pitcher.

Nine Earn All-Big 12 Honors - WVU Athletics
Nine West Virginia University baseball players earned All-Big 12 recognition, while redshirt sophomore left-handed pitcher Harrison Musgrave was named the Big 12 Pitcher of the Year, the conference announced on Tuesday.

Mazey bypassed for Coach of the Year award - WV MetroNews
West Virginia first-year baseball coach Randy Mazey led the Mountaineers to a 31-25 regular-season record and a third-place finish in the Big 12.

More WVU hoops scoops and a call for some common sense - Charleston Gazette
Ye olde notebook

Pros News:

Jets could name Geno Smith starter before training camp - Pros Report
"With Geno," Mornhinweg told CBS Sports' Clark Judge, "he's highly talented, an outstanding young man, very bright and he's picked things up very, very quickly. I'm highly impressed with him in the three-day rookie minicamp."

Around the League (and Beyond):

Boise DE Sam Ukwuachu transferring to Baylor - Our Daily Bears

Should college football have 2 signing periods? - Des Moines Register

Here's what type of player KU is getting in Tarik Black - Lawrence Journal World

Video: Hope and Concern: Kansas State - Big 12 Blog - ESPN

Oklahoma football coach Bob Stoops reacts to Monday's tornado - Oklahoman

Oklahoma State's Transfer Hypocrisy - Barking Carnival

LHN: Rick Barnes Talks State of the Texas Longhorns Basketball Program - Barking Carnival

TCU stadium renovation the reason for drop in grant money for FY2012 - TCU 360

Depth Charting and 2013 Outlook | Running Backs - Viva The Matadors

What's On Tap:

Phillips 66 Big 12 Baseball Championship Format Changed - Big 12 Conference
In the wake of this week's devastating storm in the Oklahoma City suburb of Moore, the Big 12 Conference is postponing the start of the 2013 Phillips 66 Big 12 Baseball Championship.

Phillips 66 Big 12 Baseball Championship Delayed One Day - Big 12 Conference
Team By Team Capsules

Big 12 Baseball Championship Preview - Bring On The Cats

Video of Interest:

I gave this it's own post (with donation information), but it deserves to be seen as much as possible:

The WVU Baseball team watched closely for two days as tornadoes ripped through towns just a few miles from their hotel in Oklahoma City. Rather than sit and do nothing, they boarded the team bus, headed for the local Walmart, and shopped for supplies to help those in need.

Video of (Dis)Interest:

Hump Day Video of the Week:

Miss Throwdown:

Today's Miss Throwdown is a Portuguese model whose been doing work for VS. CLICK HERE for today's gallery of Sara Sampaio.

West Virginia Mountaineers Basketball Attrition Continues As Keaton Miles Will Transfer

2013-05-22T03:27:16Z

After two years under coach Bob Huggins, WVillustrated reported that sophomore forward Keaton Miles will transfer from WVU. This comes at little surprise, following the recent departures of Jabarie Hinds, Volodymyr Gerun, and Aaron Brown. Miles' season was turbulent and his playing time ranged significantly throughout the season, though he did play in all but three games. The Dallas, TX native has not yet specified which school he will be transferring to in the fall.

Miles' departure leaves even more questions unanswered regarding the future of WVU hoops, and puts Huggins further under the microscope for his already staggering transfer rate. Of the original 2011 recruiting class, only Gary Browne remains, and the depth for seasoned talent has dwindled.

We wish Keaton Miles good luck wherever he may transfer to.

West Virginia Baseball Team Helping With Oklahoma Relief Efforts

2013-05-21T22:57:41Z

I'm not sure if I've ever been prouder of one of our teams as I am of these folks today.

Remembering Coach Bill Stewart

2013-05-21T19:09:09Z

A year ago today, the West Virginia community lost a great man. Bill Stewart did so much for his family, players, university and state, that his legacy shall never be forgotten: true role model and father figure to so many young student athletes during their transition from high school to adulthood. Stewart’s unwavering optimism and positive attitude are only a few of the characteristics that made him such stand out guy.

He was extremely likeable amongst the football community. Broadcasters, coaches, players (both current and former) couldn’t say enough good things about the man. His smile was contagious. He made everyone’s day brighter with his mere presence and he embodied what an outstanding citizen and community member should be. His ethics and values were steadfast and strong. He believed in hard work and faith. He believed in being humble and to continue to work towards hard obtained goals. He appreciated the simple joys in life, more so than most. His appreciation and love for the life he had made for himself is a shinning example of what it truly means to be happy.

How often do we not appreciate what life has to offer? Whether it be a steady job, the love from our family, a clean bill of health or even something as small as a sunny day?

Coach Stewart did a lot of good during his time here. He left this world a better, friendlier place then he found it. Our thoughts are with the Stewart family and all who were close to him during this hard time. It might not ever get easier losing the life of a loved one, but knowing how much they meant to the people they affected should give you strength and comfort during times of despair.

Bill Stewart’s notoriety is most recognizable when he took the opportunity to guide and lead WVU football when a select few had abandoned them and the rest of the nation didn’t give them a snowball’s chance in hell to win. His memorable pre-game speech left shivers down his player’s spine and later to all those who got to hear those heartfelt words of encouragement and unity. The way he could motivate a team, who just weeks before lost a chance to play for the title, lost their head coach, and who had no one to believe in them except the small state of WV was truly remarkable.

"Leave no Doubt…" he proudly proclaimed. Rest assure Bill Stewart there is "No Doubt" that your accomplishments and legacy will never be forgotten in the hearts of every Mountaineer you touched.