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 Salopian Black Ops Imperial Stout, in honor of today's Miss Throwdown.
As we get closer to the season starting, the optimism for the season is still there, but a bit of reality is finally settling in regarding the question marks on offense and defense both. Is the offense going to execute the way Holgorsen's offenses of the past have? I think so, but I think some struggling is in store at times. The big question on defense is the replacement of all the talent lost from last year. I also think some struggling could happen here as well. Depth and rotation will help. I'm not buying into the staff cohesion problems that Mandel is preaching, but it's a possibility. Don't get me wrong, my hopes are high, as well as my optimism. One thing I'm sure of...this team is going to be fun to watch if the OL is even serviceable (I think they'll do better than that). Your daily links await...
What You May Have Missed:
Huggins to appear at Lincoln County event - Herald Dispatch
He's doing a fund raising stop for the Norma Mae Huggins Cancer Research Endowment FUnd at the Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center this Saturday
Outlook for Luke Fickell, new coaches; 2011 hot seat watch - Stewart Mandel - SI.com
He thinks staff cohesion will be a problem for WVU (said the same thing on his video earlier) and predicts 9-3
2011 CFN 5-Year Program Rankings: 11 to 25 - College Football News
WVU checks in at #13
The Big East's best: No. 5 - Big East Blog - ESPN
BRUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCCCCCEEE!!!!
WVU Women’s Soccer Ranked No. 17 - MSNsportsNET.Com
The West Virginia University women’s soccer team is ranked No. 17 in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America poll released today. WVU holds a No. 25 ranking in this week’s Soccer America poll.
News of Note:
WVU has seen this before - Parkersburg News and Sentinel
The talent on O is there, but will the execution be? Will the OL be serviceable or better?
West Virginia offense will help defense - Daily Athenaeum
This year's team is much less experienced, at least on the defensive line and line backing corps, but it does have some depth and a rotation of players.
Experienced offensive line ready to improve in 2011 - Daily Athenaeum
"You're able to be more physical," Madsen said. "Instead of thinking about where you're going, you're kind of just like, there's my guy and all I've got to do is get there and kill him."
Position change easy for Braun - Daily Athenaeum
"The hardest adjustment for me was going from a right-side to a left-side standpoint, just because it's kind of like learning how to write with your left hand," Braun said. "You have to switch things in your mind and be able to go off a certain foot."
WVU QB can't wait for opener - Martinsburg Journal
Mickey's Column - Geno's ready, are you?
Return man - Times West Virginian
West Virginia’s Austin will be big part of offense, special teams
WVU's defense a ‘work in progress’ - Register-Herald
Replacing 7 players on D is one of the big unknowns going into the season
WVU’s Goode anchors group of linebackers - Times West Virginian
The problem with Goode, is that he's probably the best at all 3 LB positions for WVU
Preseason top 20: Cornerbacks - Rivals.com
The Tandy checks in at #3
Tandy's a Dandy - MSNsportsNET.Com
The light came on during the 2008 Meineke Car Care Bowl
Around the League (and Beyond):
Marcus Smith finds his niche on Cards' defensive line - Courier-Journal
Collaros Ready for Final Season - Bearcat Lair
McCaskill's transition bolsters USF's depth - Tampa Tribune
Football Preview Weekish: An introduction for a new era - The UConn Blog
Little settled by second Rutgers football scrimmage - On the Banks
They're calling it the "Season of Redemption" - BWAAAAHAHAHAHA
Pitt Football: Depth on all sides will benefit Panthers - PPG
That and the greatest cornerbacks coach that ever lived (*turn sarcasm meter to 11)
TCU wants BCS again before Big East move - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Pa Summitt Diagnosed With Dementia, Will Try To Coach Tennessee Basketball This Year - SBNation.com
Whether or not you like her or the women's sport, this is sad, sad, news. We wish her nothing but the best.
What's On Tap:
Football: Single Game Tickets on Sale - MSNsportsNET.Com
Tickets can be purchased on-line at WVUGAME.com, by calling 1-800-WVU GAME or in person at the Mountaineer Ticket Office in the WVU Coliseum.
'Countdown to Kickoff' celebration to welcome alumni, friends and families - WVUToday/Press Releases
The kickoff will take place on Aug. 28 from 5-8 p.m. at The Erickson Alumni Center. The event will feature appearances by the WVU Pep Band, cheerleaders, Mountaineer Mascot Brock Burwell, and coaches, as well as food, drinks, raffles and games for children of all ages.
Kick Off Coal Bowl Weekend By Having A Fish Fry With Bob Huggins - The Smoking Musket
Bob Huggins will hold his first annual fish fry the evening before the kickoff off WVU's 2011 football season against Marshall. On September 2nd at the Waterfront Place Hotel, Huggins will host a fish fry to raise funds and awareness for The Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center, The Norma Mae Huggins Cancer Research Fund, and Remember the Miners Scholars Program. There will be players on hand from the 2010 Final Four team as well as other past Mountaineer greats.
Video of Interest:
Video of (Dis)Interest:
A documentary by Scorsese? On my favorite Beatle? Of course:
Hump Day Video of the Week:
Then some @ChrissyTeigen? Yes, please.
Miss Throwdown:
Today's Miss Throwdown is British model Lauren Ridleigh. Her 3 page mega-gallery is linked by the picture below:
Salopian Black Ops Imperial Stout image via www.salopianbrewery.co.uk
