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As we all sit here twisting in the wind over WVU's conference affiliation, there is a pretty big football game to prepare for this week, fans included. Not that the performance of the team or the fans would help or hurt the cause to get into the SEC, it could go along way to sway at least some of the naysayers. Dr. Budig on Talkline yesterday helped calm me down a bit (we have that covered today, btw) but again, I'll really be glad when this is settled and we can get back to just playing ball.
What You May Have Missed:
Gold And Blue Now: Tuesday - WVMETRONEWS.COM
In Tuesday's episode, a former WVU President gives his take on WVU during this time of conference realignment, Kyle Wiggs previews this week in the Big East and Tony Caridi and Hoppy Kercheval talk about the conference options for the Mountaineers.
Les Miles News Conference Prior to WVU Game - WV Illustrated
Video
Football: BIG EAST Award Winners - MSNsportsNET.Com
Geno and Bitancurt get selected this week
NCAA College Football Power Rankings Week 3 - ESPN
16 here
Big East Football Power Rankings: Week 4 - The UConn Blog
They're already voting Pitt and Cuse last, I love it....hopefully we're next
VSR: Miller Named Student-Athlete of the Week - MSNsportsNET.Com
Varsity Sports Report
News of Note:
Eye On The Tigers - BGN
While the attention of so many across the country is focused on developments concerning conference realignment scenarios, Dana Holgorsen has a more immediate issue to tend to: namely, trying to prepare his No. 16 WVU football team for a Saturday night match-up with No. 2 LSU.
LSU speed a major concern to Holgorsen - Register-Herald
"Their defense is as good as anything I’ve seen on tape."
Hype begins for WVU-LSU matchup - Bluefield Daily Telegraph
It is the biggest game in Morgantown since the 2007 loss to Pittsburgh that ruined West Virginia’s hopes of playing for a national championship.
Musburger Returns - MSNsportsNET.Com
Brent Musburger, the guy who described two of the most memorable victories in Mountaineer Field (now Milan Puskar Stadium) history, will be back in the booth for this Saturday’s game against second-ranked LSU.
WVU quarterback wants to improve red-zone passing game - Charleston Daily Mail
"I want to go back to work and I'm eager to get out there and just get better," he said. "Expect a different Geno Smith coming next week."
No place like home? - Charleston Gazette
Mountaineers could use help from crowd vs. No. 2 LSU
HERTZEL COLUMN - Toughness being taken out of the game - The Times West Virginian
Two calls went against the Mountaineers on tackles ... middle linebacker Najee Goode on one, safety Terence Garvin on the other. Each was a tooth-rattling hit, each was vicious looking enough to make you gasp. Each looked legal.
Turnovers, big plays need to continue - Daily Athenaeum
The defense will certainly need to make big plays and force some turnovers on defense this week when No. 2 LSU comes to Morgantown. The Tigers are getting their top wide receiver and playmaker back this week.
Safeties play big role in Mountaineers’ 37-31 win - Daily Athenaeum
"I saw the crossing route and I kind of just jumped it really,"Garvin said. "It was a big play. It put points on the board and changed the momentum.
Bailey happy with production of receivers, ready for upcoming matchup with LSU - Daily Athenaeum
"Defenses will never really be able to key on one person just because everybody is stepping up and making plays," Bailey said.
ReAlignment:
Budig Says WVU Will Be Just Fine - WVMETRONEWS.COM
Interview and also interview with CBS's Dennis Dodds
WVU’s conference options coming into focus - Charleston Gazette
The situation is as fluid and raging as the New River - with perhaps a few more twists and turns.
John Marinatto Certain That Big East Will Survive, But Will Look Different - Big East Coast Bias
Put that dunce cap back on and get back in the corner
Rumors Have SEC Taking Leftovers: Mizzou Or WVU - MrSEC.com
The Case For West Virginia To The SEC - lasportsdude
Another LSU blogger making the case for WVU
Big East says Pitt must wait 27-months - PPG
Do they really think it'll be around that long?
The College Football Super-Conference BUZZ MAP - Anchor Of Gold
Big East, Big 12 talking possible merger, sources say - ESPN
What happens to the Backyard Brawl? - Big East Blog - ESPN
Pitt athletic director Steve Pederson said Sunday he hoped the series would continue, and noted that it existed well before the two were members of the Big East
Changing places nothing new for teams - Times West Virginian
While everyone is asking, "Where do we go from here?", which has become the most pressing question about conference realignment in college football — especially where West Virginia is concerned — it may be best to take a look back to see how we got here.
Realignment's musical chairs to leave several schools in the dust - Andy Staples - SI.com
Michael Tranghese, Jack Swarbrick, John Marinatto Sound Off - PPG blog
GRRRRRR
Recruiting:
What we learned this weekend - ESPN
West Virginia won a recruiting battle ground game when it beat Maryland, 37-31. The two teams will constantly be facing off in the mid-Atlantic area.
Around the League (and Beyond):
Strong says Stein still the starter at QB - Card Chronicle
The Cincinnati Bearcats Offensive Line Does Tip Plays; In Case You Were Wondering - Down The Drive
Rutgers prepares to face Ohio's 'nitro' offense - Star Ledger
Jim Boeheim Grinning & Bearing It, Barely... - Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician
Report: UConn president Herbst does not see remaining in BE as a 'viable option' - The UConn Blog
Ya think?
USF's Daniels impressive in consecutive victories - Tampa Tribune
Pitt's move stokes fear for Brawl - PPG
College Football Overtime - Stewart Mandel - SI.com
Video of Interest:
Video of (Dis)Interest:
Miss Throwdown:
Today's Miss Throwdown is UK model Natalie Suliman. Click on her picture for today's gallery.
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