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 Redback Beer, in honor of today's Miss Throwdown.
During all of this realignment talk, there is one sentiment I feel and see expressed by others: I am so glad Oliver Luck is the man leading WVU's athletic department during this uncertain time. With his intelligence and vision for the overall picture, I don't think there are many others who I would trust as much. Yes, realignment is still the big topic of the day.
Meanwhile, back at the farm...Norfolk St. preparations are ongoing for the football team and Coach Holgorsen is doing his best to keep his charges from overlooking the seemingly over-matched foe this week. There's lots to go through today, so let's get started.
What You May Have Missed:
Gold And Blue Now: Thursday - WVMETRONEWS.COM
In Thursday's episode of "Gold and Blue Now", Tony Caridi and Hoppy Kercheval discuss conference expansion and how it relates to WVU. Norfolk State defensive coordinator Mark DeBastiani gives his thoughts on the Mountaineers' offense and Chip Fontanazza finds out what the players have to do to improve WVU's running attack.
WVU AD Oliver Luck Says SEC Has Not Contacted Him - WV Illustrated
He didn't say that HE didn't call THEM
Luck: Big East in good spot for expansion - PPG
"It's really a fascinating subject," said Luck. "My ultimate point is this: I don't think anybody has a master plan. There's not much critical thought given to what's really in the best interest of college football. Is all of this going to happen in sort of a civilized fashion like you'd see in the NFL or NBA? Or is it going to be a free-for-all with every man for himself?"
Conference Expansion: Oliver Luck Is Apparently The Big East Commissioner Now - Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician
Of course he is. You mean you guys didn't realize that before?
Luck: Beer sales financial success with no major problems - Times West Virginian
There were 21,811 bottles of beer sold along with using up 10 kegs of draft beer to the crowd of 60,758. That's gross $160,656. That netted $75,781.13 to the university.
WVU, Norfolk State Similar - MSNsportsNET.Com
As for this week’s opponent Norfolk State, Holgorsen said he sees similarities with the schemes the Spartans run both offensively and defensively with his team.
Holgorsen’s task: Keep WVU from looking past Norfolk State - Charleston Gazette
Norfolk State QB Mark Walley completed 25-of-29 passes in an opening win over Virginia State.
College Football Rankings: BlogPoll Rewards LSU With No. 1 Spot, Fawns Over Baylor - SBNation.com
#20 this week
Volleyball: Baylor Defeats WVU - MSNsportsNET.Com
I'm not taking this as a missed omen. Nope, not me.
Tickets for K-State game at Intrust arena go on sale Friday - Wichita Eagle
Tickets for the Dec. 8 West Virginia-Kansas State basketball game at Intrust Bank Arena go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday. Tickets, which begin at $18,will be available at www.paintwichitapurple.com, www.selectaseat.com or 316-755-7328.
News of Note:
WVU needs to correct mistakes - Daily Athenaeum
WVU still has a lot of work to do to get to the level they need to be at to defeat some of the teams remaining on their schedule. And what team doesn't after just one game?
Norfolk coaches have ties to WVU - Inter-Mountain
...and not only the head coach
Casteel helped shape Norfolk State assistant - Charleston Daily Mail
Norfolk State defensive coordinator Mark DeBestiani learned a lot of what he knows from WVU assistant Jeff Casteel.
How will SEC shakeup affect WVU, Big East? - Charleston Gazette
It really is a lot of rumors floating around, but, like Fox Mulder, I believe "the truth is out there."
WVU's Garvin proving his versatility - Charleston Daily Mail
"We're trying to get our most athletic and fastest team on the field," safeties coach Steve Dunlap said. "If people spread us out and put three or four receivers in the game, we can match up better with them. When we play man (coverage) we don't have a linebacker on one of their slots receivers. We have one of our safeties."
Mountaineer Minute: Defense Wants to Author Own Story - Intelligencer / Wheeling News-Register
''The whole time over the summer, we've been saying we've got to try and start our own identity,'' cornerback Pat Miller said. ''Identify us as the 2011 defense and be better than the defense from last year.''
Bitancurt’s confidence comes back - Times West Virginian
"The technique I kept the same. It was confidence and technique for me," he said. "Confidence is always a question. Obviously, the way I’m kicking now, I feel really good. It’s a confidence thing."
Corey Smith off to strong start for Mountaineers - Register-Herald
Mickey's Column
Assistant Coach Dave Lockwood - Mountaineer TV
Secondary coach Dave Lockwood talks about the improvements his group of players need to make throughout the season.
Wearing The Jersey: Keith Tandy - Mountaineer TV
MSN feature on senior cornerback Keith Tandy.
Inside Receiver Tyler Urban - Mountaineer TV
Tyler Urban talks about what the team looks to improve on, and what he expects out of Norfolk State.
POLL: #14...Missouri or West Virginia? - Roll 'Bama Roll
There are a lot of SEC fans who don't want us. Their comments are just a sampling.
Around the League (and Beyond):
Baylor out to catch realignment ride, not prevent superconferences - George Schroeder - SI.com
Reports: Eight Big 12 schools retain legal rights to sue SEC - Sporting News
Analysis: Big 12's future may be in OU's hands - Tulsa World
Oklahoma will head off to the PAC-12 while Baylor is preoccupied with A&M
Embattled Big East goes 8-for-8 in Week 1 - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review/AP
Louisville lineman Hector Hernandez making up for three 'wasted' years - Courier-Journal
Coombs: Vols will test UC secondary - Cincinnati Enquirer
USF notes: Selmon's 63 will be fixture on Bulls' helmets - Tampa Tribune
Keon Lyn answers the call at cornerback for Syracuse University football - Post Standard
UConn's 3 QBs forces them to use 3 playbooks - Norwich Bulletin
Rutgers to treat North Carolina to a bigger serving of its new-look offense - Star Ledger
Pitt Football: Top Ten Quotes From Todd Graham Press Conference - Cardiac Hill
Video: Big East's most thrilling players - Big East Blog - ESPN
Players from the Big East talk about who else in their league they get a thrill watching.
College Football Mailbag - Stewart Mandel - SI.com
Is 16 really the magic number in realignment game?
What's On Tap:
Yes, the NFL kicks off tonight, but there is also this:
Arizona Wildcats vs. (9) Oklahoma State Cowboys - ESPN
8 pm tonight from T. Boone's house on ESPN. Pokes are giving 13.5.
Video of Interest:
He's not Dougity Dog yet, but imabeast78 is doing some great videos so far this season. Keep up the great work!!
Video of (Dis)Interest:
Of course we've all heard (and probably sung) better, but this is cool. Thanks once again to Jimmy T of SI's Hotclicks.
Miss Throwdown:
Today's Miss Throwdown is Australian model Jessica Hart. Click on her picture for today's gallery.