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 Lagunitas Holiday Leftovers Ale.
I hope everyone's New Year is off to a great start. Today we have the most Orange Bowl coverage so far, as the practices over the weekend were the last to be open to the press. There's more on how the RB situation is going to be managed, as well as the safety situation with Garvin out. Plenty of videos today, including a few of the players having fun on the beach. We also have the viewing guide for the best single day of bowls to watch today (and be sure to come back later today during the games for our open thread). All of this, a couple looks back at 2 previous WVU bowls and a lot more are waiting for you inside.
What You May Have Missed:
Head Coach Dana Holgorsen - Mountaineer TV
Coach Dana Holgorsen and running back Andrew Buie talk to media before Sunday's practice at Barry University.
Gold And Blue Now: Monday - WVMETRONEWS.COM
Dana Holgorsen talks about Connor Arlia's jet ski accident, the Mountaineers continue to prepare for the game without Dustin Garrison and Terence Garvin.
Orange has good matchup - Parkersburg News and Sentinel
This is an improbable pairing.
What Will New Year Bring For Casteel? - WVMETRONEWS.COM
When questioned a few weeks ago in Morgantown, Casteel who is not comfortable talking about personal accomplishments, deflected questions about his future, instead focusing on the team and the upcoming Orange Bowl match-up against Clemson.
Alston to start at running back for WVU - Big East Blog - ESPN
West Virginia coach Dana Holgorsen confirmed Sunday afternoon that Shawne Alston would start at running back in place of Dustin Garrison.
A different view of the Orange Bowl - Big East Blog - ESPN
There is a select group of people well-positioned to give their own unique take on the matchup between West Virginia and Clemson in the Discover Orange Bowl...referees.
Orange Bowl will be bittersweet for player’s parents - Charleston Daily Mail
The Barclays have been to the Car Care, Gator and Champs Sports bowls. Through the years, he said they've missed "two, maybe three" games and all of them were on the road.
WVU Enjoys Beach Party in Miami - WVillustrated
WVU held a beach party at its team hotel in Miami on Saturday. Part of the fun included the opportunity to take jet skis out into the open water. Listen to what the players thought of the experience.
A Unique View Of Miami - WVMETRONEWS.COM
Emmy Award winning Pikewood Creative producer Dan Lohmann produced, shot and edited two very unique and compelling videos related to the city of Miami and the Orange Bowl.
Irvin's honesty will be missed - Charleston Gazette
"[I feel] like somebody came into my village and did it with my wife,'' he said. - Irvin after the UL loss
Holgorsen takes realistic approach on players’ pro chances - Times West Virginian
“Everyone thinks they are going to the NFL,” he said. “Guys who don’t even start come to me. That is one thing that always kills me. When the season is over and NFL training starts, you get guys out there working harder than they ever have before. Some of those guys haven’t even started before. I always get a kick finding out who those guys are. You don’t want to ruin a kid’s dream, but there are a lot of people who know more about the situation than kids do.”
Mountaineers Roll Past Elon - MSNsportsNET.Com
With double-figure scoring performances from three Mountaineers, the West Virginia University women’s basketball team rolled past Elon, 84-36, at the Coliseum on Saturday afternoon.
Former Mountaineers That We Follow - WVU Pros
News of Note:
Holgorsen: 'Ready to play.' - WVMETRONEWS.COM
Article, video and gallery
Practice In The Home Stretch - BGN
In the midst of game week preparations for the orange bowl, WVU head coach Dana Holgorsen has had to deal with several injuries. - Includes 2 videos
Mountaineers preparing for Clemson - Parkersburg News and Sentinel
''It's been like camp,'' Smith said. ''In actuality, we're going to get a lot better because we have time to focus on just football and everyone's going to have a chance to get better at their craft. We're getting good work in.
Holgorsen Says Team Will Push on Without Garrison - WVillustrated
"It's an unfortunate situation for Dustin, but it is one that we will have to deal with as a team," says Dana Holgorsen.
WVU Practices, Holgorsen Addresses Arlia Accident - WVillustrated
With Dustin Garrison on crutches and Connor Arlia in the hospital, it hasn't been exactly the few days in Miami WVU envisioned before making the trip.
HERTZEL COLUMN: Reserves put in bowl spotlight - Times West Virginian
Gillespie says he is confident in Buie and you get the feeling he’s not just saying the diplomatic thing.
Orange Bowl: Clemson coordinator keen on Holgorsen - Charleston Daily Mail
Casazza's Notebook
Orange Bowl notebook: Holgorsen wary of 'overpreparing' - Charleston Gazette
Hickman's Notebook
West Virginia Notebook: Clemson TE is not fooled by defense - PPG
Menendez's Notebook
WVU quartet welcoming 'home' bowl game - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
"For me to be able to play on this field on this stage, it's an amazing feeling," Bailey said.
I-Mac Returning Home - MSNsportsNET.Com
West Virginia University sophomore wide receiver Ivan McCartney said he grew up watching games at Sun Life Stadium from the rooftop of his home.
Orange Bowl: WVU's Woods excited about playing in bowl - Charleston Daily Mail
As for McCartney, the first-year WVU coach said the former Miramar High School star "is still in the developmental stage.
Dynamic duo - Times West Virginian
Bailey, Austin help make WVU offense go
Ten at a Time - MSNsportsNET.Com
West Virginia is no stranger to dynamic receivers during bowl season.
WVU expects heavy dose of playmakers - PPG
Paramount is All-Atlantic Coast Conference receiver Sammy Watkins , and quarterback Tajh Boyd , a former recruit at West Virginia. But add tight end Dwayne Allen , running back Andre Ellington , and receiver DeAndre Hopkins , expected to return by Wednesday from a concussion. Quickly the load gets heavy.
Orange Bowl: WVU defense recovered late in season - Charleston Daily Mail
The 23rd-ranked Mountaineers (9-3) agree that they're not here, preparing for the Jan. 4 Orange Bowl against No. 14 Clemson (10-3), without Julian Miller's fumble recovery touchdown against Cincinnati.
Garvin's absence a blow to defensive backfield - Charleston Gazette
"Well, we're still going to work Wes and Shaquille and go with those guys,'' defensive coordinator Jeff Casteel said Saturday morning before heading to practice.
But enough about the offense ... - Big East Blog - ESPN
you have to wonder whether both defenses have gotten a little tired about hearing how they are the weak link.
Eleven Mountaineers Return to a BCS Bowl - WVillustrated
Although it was in their redshirt season, many players were on the West Virginia team that went to the Fiesta Bowl four years ago and are in search of the magical 10th win this year.
HERTZEL COLUMN: Goode now looks part at linebacker - Times West Virginian
“He comes from a wonderful family. When you talk to them it doesn’t take you long to figure that out,” Casteel said. “His dad may be harder on him than I am, and his dad and mom are really good people. What’s more, he comes from a quality program.”
Miller Has Lot To Look Back On - Intelligencer / Wheeling News-Register
DT is 2nd on WVU sack list
West Virginia Defensive Coordinator Press Conference - Discover Orange Bowl - YouTube
WVU Defensive Player Interviews from Orange Bowl News Conference - WVillustrated
Najee, Julian, Tandy and Bruce
Eain Smith Talks Orange Bowl Prep - Mountaineer TV
Defensive back Eain Smith spoke with media members on Saturday morning at the Orange Bowl Defensive Press Conference.
Video: West Virginia's Shaq Petteway - Big East Blog - ESPN
Andrea Adelson talks to the West Virginia safety before the Discover Orange Bowl.
Video: West Virginia's Darwin Cook - Big East Blog - ESPN
Andrea Adelson talks to the West Virginia safety before the Discover Orange Bowl.
Wes Tonkery Talks Bowl Prep - Mountaineer TV
Defensive Back Wes Tonkery talks about his bowl preparation prior to Sunday’s practice.
Andrew Buie Speaks To Media - Mountaineer TV
Rookie tailback Andrew Buie speaks to the media at Sunday’s Discover Orange Bowl practice.
WVU Football Interviews from Orange Bowl Practice - WVillustrated
HCDH, Devon Brown, Buie, Coach Gillespie, Tonkery, Coach Lockwood, Petteway and Rader
Najee Goode Takes Over Media Day - WVillustrated
Rather than answer all the questions at his Orange Bowl media day, the WVU linebacker grabs the microphone and does some reporting of his own. Take a look at this fun video with the Mountaineer senior.
Keith Tandy Guides WVU's Day on the Beach - WVillustrated
Come along with the WVU cornerback as he interviews other players along the beach about anything from sharks to migration and his home state of Kentucky.
Orange Bowl: Morris hire pays off for Clemson - Charleston Daily Mail
Morris, hired away from Tulsa and named 51 weeks ago by Tigers Coach Dabo Swinney, is finishing only his second season in college football. He has engineered a Clemson attack that has climbed from 87th to 29th in total offense.
Orange Bowl: Dunlap recalls 1989 trip to Clemson - Charleston Daily Mail
West Virginia and Clemson have met only once previously in football, and Steve Dunlap was there.
Peach Bowl win was WVU springboard - Times West Virginian
And so it was that in 1981, Oliver Luck played a huge role in jumpstarting the West Virginia program, just as he is doing now in his role as athletic director, hiring a coach who took the team to the Orange Bowl in his first season.
Photo Gallery VI: WVU Orange Bowl - BGN
Photo Gallery VII: WVU Orange Bowl - BGN
West Virginia's final player interviews took place on Monday. Here's a look at the participants
Recruiting:
West Virginia Mountaineers, Clemson Tigers hope to juice recruiting efforts - ESPN
You can't really beat this for exposure: Clemson and West Virginia are cruising around South Florida on buses plastered with pictures of their respective players and logos.
Around the League (and Beyond):
Cincinnati Bearcats 31 Vanderbilt 24 | 2011 Liberty Bowl Champs - Down The Drive
Red-hot Cincinnati gives No. 22 Pittsburgh its third straight loss - ESPN
New Year, Old DJO: No. 14/13 Marquette 81, Villanova 77 - Anonymous Eagle
Final: Stretches Of Bad Play Burn Villanova As Marquette Wins 81-77 - The Nova Blog
Louisville Loses To Kentucky, Beautiful Women And Innocent Children Sob - Card Chronicle
Winning Ugly: Georgetown scores just enough to fend off Providence, 49-40 - Casual Hoya
Rutgers Falls to South Florida, 0-1 in the Big East - On the Banks
Collins Lifts USF To A 67-65 Win Over Rutgers - Voodoo Five
St. John's loses 83-59 to UConn - Rumble In The Garden
Huskies Looking To Smooth Out The Edges - Hartford Courant
Seton Hall Basketball: JP's 5 Thoughts- SHU 67, WVU 48 - South Orange Juice
Have Panthers Jumped The Shark in 2011-12? - Cardiac Hill
What's On Tap:
(19) Houston Cougars vs. (22) Penn State Nittany Lions - Preview - ESPN
Ticketcity Bowl - Noon today from Dallas on ESPNU. Houston is giving 7.
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Florida Gators - Preview - ESPN
Gator Bowl - 1 pm today from Jacksonville on ESPN2. Gators are giving 2.
(20) Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. (9) South Carolina Gamecocks - Preview - ESPN
Capital One Bowl - 1 pm today from Orlando on ESPN. Cocks are giving 2.5.
(17) Michigan State Spartans vs. (16) Georgia Bulldogs - Preview - ESPN
Outback Bowl - 1 pm today from Tampa on ABC. Dogs are giving 3.
(10) Wisconsin Badgers vs. (5) Oregon Ducks - Preview - ESPN
Rose Bowl - 5 pm tonight from Pasadena on ESPN. Ducks are giving 6.
(4) Stanford Cardinal vs. (3) Oklahoma State Cowboys - Preview - ESPN
Fiesta Bowl - 8:30 pm tonight from Glendale on ESPN. Pokes are giving 3.5.
Video of Interest:
The West Virginia Mountaineers continue to get ready for the 2012 Discover Orange Bowl to be played on January 4th. In this report, Tony Caridi talks with WVU defensive coordinator Jeff Casteel to get his take on Clemson's offense.
Video of (Dis)Interest:
Miss Throwdown:
Today's Miss Throwdown is a fairly new Brazilian model. Here's today's gallery of Herika Noronha (click on the picture).
via nextround.net
Lagunitas Holiday Leftovers Ale image via cf.drafthouse.com
