Mountaineer Morning Links: Christmas Eve (12/24/12) Edition

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 Sam Adam's White Christmas Ale. We have a few more Musket Holiday Classics to share through the day, so keep checking back.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!!!

What You May Have Missed:

Lucks have typical father-son relationship - Pittsburgh Tribune Review
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck, a precocious rookie, is indeed his father‘s son.

Alston talks about the life of a college athlete - Times West Virginian
He did not back down from his belief that players should be paid when asked to expound upon it face-to-face.

Watch: Geno Smith’s top 10 highlights - WV MetroNews
As Geno Smith prepares for his final college game, the MetroNews sports crew counts down the quarterback’s top 10 career moments.

News of Note:

WVU seeking revenge against Syracuse - Inter-Mountain
"They have beaten me twice in my career," WVU quarterback Geno Smith said. "I didn't care who we played (in a bowl game). But I think this will be a good way to show how far we've progressed."

Beyond the Bronx - WVU Athletics
MSN's Jed Drenning takes a look at what is beyond the Pinstripe Bowl.

Patterson not waiting to implement changes on defense - Charleston Gazette
"I'm not waiting until next year. I want you to see improvements against Syracuse.''

WVU defense trying to get back on track - Times West Virginian
Patterson promises no miracles, at least not in the bowl game, but he also says he will make changes from what had been there before

Experienced Nassib has Orange offense on a roll - Charleston Gazette
"They have everybody back on offense,'' West Virginia coach Dana Holgorsen said. "They're a very good offensive football team.''

Huggs Still Searching For Answers - WVU Athletics
WVU's veteran coach still tinkering with his young team.

WVU Gets A Few Days Off - WVillustrated
Without a game until next Sunday, the Mountaineers get a few days to head home for Christmas.

Future quarterback remains up in the air for Mountaineers - Exponent Telegram
Holgorsen must make a couple of decisions between that bowl game, no matter its outcome, and next August.

Christmas spirit can mix with WVU athletics - Exponent Telegram
Bob's attempts at parody lyrics

Around the League (and Beyond):

Big 12 did you know: December bowl edition - Big 12 Blog - ESPN

Baylor vs. UCLA Statistical Preview - Our Daily Bears

Record Crowds Having Large Impact On ISU Football - www.CYCLONES.com

Notebook: Elijah Johnson pleased with Jayhawks' fight in victory - Lawrence Journal World

Kansas State takes bite out of No. 8 Gators, 67-61 - Topeka Capital Journal

Sooners Offensive Tackle, Daryl Williams, Out For Cotton Bowl - Crimson And Cream Machine

The afterthought that is Le'Bryan Nash - Cowboys Ride For Free

Texas vs. Michigan State: A gritty loss - Barking Carnival

TCU Defeats Rice 65-63 - Frogs O' War

Reports: Mike Smith Hired as Texas Tech Co-Defensive Coordinator - Viva The Matadors
Yes, THE SAME Mike Smith that Holgorsen attempted to hire last year

What's On Tap:

Hopefully a wonderful Christmas holiday enjoyed with those you love most.

Video of Interest:

College Football Performance Awards honors Tavon Austin, 2012 CFPA All-Purpose Performer of the Year Trophy recipient.

Video of (Dis)Interest:

Miss Throwdown:

Today's Miss Throwdown is Lucy Pinder along a whole gaggle of British tabloid Page 3 models in Christmas garb. CLICK HERE for today's gallery. Merry Christmas everybody!!