Mountaineer Morning Links: Pinstripe Bowl Pre-Game (12/28/12) 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 Pinstripe Red Ale.

What You May Have Missed:

Gold and Blue Now: Friday - WV MetroNews
The Mountaineers finally get outside for practice Thursday afternoon at Fordham University. Jeff Braun says he’s completely comfortable at center and ready to take over...

Women to Play Final Non-Conference Game - WVU Athletics
WVU faces Appalachian State Friday.

For Whom The Bell Tolls - WVU Athletics
Geno Smith was at the NYSE on Thursday morning.

VIDEO: Geno Smith Rings Opening Bell at NYSE - WVillustrated
Check out this raw clip of the Mountaineers at the Stock Exchange this morning in New York.

Video: NYSE Bell Ringing - BGN
A look inside the on-floor view from the NYSE, as Geno Smith rings the bell to open trading and Stedman Bailey and Dana Holgorsen, among others, take in the experience on Thursday.

VIDEO: WVU Interviews From New York Stock Exchange - WVillustrated
Watch interviews with Geno Smith, Stedman Bailey and Dana Holgorsen from the New York Stock Exchange

Photo Gallery: Pinstripe Bowl / NYSE - BGN
West Virginia's Geno Smith and Stedman Bailey, among others, help open trading at the NYSE on Thursday.

WVU Football Visits 9/11 Memorial - WVillustrated
Mountaineers reflect on tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, bringing some perspective to their bowl game trip.

W.Va. Orange fans juiced for Pinstripe Bowl - Charleston Daily Mail
This weekend's Pinstripe Bowl will pit WVU against its old Big East rival Syracuse University once again - a move that is sure to dredge up an old conflict for some locals who are torn between the two.

NFL Mock Draft 2013: Patriots could take Matt Elam or Tavon Austin - SB Nation Boston
A look at some possible draft prospects for New England in 2013.

An early Look at J.D. Woods in the 2013 NFL Draft - WVU Pros
After an impressive senior season, J.D. Woods could hear his name called in April's NFL Draft.

NFP's Top 200 Draft Prospects - Version 2.0 - National Football Post
3 Mountaineers in the top 52

News of Note:

PRE-GAME RUN THRU: THINNING PINSTRIPES EDITION - TheSignalCaller.com
AbPriddy's preview from Drenning's site

2012 Pinstripe Bowl odds: Take Syracuse over West Virginia - SBNation.com
Syracuse and West Virginia each brings a 7-5 mark to Yankee Stadium where Pinstripe Bowl betting will flourish Friday.

Mountaineers take in NYC - Inter-Mountain
Teams begin final preparations for contest

Lot on line as old rivals WVU, Syracuse meet - Parkersburg News and Sentinel
"With Syracuse, we have some unfinished business as well," Mountaineer head coach Dana Holgorsen said.

Quick Hits: Mountaineers Get Outdoors in NYC - WVillustrated
Notes from practice, including Vince Lombardi's old school an absent wide receiver.

Mountaineer Mentality - BGN
"It was effort and mentality," Barber said. "They wanted it more than we did.

Orange will test WVU’s new defense - Register-Herald
The Mountaineers allowed a school record 457 points in 12 games, largely because of a pass defense that came in ahead of only Louisiana Tech, allowing more than 327 yards per game through the skies.

Game gives Geno shot to better stock - Charleston Daily Mail
Casazza's Notebook

Syracuse has had WVU’s Smith’s number - Parkersburg News and Sentinel
Mountaineer QB has passed for 40 TDs this season

Bowl last stop before Smith hits NFL - Times West Virginian
The curtain goes down Saturday on one of the greatest quarterback careers in West Virginia history when Geno Smith plays his final game for the Mountaineers against Syracuse in the Pinstripe Bowl.

West Virginia's Braun center of attention in return to old position - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
I view it as a challenge. I'm excited for it, honestly. It's an opportunity for me to show off another skill set and get out there and be able to perform well

Mountaineers' Braun taking position switch in stride - Charleston Gazette
The 6-foot-5, 316-pound senior from Westminster, Md., was thrust into the job as the team's center when four-year starter Joey Madsen was declared academically ineligible.

Braun making move to center as easy as possible - Charleston Daily Mail
"For me, it's been like riding a bike," Braun said.

Braun becomes center of attention - WV MetroNews
Fifth-year senior has made 38 starts at guard, but he's excited about the challenge of a quick-switch to center for the Pinstripe Bowl.

Video: WVU Practice Interviews - BGN
Braun, Joseph & Garvin

WVU Players Speak With The Media Prior To Practice - WVillustrated
Woods, Petteway, Joseph, Braun, Rigg & Garvin

Spreading the Wealth - WVU Athletics
Jed Drenning is impressed with Syracuse's ability to share the ball

Syracuse QB just keeps getting better - Charleston Gazette
This season he's thrown for 3,619 yards, 24 touchdowns and just nine interceptions.

Nassib key part of success for Orange - Charleston Daily Mail
"Syracuse has a great offense," WVU Coach Dana Holgorsen said.

Key for Mountaineers in Pinstripe Bowl will be stopping run - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Seems as if they've streamlined their run game which has made them much more effective at running the ball

Syracuse QB Nassib presents challenge for West Virginia - Pittsburgh Tribune Review
Syracuse senior Ryan Nassib is the "other" quarterback in Saturday‘s Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium.

Syracuse QB Nassib will challenge WVU defense - Parkersburg News and Sentinel
"They (Syracuse) are opening it up a little bit more," WVU second-year head coach Dana Holgorsen said.

Watch: Syracuse defensive coordinator Scott Shafer on facing WVU - WV MetroNews
Scott Shafer, who’s known for devising some unconventional blitz schemes, discusses preparing the Orange to play West Virginia in the Pinstripe Bowl.

Around the League (and Beyond):

The Baylor Bears are the 2012 Holiday Bowl Champions - Our Daily Bears

Liberty Bowl victory important for Iowa State to take "next step" - Cyclone Fanatic

High hopes for Jake Heaps - Lawrence Journal World

Tuggle gives K-State a lift by tackling new role - Topeka Capital Journal

Landry Jones says 'I hope I go out the way I want to go out.' - Oklahoman

Devin Hedgepeth has a bright future without football - Oklahoman (autoplay video)

Alamo Bowl: What a win would mean for the Texas Longhorns - Burnt Orange Nation

TCU living it up ahead of bowl game in Arizona - Dallas-Fort Worth Star Telegram

Transition Tech: Red Raiders accustomed to bowl-week coaching changes - Lubbock Avalanche Journal

Johnny Manziel won't win repeat Heisman tops 2013 predictions - Andy Staples - SI.com

What's On Tap:

West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Syracuse Orange - Preview - ESPN
New Era Pinstripe Bowl, 3:15 pm Saturday from Yankee Stadium on ESPN. WVU is giving 3.5.

Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders - Preview - ESPN
Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas, 9 pm tonight from Reliant Stadium on ESPN. Matadors are giving 13.

Texas Longhorns vs. Oregon State Beavers - Preview - ESPN
Valero Alamo Bowl, 6:45 pm Saturday from the Alamodome. Horns are getting 3.5.

TCU Horned Frogs vs. Michigan State Spartans - Preview - ESPN
Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl, 10:15 pm Saturday from Sun Devil Stadium. Frogs are giving 2.5.

Video of Interest:

The Mountaineers had a full day in New York City, opening the New York Stock Exchange, having a practice at Fordham University, visiting the 9/11 Memorial, and having a Country Club dinner.

Tailgate Recipe of the Week:

New York Style Pizza

Ingredients:
1 teaspoon active dry yeast
2/3 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45
degrees C)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 (10 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 pound shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions:

1. Sprinkle the yeast over the surface of the warm water in a large bowl. Let stand for 1 minute, then stir to dissolve. Mix in the flour, salt and olive oil. When the dough is too thick to stir, turn out onto a floured surface, and knead for 5 minutes. Knead in a little more flour if the dough is too sticky. Place into an oiled bowl, cover, and set aside in a warm place to rise until doubled in bulk.
2. Preheat the oven to 475 degrees F (245 degrees C). If using a pizza stone, preheat it in the oven as well, setting it on the lowest shelf.
3. When the dough has risen, flatten it out on a lightly floured surface. Roll or stretch out into a 12 inch circle, and place on a baking pan. If you are using a pizza stone, you may place it on a piece of parchment while preheating the stone in the oven.
4. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough. Sprinkle with oregano, mozzarella cheese, basil, Romano cheese and red pepper flakes.
5. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven, until the bottom of the crust is browned when you lift up the edge a little, and cheese is melted and bubbly. Cool for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Reprinted from AllRecipes.com

Videos of (Dis)Interest:

Welp, the Mountaineers are in the Empire City...apparently, it's a state of mind:

Miss Throwdown:

Since it's bowl time, it's time to break out the big guns again. Today's Miss Throwdown is an All American sensation. Below you will find a 10 hour video of her, just because. CLICK HERE for a 2012 retrospective of the completely drop dead gorgeous Kate Upton.