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The first practice is in the books and the word of the day is "expectations." There are several features that focus on today's word and we also have plenty of photos and video of Holgorsen's presser that was held after practice last night. A couple interesting notes to come out of yesterday is Tavon Austin's shift to the "Y" slot and Holgorsen stating that he's not beyond using true freshmen (except OL) on the field this year as the Big 12 will dictate the use of more players.
What You May Have Missed:
Football Sights and Sounds - Mountaineer TV
Sights and sounds from day one of preseason football camp at Milan Puskar Stadium.
Holgorsen Post-Practice Remarks - WVUsports.com
Transcript of the video below
Lofty Expectations - WVUsports.com
Feature and notebook
Holgorsen hopes WVU team will focus on job, not hype - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
"expectations are high, which we like, but we're not going to pay attention to it. How you handle expectations is you just do your job."
Holgorsen to Team: Handle Expectations - WVillustrated
"Are we going to throw a party about it? Probably not. Are we going to talk about it? Probably not."
HERTZEL COLUMN: WVU’s No. 11 ranking: Insult or compliment? - Times West Virginian
How could ANYONE think of it as an insult?
Football: Austin on Hornung List - WVUsports.com
The Paul Hornung Award, now in its third season, is given annually to the most versatile player in major college football by the Louisville Sports Commission and football legend Paul Hornung.
News of Note:
Holgorsen welcomes WVU to practice - Times West Virginian
“We’re excited to talk football again,” he said following the initial practice of the preseason camp. “It’s my first look at the freshmen. It’s not padded, not real football.”
Quick Hits: WVU Opens Preseason Camp - WVillustrated
News and notes from day one of Mountaineer practice heading into the first year in the Big 12.
Practice Notebook: Day 1 - BGN
Observations and insights from West Virginia's initial football practice.
Plenty of arms available for WVU this time - Charleston Gazette
Besides senior preseason Big 12 player of the year Geno Smith and his backups, sophomore Paul Millard and freshman Ford Childress, Holgorsen has two walk-on quarterbacks, including Fairmont State's starter the last two years.
WVU football: Move may make Austin more dangerous - Charleston Daily Mail
He was instead at the other inside spot, the "Y," where Tyler Urban and Devon Brown played last season and where Austin was Thursday as the Mountaineers opened preseason camp at Mountaineer Field.
Frosh Faces Figure In Fall - BGN
Most coaches remain noncomittal about playing freshmen. Dana Holgorsen isn't most coaches.
Scanning the WVU field, looking for new wideouts - Charleston Gazette
Not around, however, were WVU's top two recruits Deontay McManus, a wideout, and Sam Lebbie, a linebacker. Roshard Burney, who had a shot of helping at running back, likewise isn't around, although he still has a shot to make the grade.
Photos: First Day of Fall Practice - WVMETRONEWS.COM
PHOTOS from Day 1 of WVU Football Training Camp - WVillustrated
WVU 2012 Fall Football Camp Photo Gallery II - BGN
Around the League (and Beyond):
NCAA committee endorses new penalty structure after Penn State - SI.com
SBNation's 2012 Baylor Preview from Bill Connelly - Our Daily Bears
Football: No-name secondary could be perfect for Cyclones - Ames Tribune
Weis aims to plug-and-play on defense - Topeka Capital-Journal
2012 Sooner Football: What We Do And Don't Know About The Offensive Line - Crimson And Cream Machine
K-State football outlook - Wichita Eagle
No one in Big 12 should discount the OSU Cowboys - Oklahoman
Anthony Fera Removed From Penn State Roster, Headed To Texas - Burnt Orange Nation
Red Raider Gridiron | More OC Brown and Running Back and Secondary Previews - Double-T Nation
College Football Mailbag - Stewart Mandel - SI.com
Stew responds to concerns about WVU from one reader
Mailberg: Sporting News' preseason Top 25 creates stir - Sporting News
They defend their choices here after countless emails berating them
What's On Tap:
Preseason Camp is Here! - WVUsports.com
Practice and media availability schedule for coaches and players
Videos of Interest:
Presser video courtesy of BGN:
Video of (Dis)Interest:
Best thing to come along since the Shake-Weight:
Miss Throwdown:
Today's Miss Throwdown is a New Yorker who made an appearance in our Hump Day Bracket a few years back. HERE'S today's gallery of Elaine Alden.