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 Rugen Brau.
The first practice with shoulder pads is in the books and the acclimation period is now over. Full pads are allowed starting today. Chippy is a good way to describe yesterday's practice session. In other words, there were some skirmishes, but nothing major. Practice reports, features on Shawne Alston and Jordan Thompson, photos, videos and Coach Holgorsen's presser are all on the menu today. We also have the usual Big 12 round up and much more...
What You May Have Missed:
G&BN: Aiming For A Championship - WVMETRONEWS.COM
Coach Dana Holgorsen says some freshmen could see the field this fall and a former Mountaineer sharp shooter earns Gold in London.
Dana Holgorsen Media Quotes: Practice 4 - WVUsports.com
Transcript here, video below
Holgorsen likes No. 11 ranking - Charleston Gazette
Holgorsen certainly understands the motivational appeal in dismissing polls, which is why after admitting his team's No. 11 ranking was a plus, he also added the requisite caveat.
Reputation carrying Mountaineers into Big 12 - Charleston Daily Mail
So much of the reputation West Virginia carries into its first season in the Big 12 has to do with what has happened before.
First Heisman may be in WVU’s future - Times West Virginian
It appears if WVU is to accomplish that goal (NC), it probably is going to need to reach the other, that being having either quarterback Geno Smith or wide receiver Tavon Austin win West Virginia’s first Heisman Trophy.
News of Note:
Fighting spirit erupts at WVU camp - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
That's a welcome sign, said coach Dana Holgorsen, intensity he's sure other coaches would kill for.
Feistiness takes over in first contact practice - Charleston Daily Mail
Casazza's Notebook
Higher Intensity On Day Four - WVMETRONEWS.COM
"The biggest difference from this year and last year is that it seems like we have a lot more bodies out there."
The Lead Dog - WVUsports.com
Running backs coach Robert Gillespie said all of his players are in contention for playing time this fall.
Shawne Alston Achieves on Field, in Classroom - WVillustrated
Mountaineer rusher completes his degree in three years and prepares for his future after football.
A Freshman Leader - WVMETRONEWS.COM
Feature and video interview with Jordan Thompson
Turnovers goal of WVU defense - Charleston Gazette
It began in the spring, when the defensive coaches charted turnovers forced in practice each day. By the end of 15 practices in April, they were right on track.
Mountaineers will sport new look on defense - Parkersburg News and Sentinel
Anderson, Ezemma, Snow lining up to play new ‘buck’ position
Clarke: ‘We’re improved all around’ - Register-Herald
The 6-foot-6, 270-pound redshirt junior believes the reshuffled defense will be able to excel with everyone performing on the same page.
Quick Hits: Mountaineers Camp Gets Physical - WVillustrated
News and notes from Monday's drills on the grass field in Morgantown.
WVU football team is aggressive in camp - Times West Virginian
Hertzel's Notebook
Fall Camp Multi-Media:
Quarterbacks and Receivers Drill from WVU Camp - WVillustrated
Take a look at video of some individual work the quarterbacks put in with the receivers on Monday.
Video: Fall Practice Clips - BGN
West Virginia headed to the grass field for Monday's practice session. Here's a look at drills, warm-ups, screen pass battles and a punt from quarterback Geno Smith.
PHOTOS from Day 4 of WVU Football Training Camp - WVillustrated
Fall Camp Photos - WVMETRONEWS.COM
Around the League (and Beyond):
Monday Morning Video: Coach Phil Bennett Talks Defense - Our Daily Bears
Training Camp Central: Practice No. 4 - www.CYCLONES.com
Kansas Football 2012: Weekend Roundup - Rock Chalk Talk
OU Football 2012: Sooners Starting Guard, Tyler Evans, Suffers Torn ACL - Crimson And Cream Machine
They may not have an OL by the time the season starts
OSU football: J.W. Walsh will not give up at someday being No. 1 quarterback - Oklahoman
Obligatory, Dutiful Discussion Of The Texas Quarterbacks - Burnt Orange Nation
TCU Will Play Texas On Thanksgiving Day, For Sure This Time - Frogs O' War
K-State receivers want to factor into attack - Topeka Capital-Journal
Red Raider Gridiron | First Practice Notes - Double-T Nation
Joe Tessitore becoming voice of college football, upset by upset - Stewart Mandel - SI.com
Joe Tessitore possesses a magical ability to spark fourth-quarter comebacks and crazy last-second endings. At least, it seems that way.
How TV sparked college football realignment, playoff, networks - Andy Staples - SI.com
As conference networks proliferate, money and technology remain the wild cards
Arizona State Gives Todd Graham Undeserved Credit For WVU's 2002 Turnaround - SB Nation Pittsburgh
Arizona State says Todd Graham "improved the Mountaineers' record" in 2002. Um, no.
Video of Interest:
Head Coach Dana Holgorsen took to the podium to discuss the updates from practice after day 4, as well as what improvements still need to be made before the first game.
Video of (Dis)Interest:
Miss Throwdown:
Today's Miss Throwdown is British bombshell Jessica Jane Clement. HERE'S today's gallery.