Mountaineer Morning Links: Thursday (1/3/13) 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 Dockstreet Bohemian Pilsener.

What You May Have Missed:

WVU Falls in League Opener at Oklahoma - WVU Athletics
The West Virginia University women’s basketball team dropped a 71-68 decision to No. 17/16 Oklahoma in its Big 12 opener Wednesday at the Lloyd Noble Center.

HERTZEL COLUMN: Huggins still looking for answers - Times West Virginian
"It’s incredibly frustrating to have to say the same thing day after day after day after day. They keep doing the same things"

Smith Ends WVU Career, Looks Forward To NFL - WVillustrated
WVU quarterback Geno Smith could be the first quarterback taken in the 2013 NFL draft. He certainly left his mark on the West Virginia University football program.

Pro Football Update - WVU Athletics
Fifteen former West Virginia University football players are currently on NFL rosters.

WVUPros in the NFL Regular Season Wrap-Up - WVU Pros
We recap the NFL regular season for WVUPros in encapsulated form. See how your favorite WVUPros performed here.

News of Note:

Ollie Luck addresses WVU football - Charleston Gazette
"Dana and I have had a number of conversations in what we need to do in Year Two," Luck said.

In a word, 2012 team was weak - Charleston Daily Mail
It's not enough to say WVU wasn't a tough team. WVU was critically weak.

Mountaineers in 2013: Answering the Who? What? Where? - WV MetroNews
Three prime questions—and best-guess answers— facing West Virginia football next season.

CAMPUS CONNECTION - WVU Athletics
Football notebook

WVU bowl loss unacceptable - Martinsburg Journal
Sure, the game was played in a driving snowstorm. But Syracuse had to play in it, too - and played very well.

Around the League (and Beyond):

Typical slow start could lead to K-State’s demise - Register Guard

Mike Stoops - "You Don't Stop Manziel" - Crimson And Cream Machine

Baylor, downtown leaders look to avoid parking crunch after new stadium opens - Waco Tribune

Energy an issue for ISU - Ames Tribune

KU football standouts Hawkinson, McDougald snag NFL combine invites - Lawrence Journal World

Oklahoma State Looks to the Future with Bowl Win - Cowboys Ride For Free

Larry Porter: Evaluating the recruiting impact of his hire - Burnt Orange Nation

Midweek Musings: The Best and Worst of 2012 - Frogs O' War

Kliff Kingsbury to Hire Coaching Staff, Probably Doesn't Matter - Viva The Matadors

What's On Tap:

(4) Oregon Ducks vs. (5) Kansas State Wildcats - Preview - ESPN
Fiesta Bowl, 8:30 pm tonight from University of Phoenix Stadium on ESPN/WatchESPN. Ducks are giving 8.

Video of (Dis)Interest:

Miss Throwdown:

Today's Miss Throwdown is a model from Venezuela. CLICK HERE for today's gallery of Aida Yespica.