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 Otter Creek Brewing's Oktoberfest.
What You May Have Missed:
Gold and Blue Now: Thursday, Oct. 10 - WV MetroNews
With basketball season approaching, Bob Huggins talks about paying tough out of conference games and Juwan Staten says he took the off season to learn how to be a leader and improve his game.
Volleyball Downed by Baylor - WVU Athletics
The West Virginia University volleyball team fell to Baylor, 3-0, on Wednesday night at the WVU Coliseum.
WVU Volleyball Falls to Baylor - WVillustrated
Watch video interviews with WVU Volleyball Head Coach Jill Kramer, Freshman Outside Hitter Jordan Anderson and Sophomore Setter Brittany Sample regarding the team's loss to the Baylor Bears.
What a Difference a Year Can Make - WVU Athletics
Its first season in the Big 12 Conference was one the West Virginia University volleyball team would rather not talk about.
WVU Women’s Basketball Preseason No. 3 - WVU Athletics
The West Virginia women’s basketball team was predicted to finish in a tie for third place this season in the Big 12 Women’s Basketball Preseason Poll, as voted by the league’s head coaches.
Furfari: Bonsall was ‘father of gymnastics’ - Martinsburg Journal
He retired in 1980 and remains the only person to guide a men's program in that sport at WVU.
News of Note:
Football
Similarities abound for WVU hoops, football - Charleston Daily Mail
"You can see some things happening that show improvement," he said this week. "Whether you want to believe that or not, you can see some things."
Truth about WVU football lies somewhere in the middle - Charleston Gazette
Coaches are fond of saying that things are seldom as bad or as good as they would appear.
WVU offense searching for identity - Times West Virginian
“I knew we were going to be a work in progress. I knew it, and everybody knew it,” he said.
Holgorsen sees hope for WVU offense - Register-Herald
WVU coach believes improvement could come as season progresses
WVU Gets Bye Week at Perfect Time - WVillustrated
Mountaineers need to get healthy and regroup with half of the schedule remaining in the 2013 season.
Inconsistency a theme for West Virginia, several teams across Big 12 conference in 2013 - Daily Anthenaeum
At the midpoint of the 2013 season for West Virginia, the Big 12 conference picture is as unclear as ever. Just as it has been for the Mountaineers, 2013 has been a year of ups and downs within the conference.
Basketball
HERTZEL COLUMN: Huggins prepares his new-look Mountaineers - Times West Virginian
When Bob Huggins unveils his 2013-14 West Virginia University basketball team on Nov. 4 with an exhibition game against Fairmont State University, you will get your first glimpse of a completely reshaped and refocused team.
EerSports' Basketball Preview - EerSports
It's that time of year again - the football season is halfway over, Halloween is just around the corner and Bob Huggins is prepping the basketball team for a new season.
Staten getting adjusted to Coach Huggins’ system - Daily Anthenaeum
Because he was upset with how things ended in 2012, Staten re-evaluated his standing in his collegiate career. The West Virginia guard said he realized he needed to see the corrections in his game to improve it.
Noreen becoming a leader for WVU - Daily Anthenaeum
Junior Kevin Noreen said he wants a change going into the 2013 men’s basketball season. He said he realizes it starts with him.
Pro News:
Geno smith wins AFC Player of the Week - ProsReport
After making headlines and turning doubters around, Geno Smith can now add something else to his resume after his impressive Monday Night Football debut.
Around the League (and Beyond):
Bears have chance to quiet skeptics during next month - Waco Tribune
Cyclones hope recent bounce-back success continues against Red Raiders - Ames Tribune
KU football shuffles offensive line once again - Lawrence Journal World
Kansas State tackles ways to end Baylor’s white-hot offense - Wichita Eagle
Mid-Week Practice Report | Sooners Down A (Big) Man For Texas Game? - Crimson And Cream Machine
Cowboys' offense hasn't hit full throttle yet - Oklahoman (autoplay)
Trench warfare narrative of Red River Rivalry has changed throughout season - Burnt Orange Nation
Gary Patterson News Conference Recap: Tuesday October 8th, 2013 - Frogs O' War
Red Raider Football notes for Oct. 9 - Lubbock Avalanche Journal
College Football Mailbag - Stewart Mandel - SI.com
What's On Tap:
West Virginia University will tip off the 2013-14 men's basketball season with the Gold-Blue Debut presented by Coke Zero on Friday, Oct. 18, at 7:30 p.m., at the WVU Coliseum. Admission to the event is free with gates opening at 6:30 p.m. There will also be an autograph session with the players following the event on the Coliseum floor.
Video of Interest:
WVU Head Coach Dana Holgorsen talks with Tony Caridi about what the team plans to do during their bye week.
Video of (Dis)Interest:
Can you imagine this happening at your party?
Miss Throwdown:
Today's Miss Throwdown is an American model who's done known for her work with VS and Beachbunny. CLICK HERE for today's gallery of Cameron Russell.