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 Labatt Wildcat beer, in preparation for tomorrow's opponent.
What You May Have Missed:
Gold and Blue Now: Friday, Oct. 25 - WV MetroNews
Garrett Cullen and Brad Howe focus on special teams for this weekend’s WVU vs. Kansas State matchup and we also hear from "The Voice of the Wildcats" Wyatt Thompson.
Gold and Blue Now: Thursday, Oct. 24 - WV MetroNews
Garrett Cullen looks ahead to Saturday’s matchup against Kansas State as Bill Snyder weighs in on WVU’s 2013 offensive attack.
Mike Casazza: Luck prepares for role with College Football Playoff - Charleston Daily Mail
"I assume almost everyone on the committee's first concern was, 'Do I have the time to do it?' " Luck said. "I think everyone on this committee wants to be very fair to every team and that means watching a lot of college football.
WVU Posts Record-High GSR Score - WVU Athletics
West Virginia University’s combined varsity athletic teams have a Graduation Success Rate (GSR) score of 84 percent, according to data released today by the NCAA.
WVU football, men’s hoops grad rates top Big 12 – WV MetroNews
The Big 12′s newest additions, TCU and West Virginia, lead the league in graduation success rates among football players.
Huggins’ confidence could bring results for WVU - Daily Athenaeum
Give a lot of credit to Huggins for bouncing back emotionally the way he has. Hitting the reset button on a program is a very difficult thing to do.
No. 6 Mountaineers Close Out Regular Season - WVU Athletics
The No. 6-ranked West Virginia University women’s soccer team closes out its regular season with a two-match road trip this weekend.
WVU looks to win conference title this weekend - Daily Athenaeum
Just one more victory would ensure the team’s second consecutive Big 12 Conference title.
West Virginia faces conference foe Western Michigan - Daily Athenaeum
The West Virginia men’s soccer team returns to Mid-American Conference action Saturday at home against Western Michigan.
WVU looks to bounce back against OU Saturday - Daily Athenaeum
When the Mountaineers travel to Norman, Okla., to take on the Sooners Saturday, Kramer said she hopes to see that same fight as her team tries to end their four-game losing skid in the Big 12 Conference.
No. 5 WVU to face Army - Daily Athenaeum
The No. 5 West Virginia rifle team will compete against GARC opponent No. 9 Army (2-1, 1-1 GARC) Saturday at the WVU rifle range.
News of Note:
Holgorsen: WVU, K-State Still Seeking Identities - WVU Athletics
Two long-time winners are seeking a win this weekend.
HERTZEL COLUMN: WVU prepares for legendary coach Snyder - Times West Virginian
Indeed, he has grown into something of coaching legend.
Kansas State Will Test the Mountaineers - WVillustrated
The Mountaineers fresh off a heart breaking loss to Texas Tech will hit the road to take on another Big 12 team.
Two QBs equal one Klein for Kansas State - Charleston Daily Mail
The Wildcats use a two-quarterback system in lieu of Klein's dual-threat skills, but the combined production is similar in 2013.
Mountaineers must defend two styles of QBs - Parkersburg News and Sentinel
Sams has settled into Kansas State’s starting position
WVU’s exploited defense more in comfort zone against K-State’s attack - WV MetroNews
Befuddled by Baylor and Texas Tech's spread attacks, the Mountaineers foresee a better matchup in Manhattan.
Barber finds rhythm following struggles in 2012 - Daily Athenaeum
A year makes a big difference, especially for West Virginia junior linebacker Jared Barber. In 2012, Barber made just 34 total tackles. Through seven games in 2013, Barber leads the team with 50 total tackles.
WVU Offense Needs Everyone on Board - BGN
It wasn't hard to tell heading into the 2013 season that the West Virginia offense was going to take some time to build chemistry.
WVU receivers are work in progress - Times West Virginian
For a school whose offensive football tradition has been built on the running game, West Virginia University has created quite a legacy of receivers over the years.
West Virginia receivers starting to catch on with offense - Pittsburgh Tribune Review
"It's starting to click, definitely," he said. "The guys are making plays. ... They are getting more confident and, like I said, the more confident we are maybe big things are about to happen."
West Virginia's depth comes from different source - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
"Those guys need to come in and play right away, otherwise we wouldn't have gone the junior-college route," Holgorsen said on signing day.
Mountaineers' bowl hopes in jeopardy - Charleston Gazette
West Virginia needs three more wins to become bowl eligible. There are just five games remaining. The math isn't that difficult.
Kansas State looks to alter Big 12 miscues - Parkersburg News and Sentinel
Wildcats coming off second open week in past month
Recruiting:
WVU coaches need to hit the road recruiting - Charleston Gazette
Holgorsen needs better players - period.
Pro News:
Darryl Talley Returns to WVU, Reflects on State of Football - WVillustrated
Former Mountaineer linebacker is grand marshal of homecoming parade and shares his thoughts on the game of football.
Around the League (and Beyond):
What to watch in the Big 12: Week 9 - ESPN
Bears combat perils of the road with same routine - Waco Tribune
2013 Game VII: Iowa State vs Oklahoma State Preview - Wide Right & Natty Lite
Jayhawks hope Pierson return can spark offense - Lawrence Journal World
K-State’s Daniel Sams isn’t worried about heavy workload - Kansas City Star
Rennie Childs might bring new dimension to OSU run game - Oklahoman (autoplay)
Game Preview: Texas Longhorns at TCU Horned Frogs - Barking Carnival
Game Week #8: Texas Longhorns Preview - Frogs O' War
College GameDay Kickoff: Week 9 - ESPN
Week 9 Walkthrough - Andy Staples - SI.com
What's On Tap:
West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Kansas State Wildcats - ESPN
3:45 pm from Bill Snyder Family Stadium on FS1. Cats are giving 11.5.
(19) Oklahoma State Cowboys vs. Iowa State Cyclones - Preview - ESPN
Noon Saturday from the Jack on FSN affiliates. Pokes are giving 12.
(10) Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. (15) Oklahoma Sooners - Preview - ESPN
3:30 pm Saturday from Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on Fox. Land Thieves are giving 7.
(8) Baylor Bears vs. Kansas Jayhawks - Preview - ESPN
7 pm Saturday from Memorial Stadium on ESPNU/ESPN3. Bears are giving 34.
Texas Longhorns vs. TCU Horned Frogs - Preview - ESPN
7:30 pm Saturday from Amon G Carter on FS1. Frogs are giving 2.
College Football TV Schedule
All times listed here are Central
Video of Interest:
Amanda Mazey takes us on a trip around campus to check out the buzz this week at WVU
Tailgate Recipe of the Week:
Bacon Wrapped Tater Tots with Cheddar and Jalapeno
Ingredients:
- 32 Tater Tots, defrosted
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese, shredded
- 3-4 Jalapenos, sliced
- 16 slices Bacon, cut in half
The amounts are entirely based on how many tots you want to make. Each needs 1/2 slice of bacon.
Directions:
- Plug in deep fryer (or heat oil in pan/pot to 375-400).
- Split defrosted tater tots in half, add cheese and reconstruct tot.
- Place new and tot with a slice of jalapeno at one end of 1/2 bacon strip.
- Roll it up tightly and stab bacon with toothpick.
- Place 3-4 super tots in hot oil for 2 minutes.
- Check to see if bacon is brown, continue cooking if not.
- Allow to drain on paper towel.
Images and cooking tips over at Guyism, where this was sourced
Video of (Dis)Interest:
Miss Throwdown:
Today's Miss Throwdown is an English model and actress. CLICK HERE for today's gallery of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.
More from The Smoking Musket:
- West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Kansas State Wildcats: TV, Radio, Game Day Information, Travel Information, Gamewatches & More
- Staring Down The Musket At...The Kansas State Wildcats: A Blogger Q&A Session
- Mountaineer Morning Links: Thursday (10/24/13) Edition
- A Sixer Of Thoughts About The Mountaineers
- West Virginia University Internal Review Clears Assistant Football Coach Joe DeForest Of Wrongdoing While At WVU