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 Gritty McDuff's Halloween Ale.
What You May Have Missed:
Gold and Blue Now: Thursday, Oct. 31 - WV MetroNews
Garrett Cullen and Brad Howe preview this weekend’s WVU vs. TCU matchup as Shaq Rowell talks about the WVU defense wearing down.
Report: ASU AD Steve Patterson turned down the Texas job - Burnt Orange Nation
According to one report, the Texas Longhorns may have missed on one of their top targets to replace DeLoss Dodds as athletic director.
WVU’s Bussie ready to make return from ACL injury - Daily Athenaeum
In the 2012 season, the West Virginia women’s basketball team went without its best player.
News of Note:
Football
TCU's situation very similar to Mountaineers' - Charleston Daily Mail
Horned Frogs, like WVU, must win three of their final four games to be bowl eligible
Can bottom five Big 12 football teams make a bowl game in 2013? - ESPN
The Wildcats are out of the conference title picture. So are West Virginia, TCU, Iowa State and Kansas. But all five still cling to bowl hopes. Here’s a look at the chances each has of making a bowl game
Wednesday Walkthrough: TCU - WVU Sports with Mike Casazza
It’s not awful!
Arm troubles have not stopped Trickett from running - Charleston Daily Mail
Quarterback Clint Trickett's arm hasn't been entirely accurate in his four starts for West Virginia, but his legs are becoming increasingly active.
Holgorsen: Trickett changing plays at the line ‘isn’t going to happen this year’ - WV MetroNews
Time crunch of game-week preparations make it tough for Florida State transfer to learn audibles.
TCU QBs are two of a kind - Charleston Gazette
For the fifth time in six Big 12 games this season, West Virginia will face a team this weekend that could go in a couple of different directions with its quarterback play.
Something Has to Give Between WVU, TCU - Intelligencer / Wheeling News-Register
While TCU has only three victories, all of those have come at Amon G. Carter Stadium. The Horned Frogs also have only six losses in their previous 37 games on home turf.
HERTZEL COLUMN: Mountaineers clear the slate after 3-5 start - Times West Virginian
“We are starting over,” Holgorsen said when the blank board was brought up during his Tuesday media briefing. “We have four games left, so it’s a new season. That’s what our message was Sunday, We have to keep fighting and keep battling, stay united, keep practicing and keep improving.”
Third-down defense came back to bite WVU - Times West Virginian
“To feel like we were in such control – they were 1-for-6 on third downs going into their third possession of that the second half,” he pointed out.
West Virginia defense struggling to keep up with high-flying offenses of Big 12 - Daily Athenaeum
In recent weeks, the West Virginia defense has looked far too familiar.
A Defensive Nightmare - WVillustrated
The Mountaineer defense is searching for answers after having a miserable three game stretch.
For Mountaineers, it’s all about finishing - Register-Herald
WVU looking for strong ending to drives, games, season
Holgorsen blame misplaced - Daily Athenaeum
But as much as the Mountaineers have struggled in their last 16 games under Holgorsen, it’s not time to fire the three-year head coach, yet. Because when it comes down to it, it’s time for the players to finally take some accountability.
If the Mountaineers Get it Together, They can Salvage Season - Intelligencer / Wheeling News-Register
This week, TCU is favored to win by 14 points. The Horned Frogs haven't even scored more than 17 since August.
Hobbled Eger describes chance of playing at TCU as ‘absolutely’ - WV MetroNews
Senior center undeterred by ankle injury as he set sights on TCU game and leaving a better legacy.
BGN Video: Offense - BGN
Coach Crook, Coach Dawson, Spain & Orlosky
West Virginia Mountaineers vs. TCU Horned Frogs football series history - Winsipedia
Winsipedia - Database and infographics of West Virginia Mountaineers vs. TCU Horned Frogs football series history and all-time records, national championships, conference championships, bowl games, wins, bowl record, All-Americans, Heisman winners, and NFL Draft picks
Basketball
Thin roster leaves Huggins with little room for error - Charleston Gazette
If, indeed, there is safety in numbers, well, Bob Huggins probably shouldn't be feeling very safe these days.
New "Staten" of Mind - EerSports
"Juwan is playing a lot more comfortable," said backcourt mate, Eron Harris
Big 12 Basketball Countdown #6: West Virginia - Wide Right & Natty Lite
West Virginia Basketball: Now with fewer Turkish guys who can double as our mascot!
Around the League (and Beyond):
Baylor is PULLING THE TARP for the OU game on November 7 - Our Daily Bears
The Best of #ThingsUnderBaylorsTarp - Cowboys Ride For Free
I'm sad I missed this on Twitter
Rhoads remains high on true freshman's future - Cyclone Fanatic
KU’s Tony Pierson still not well - Lawrence Journal World
K-State’s Jake Waters shows he can throw a strike on a moment’s notice - Kansas City Star
Baylor will present quite the challenge for OU defense - Oklahoman (autoplay)
OSU football notebook: Cowboys look to remain stingy - Oklahoman (autoplay)
Texas offensive line keying improved run game - Burnt Orange Nation
Game Week #9: West Virginia Mountaineers Preview - Frogs O' War
Quarterbacks turned coaches Kingsbury, Gundy lead alma maters Saturday - Lubbock Avalanche Journal
College Football Mailbag - Stewart Mandel - SI.com
What's On Tap:
Tickets for Big 12 Games on Sale Monday - WVU Athletics
Individual tickets for Big 12 home games and mini-packages for the 2013-14 WVU men’s basketball season will go on sale Monday, Nov. 4, at 9 a.m. at the Mountaineer Ticket Office.
Women’s Hoops Tickets on Sale Nov. 1 - WVU Athletics
Individual tickets for all home games for the 2013-14 WVU women’s basketball season are set to go on sale at the Mountaineer Ticket Office Friday, Nov. 1.
Video of Interest:
Tony Caridi sits down with WVU Head Coach Dana Holgorsen to discuss the Mountaineers' upcoming game against TCU.
Video of (Dis)Interest:
Miss Throwdown:
Today's Miss Throwdown is a hot little number best known for her "flip book" videos. CLICK HERE for today's gallery of Melanie Iglesias in her Halloween costumes.