Mountaineer Morning Links: Thursday (3/21/13) 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 Dogfish Head's Tweason'Ale, because the calendar doesn't dictate the weather.

What You May Have Missed:

Gold and Blue Now: Thursday, March 21 - WV MetroNews
In this editon of Gold and Blue Now Lonnie Galloway joined the State Wide Sports line to talk about his new position, Paul Millard and...

WVU athletics in trouble - Martinsburg Journal
Mickey's column.....gird your loins

WVU showing improvement under Mazey - Daily Athenaeum
When evaluating a team in its first year in a new conference like the Mountaineers, it is important to look beyond the overall records to find signs of success or failure.

Pennesi Set for Third NCAA Championships - WVU Athletics
wrestling junior Nathan Pennesi is set to compete at the NCAA Championships for the third time in his career

Burnett and Nugent Travel to NCAAs - WVU Athletics
Two members of the WVU swim team are set to compete at NCAAs.

As March Madness rages, WVU reassesses - WV MetroNews
here are a few reflections on what went wrong and what can be done to make sure next season doesn’t repeat.

NFL Hot Read: What will Geno Smith be? - ESPN
Geno Smith was raised to believe he could do anything, but he faces a skeptical NFL.

NFL Draft 2013: Could Tavon Austin move into Top 10? - SBNation.com
NFL Films' Greg Cossel questions why wide receiver Tavon Austin isn't considered a top-10 pick.

Darius Reynaud wants a bigger role in the Titans' offense - WVU Pros
Darius Reynaud had a breakout year as a kick-returner for the Tennessee Titans last season. After getting a nice raise, he doesn't want to be labeled as a returner.

NCAA Tournament: Where is West Virginia's Kevin Pittsnogle? - Lost Letterman
the 28-year-old Pittsnogle spoke with Lost Lettermen managing editor Chris Mahr over the phone about life after hoops

News of Note:

New coaches bring fresh look to WVU spring practice - Register-Herald
Basically, head coach Dana Holgorsen and defensive line coach Erik Slaughter are the only coaches in the same positions they were in last year at this time.

Mountaineers using spring drills to get better - Bluefield Daily Telegraph
Getting better is the task ahead for the Mountaineers, who started 5-0 in their first season in the Big 12, but won just twice more, finishing with a loss to Syracuse in the Pinstripe Bowl.

Trust that Seider knows what he’s doing - WVU Sports with Mike Casazza
Why Seider? Just ask him.

Cornerbacks get a 'clean slate' - Charleston Daily Mail
In new West Virginia cornerbacks coach Brian Mitchells mind, the 2013 season is neither a second chance for the Mountaineers corners nor the first year under a new assistant coach. Its merely a new set of downs.

Leaders Up Front - WVU Athletics
Shaq Rowell and Will Clarke are taking on a leadership role.

Clarke, Rowell hope to bring leadership to Mountaineer defense in 2013 - Daily Athenaeum
Holgorsen said he’s excited about both the off-seasons Clarke and Rowell have had and the potential they’ll bring into the upcoming season.

WVU Defense Using Poor 2012 Season As Motivation - WVillustrated
The WVU defense has a surprising confidence about itself early in spring practice despite a poor display last season.

It’s no snap, but Eger’s adjusting - WV MetroNews
Tackle-turned-guard now getting a trial at center during spring practice.

Senior Year Brings a New Beginning for Pat Eger - WVillustrated
Pat Eger may have had a rocky season last Fall, but is taking to new motivation as he is moved to a new position.

Will WVU hopes be hitched to Millard? - Charleston Gazette
Between now and the start of the football season, Paul Millard will take a step that these days seems almost a prerequisite to becoming a top-flight quarterback in the Big 12.

HERTZEL COLUMN: One busy spring for QB Millard - Times West Virginian
Notebook

QB race, defense shaping up at WVU - Big 12 Blog - ESPN
West Virginia is only a handful of practices into its spring workouts, and thus far, there hasn't been much separation between quarterbacks Ford Childress and Paul Millard

Moore hopes for shot at WVU - Times West Virginian
In truth, the coaches have begun looking at Moore as a slot receiver, to which he offers no resistance.

Walk-on QB Moore ready to do what it takes to make impact with Mountaineers - Daily Athenaeum
Transferring from a Division II school to a top-tier football program that has won three BCS bowl games in the last decade can be intimidating.

Around the League (and Beyond):

2013 NIT Championship: #2 Baylor obliterates #7 Long Beach State - Our Daily Bears

Ejim continues under the radar - Ames Tribune

Roy riled up about UNC's seed, not possible KU match-up - Lawrence Journal World

K-State needs Southwell’s shooting - Kansas City Star

Oklahoma basketball: Buddy Hield and his healer - Oklahoman

NCAA Tournament Preview: When Oregon has the ball - Cowboys Ride For Free

CBI Dreams are Dashed, Houston beats Texas 73-72 - Burnt Orange Nation

Where Do We Go Now? - Frogs O' War

Kingsbury would like to face Aggies, too - Lubbock Avalanche Journal

What's On Tap:

A giant college basketball tournament (or two) that we're not a part of. Don't forget to get your bracket filled out in our Bracket Challenge.

Video of Interest:

Coming off a knee injury that slowed him last season, running back Dustin Garrison is working hard this spring with new running backs coach JaJuan Seider as the team prepares for the 2013 season.

Video of (Dis)Interest:

Miss Throwdown:

Today's Miss Throwdown is an American lingerie model. CLICK HERE for today's gallery of Jessica Dykstra.