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Mountaineer Morning Links: Thursday (4/11/13) Edition

Baseball ends skid, stadium TIF up for vote, football notes & player profiles, pre-draft news, KJ updates (including WVU Pros), Big 12 roundup & more

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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 Wychwood Brewery's Hareraiser Spring Ale, in honor of today's Miss Throwdown.

What You May Have Missed:

Gold and Blue Now Thursday, April 11 - WV MetroNews
It may be a while before the quarterback battle between junior Paul Millard and redshirt freshman Ford Childress is finished. Darwin Cook looks to a past Mountaineer defense for inspiration.

Lawmakers 'trading' to move tax district, magistrate pay raise bills - Charleston Daily Mail
WVU officials seeking revenue to build baseball stadium

Morgantown TIF bill advances to full House of Delegates - WV MetroNews
Funding plan for ballpark and development back on track for final passage at Statehouse.

WVU Snaps Three-Game Skid - WVU Athletics
5-1 victory over Youngstown State

WVU Baseball Beats Youngstown State 5-1 at Hawley Field - WVillustrated
includes video interviews with Coach Mazey, Taylor Munden & Brock Dykxhoorn

Mountaineers find confidence with win - Daily Athenaeum
Following a 9-0 loss to Ohio State Tuesday night – its third loss in a row – head coach Randy Mazey had a long talk with his West Virginia baseball team.

WVU baseball well on its way to success - Daily Athenaeum
The players had a different demeanor to them. You could tell on all of their faces that they were completely committed and invested in what was going on and were thoroughly enjoying doing what they all love – playing baseball.

Ranking All 125 College Football Head Coaches for 2013 - AthlonSports.com
9th Big 12, 50th overall

Kevin Jones is learning how to be a pro with the Cleveland Cavaliers this season - Cleveland Plain Dealer
Jones has been assigned to the Canton Charge six times this season, and is learning how to scrap for playing time in the NBA.

Kevin Jones making a difference for the Cavs as the season winds down - WVU Pros
Kevin Jones is finishing his rookie season on a strong note. We dive into the boxscores to show how he is making a difference for the Cavs.


Pre-Draft News:

2013 NFL draft: Luke Joeckel, Geno Smith headline 23 attendees in New York - SBNation.com
Tavon and Geno are confirmed to be attending the NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall in New York.

NFL '13 Draft: QB Rankings - Scout.com
Headlining this group is former West Virginia star Geno Smith in the FoxSportsNext/Scout.com quarterback rankings for the 2013 NFL Draft.

2013 NFL Mock Drafts : NFL Mock Draft 5.0: Eagles stash Geno Smith - NFL.com
This draft is very unique.

Browns: Some analysts think West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith could land with Browns - News-Herald
one well-known draft analyst makes a bold prediction, and others follow suit.

Tavon Austin to visit with New York Jets - NFL.com
Tavon Austin has become one of the most intriguing names in this year's draft. How intriguing? The West Virginia wide receiver has been forced to turn down teams for visits. The Jets made the cut.

ESPN's Mel Kiper Breaks Down WVU's Stedman Bailey - WVillustrated
After a record-breaking junior year, where will Bailey go in the NFL Draft? ESPN NFL Draft Analyst Mel Kiper, Junior shares his prediction.


News of Note:

Kwiatoski gaining notice for Mountaineers - Charleston Daily Mail
Recruited as a defensive back and first recognized as a noticeable player on special teams in 2012, Kwiatoski is now a Will linebacker playing inside in the 3-4 defense.

Clay craves crunches, not catches - WV MetroNews
Whether he’s lined up at fullback, tight end or inside receiver, Cody Clay’s first impulse remains the same: Hit somebody.

HERTZEL COLUMN: Myers not modest in expectations - Times West Virginian
“I want to break all Stedman Bailey’s records,” he said Tuesday evening as he took some time out to meet with the West Virginia media during spring practice.

Roommates Fight for WVU Right Tackle Position - WVillustrated
Curtis Feigt and Nick Kindler battle on the field, but live together off of it in final year with Mountaineers.

‘I’ve got my confidence back’ - BGN
Much of the talk from West Virginia’s defensive players has been of a sort of rebirth in 2013, so it makes sense that junior cornerback Ishmael Banks believes he’s ready for a breakout season.

Darwin Cook’s redemption song - WV MetroNews
Senior blames himself for WVU's defensive woes last season, and for a wayward detour that forced him to recommit.

Dozie's journey to WVU has been a doozy - Charleston Gazette
he's not only managed to earn a scholarship, but he could be a key part of a defense that needs a few new parts after last season's disaster.

PHOTOS: Mountaineer Football Spring Practice - WVillustrated


Around the League (and Beyond):

Big 12 Pre-Season Power Rankings - Wide Right & Natty Lite
7 (basketball)

Baylor is Texas' best chance in '13-'14 - Dallas Fort Worth Star Telegram

Iowa State announces "major" NCAA violations - Wide Right & Natty Lite

Kansas Football 2013: Charlie Weis Prepares to Wrap Up Spring Football - Rock Chalk Talk

Kansas State’s Bruce Weber receives raise, extension - Wichita Eagle

OU Football 2013 | A Pair Of Young Defensive Ends Hope To Be A Big Part Of Oklahoma's Rebuilt Defense - Crimson And Cream Machine

Oklahoma State football: Debunking Mike Gundy's scheduling philosophy - Oklahoman (autoplay video)

Texas Longhorns football: Were 2012 tackling issues overblown? - Burnt Orange Nation

Frogs' 2012 freshman class was 'different' - Big 12 Blog - ESPN

Where Should Kingsbury Rank in Coach Rankings for Big 12 and Nationally? - Viva The Matadors


What's On Tap:

Mountaineers set to travel to face Pitt - Daily Athenaeum
The West Virginia men’s soccer team looks to continue the improvements in the fall as it travels to Pittsburgh to take on the Panthers this weekend at the Petersen Sports Complex.


Videos of Interest:

On this week's show Kyle Wiggs talks with Coach Randy Mazey about the recent struggles the team is having and looks ahead to the non-conference series this weekend against Liberty.



Video of (Dis)Interest:



Miss Throwdown:

Today's Miss Throwdown is a bombshell from the UK. CLICK HERE for today's gallery of Rosie Roff.