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 Blue Point Brewing Company's Spring Fling Ale.
What You May Have Missed:
Gold and Blue Now: Thursday, April 18 - WV MetroNews
WVU offensive line coach, Ron Crook, talks about the state of his offensive line, while Ford Childress speaks about the progression of his backs and recievers. Karl Joseph speaks about how the new defensive scheme is being worked into pactice.
TIF bill passes in special session - Daily Athenaeum
Oh, is Mickey ever gonna be pissed....and for once, I'm glad and awaiting his reaction
WVU AD Luck won't be on new Tier 3 evaluation committee - Charleston Daily Mail
WVU Vice President for University Relations Becky Lofstead told the Charleston Daily Mail that none of the six members on the previous committee will be reappointed, including Athletic Director Oliver Luck.
Questions linger, but attorney general report revealing - Charleston Daily Mail
Still, while we know exactly what was wrong, we're not sure why those things went bad.
Mountaineers visit WVU Children’s Hospital - WV MetroNews
A portion of Saturday's spring game proceeds will go toward the WVU Children's Hospital.
Furfari: WVU players to reunite - Martinsburg Journal
Slightly more than 200 former West Virginia University football players will be assembling in Morgantown this weekend.
Akilah Bethel Leaves WVU Basketball Program - WVillustrated
Bethel's departure creates a scholarship opening for the 2013-2014 season
Alex Ruoff's globe-trekking tour continues in Belgium - WVU Pros
Alex Ruoff's work seemingly never stops. After playing this season in the NBDL, he now returns overseas to Belgium. We talk to him about his travels.
Pre-Draft News:
Tavon Austin Presents Speedy, Dynamic Slot Receiver Patriots Could Use to Replace Wes Welker - NESN.com
There is no replacing Wes Welker. Danny Amendola was Welker's direct replacement this offseason, but that doesn't mean he will be able to account for his predecessor's production.
Tavon Austin's biggest fan - NFL Nation Blog - ESPN
There has been a growing buzz about the possibility of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers taking West Virginia wide receiver Tavon Austin with the 13th overall
Tavon Austin high on Buffalo Bills' radar in NFL draft - NFL.com
Tavon Austin is gaining steam as the 2013 NFL Draft approaches. The West Virginia wide receiver apparently is drawing interest from the Buffalo Bills, who have the No. 8 overall pick.
News of Note:
2013 will be biggest test yet for Holgorsen - Daily Athenaeum
even though West Virginia’s coaches and personnel are ripe with excitement and anticipation heading into the 2013 season, that doesn’t mean the upcoming campaign will be any easier.
Pulling Together - WVU Athletics
Can this year's football team pull together and play for each other?
Spring game importance varies among West Virginia football team - Daily Athenaeum
The annual Gold-Blue Spring Game provides fans the opportunity to get an early glimpse of what to expect from the Mountaineers in the coming season, as well as set the stage for players to showcase their skills to the fans while competing for a spot.
Running game gets makeover - Charleston Daily Mail
The Mountaineers aren't solely concerned with adding the plays the Cardinal used. They're more interested in incorporating the ways Stanford succeeded.
Mountaineers have numbers at RB position - Times West Virginian
Does the system make the players or do the players make the system? It is terribly important because this year’s players do not seem to be of the star quality that last year’s players were.
Breaking it Down With Buie - EerSports
Ryan Vucelik caught up with Andrew Buie to talk personal goals, fastest player on the team, the sure NFL WVU defender and more.
Moore no longer calls WRs prima donnas - WV MetroNews
“I didn’t come up here just to sit on the bench and watch,” said Moore
FSU QB coming to WVU? - Charleston Gazette
Ye olde notebook
HERTZEL COLUMN: Lucas set to run with new role - Times West Virginian
He had to do some of that last year after he came to WVU following a flirtation with Rutgers, finding himself caught at left tackle, which was wrong place at the wrong time.
Photo Gallery: Spring Football VI - BGN
PHOTOS: Mountaineer Football Spring Practice - WVillustrated
Recruiting:
What’s on tap for 2014 recruiting? - WV MetroNews
Mountaineers pursuing top quarterbacks for next year's class
Around the League (and Beyond):
Baylor standout among top WRs in NFL draft - San Antonio Express-News
SPRING GAME: Prairie Springer On Defense - Wide Right & Natty Lite
Kansas, Marcus Smart and the Big 12 Title Streak - Rock Chalk Talk
Big 12 spring tour: Kansas State begins life without Klein - Austin American Statesman
Have the stars aligned for Oklahoma State? - Cowboys Ride For Free
Texas hires Riley Dodge for offensive quality control position - Burnt Orange Nation
Daniel-Meyer Coliseum Set To Receive A $45 Million Redevelopment - Frogs O' War
Texas Tech Spring Game Depth Chart and Information Sheet - Viva The Matadors
2013 college football schedule guide: The least wedding-friendly Saturdays this fall - SBNation.com
With two close family weddings this fall, I've somehow managed to dodge a couple of major bullets. That said...there is still a special place reserved in hell for those who schedule weddings on football Saturdays!!!
What's On Tap:
West Virginia Media to Televise WVU Spring Game - WVillustrated
Gold-Blue Game will be aired live locally Saturday at 2 p.m. from Milan Puskar Stadium.
Mountaineers set to take on St. Francis (Pa.) - Daily Athenaeum
The West Virginia men’s soccer team continues its spring season on the road as it travels to St. Francis Sunday.
Videos of Interest:
Heading into this weekend's Gold-Blue Spring game presented by Kroger, defensive lineman Kyle Rose shares his thoughts on how the defense has improved during their spring practice.
Kyle Wiggs talks with coach Randy Mazey about recent wins against Liberty and Morehead State, and they preview the big weekend series starting Friday against Texas.
Video of (Dis)Interest:
Miss Throwdown:
Today's Miss Throwdown is the former Miss USA 2004. CLICK HERE for today's gallery of Shandi Finnessey.