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 Broughton Ales' Spring Ale, in honor of today's Miss Throwdown.
What You May Have Missed:
Gold and Blue Now: Wednesday, April 24 - WV MetroNews
Tony Caridi talks to Berry Tramel of the Oklahoman who says the ACC’s new Grant of Rights deal will hurt the Big 12, Connor Arlia says where he gets his work ethic from and Keith Patterson says the are only looking forward not backwards to last year.
Is WVU a loser in conference shuffling? - Charleston Gazette
"In the early 2000s, the ACC took in [Virginia] Tech, Boston College and Miami. There's been no indication of interest in us over the last 60 years.
Musgrave Named NCBWA Pitcher of the Week - WVU Athletics
Musgrave led the Mountaineers to a 1-0 win in game one last Friday, allowing just six hits in 9.0 innings. Musgrave struck out nine, walking just two, in the 124-pitch effort. He retired the Longhorns in order in the first, second, sixth and seventh innings.
Nitro’s Frazer part of instate products leading WVU - WV MetroNews
Former Nitro baseball standout Matt Frazer was a guest on the MetroNews Statewide Sportsline.
Pitching key for WVU baseball down stretch - Daily Athenaeum
The old adage "good pitching beats good hitting" is one any avid baseball follower is familiar with.
LeBlanc excited about 2013 schedule - Daily Athenaeum
While some might consider the West Virginia men’s soccer team’s 9-6-2 season, which ended in the Mountaineers missing the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2009 a disappointment, head coach Marlon LeBlanc doesn’t see things that way.
Marlon LeBlanc has arguably lost his mind - WVU Sports with Mike Casazza
I’m not sure how closely you follow this stuff, but WVU’s men’s soccer coach put together a schedule that’s as difficult as any I’ve witnessed here. That applies to all sports, not merely soccer. LeBlanc says it’s "arguably" the hardest he’s had, but he’s modest. And an Arsenal fan.
Flowers excels in France ProB League - WVU Pros
With the season winding down in Europe, John Flowers finds himself at the top of almost every statistical category for his squad and overall in his league. His club, Denain, is just one game away from wrapping up their season. With a 12-20 record, Flowers has provided the little bit of hope they've had this season.
Bruce Irvin could switch to linebacker - WVU Pros
Last season around this time, the Seattle Seahawks shocked just about everyone who was watching the 2012 NFL Draft when they selected WVU defensive end/ outside linebacker Bruce Irvin. One year later, and Irvin is still making noise on the Seahawks roster.
Pre-Draft News:
Draft critics prompt West Virginia QB Geno Smith to fire back on Twitter - Cleveland Plain Dealer
Projections for Geno Smith range anywhere from No. 4 to the Eagles by ESPN's Mel Kiper to the latter part of the round by others.
News of Note:
A Different Look This Fall? - WVU Athletics
WVU's Holgorsen says lineup could be completely different this fall.
Plenty of Changes - BGN
It may only be WVU’s second season in the Big 12 Conference, but Mountaineer head coach Dana Holgorsen said Tuesday that as he looked back on his program’s just-completed spring practice period, things couldn’t be much different from the first year.
Holgorsen OK with underdog role - Charleston Gazette
"It's night and day from what it was last year,'' Holgorsen said Tuesday. "But from a coaching perspective it's a little bit easier to get their attention.''
HERTZEL COLUMN: Holgorsen taking a new route - Times West Virginian
"There are no expectations whatsoever. We’re coming off a disappointing bowl loss. Offensively, we’re the unit that has no experience coming back. We’ve got two guys that started at offensive tackle, and that’s it for the entire offense," he said.
WVU Defense Showing Signs Of Improvement - WVillustrated
WVU Defensive Coordinator Keith Patterson likes the "foundation" his defense built throughout spring drills.
Leadership Keys - BGN
West Virginia is looking for leadership on its 2013 football team, and two players on the defensive side are strong candidates for that.
CB could be answer in secondary - Times West Virginian
When the spring started, Travis Bell had a whole lot working against him.
Arlia took advantage of opportunity, earned scholarship - Daily Athenaeum
West Virginia native and junior wide receiver Connor Arlia might never be the most physically gifted or talented player on the football field, but make no mistake; few players will ever be willing to work as hard to earn their spot on the field playing the game they love.
Recruiting:
D.C. Elite 11: William Crest interview - ESPN Video - ESPN
ESPN Video: Dunbar (Baltimore ) quarterback William Crest committed to West Virginia earlier in the week. Crest talked with Phil Murphy about the decision and which fine points the 2014 dual-threat QB wants to tune in his game.
WVU fans must walk the walk - Parkersburg News and Sentinel
Several talented players were at Saturday's game looking to see if they want to add their name to the 2014 recruiting class. One can only wonder what went through their minds as they looked around a stadium built to seat more than 60,000 and more than 85 percent of its seats were empty. Then, they turn on their TV sets and view the highlights from the Auburn scrimmage that was played in front of a packed house.
Around the League (and Beyond):
Many Big 12 programs to use new quarterback - Charleston Daily Mail/AP
The Big 12 is facing an identity crisis at quarterback, with a lot of different players preparing to take snaps this fall.
Big 12 spring forecast - WV MetroNews
Allan Taylor opens up a six-pack of predictions for the coming season.
‘Aggressive’ lineman ready to join Baylor football - Waco Tribune
Iowa State And The Gold Jerseys Of Doom - Wide Right & Natty Lite
A running battle: A look at Kansas football's strongest position - Lawrence Journal World
Canes In Play For Kansas State Basketball Transfer - State of The U
Blake Bell’s decision making improved throughout spring, Bob Stoops said - Oklahoman
Thoughts on Oklahoma State’s post-spring depth chart - Oklahoman
DeLoss Dodds: Presumed Competent. - Barking Carnival
Patterson maintains TCU QB job is two-horse race - Dallas-Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Safeties state their case in Tech spring game - Lubbock Avalanche Journal
What's On Tap:
On the road again - Register-Herald
WVU baseball team responding well to difficult circumstance
West Virginia looks to continue its recent success as it takes on Youngstown State Wednesday - Daily Athenaeum
The West Virginia baseball team will travel to Youngstown, Ohio, tonight for a 6 p.m. game against Youngstown State.
Video of Interest:
Video of (Dis)Interest:
WARNING: STRONG LANGUAGE
Hump Day Video of the Week:
Miss Throwdown:
Today's Miss Throwdown is an English VS Angel and actress. CLICK HERE for today's gallery of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.