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 Guinness Draught, in preparation for today's NFL Draft.
What You May Have Missed:
Gold and Blue Now: Thursday, April 25 - WV MetroNews
Mike Florio says where he thinks Geno Smith and Tavon Austin will go in tonight’s draft, Shannon Dawson says his quarterbacks need to understand critical situtations at clutch times and Matt Frazer talks about the difference head coach Randy Mazey has made along with Big 12 baseball.
WVU Edges Youngstown State - WVU Athletics
The WVU baseball team pulled out 7-6 victory over Youngstown State in sloppy conditions on Wednesday evening at Eastwood Field in a non-conference matchup.
Mountaineers Mic'd - WVU Athletics
A behind-the-scenes look at Mountaineer baseball coach Randy Mazey during last week's game against Morehead State at Appalachian Power Park in Charleston.
Pre-Draft News:
NFL Draft Preview - WVU Athletics
Austin, Smith expect to go in the first round on Thursday night.
NFL Draft: Double dose of firsts may happen for Mountaineers - Charleston Daily
West Virginia has only had nine first-round NFL draft picks.
WVU May Make Draft History - Intelligencer / Wheeling News-Register
The school, which has generally succeeded in getting players into the NFL, has never had two first-round picks in the same season.
NFL Draft Could Be Historic For WVU - WVillustrated
Geno Smith and Tavon Austin will be the first pair of WVU teammates to go in the first round of the same NFL draft if it happens Thursday night.
Former Mountaineers Smith, Austin expected to go in first round of NFL draft - Daily Athenaeum
all those questions will be answered tonight at Radio City Music Hall
Geno Smith Fatigue? - WVU Athletics
Smith looking to become first WVU QB to go in the first round.
Smith’s topsy-turvy predraft ride - WV MetroNews
Tonight's first round could be quick or excruciating for WVU quarterback.
Geno Smith Addresses His Critics Ahead of Draft - WVillustrated
WVU quarterback explains recent tweet with regards to the "experts" who have doubted him of late.
Geno's counting on his critics - Charleston Gazette
For Smith it was genuine. He really does appreciate it.
NFL Draft: Peers expect WVU stars to excel at next level - Charleston Daily Mail
LSU's Eric Reid and Barkevious Mingo and Texas' Kenny Vaccaro expect Geno Smith and Tavon Austin to do in the NFL what they witnessed in college.
Almost Heaven: West Virginia Stars Headline 2013 NFL Draft - NFL Spinzone
As for the things we don’t know… here are a few bold predictions sure to go wrong:
Blazing into the first round? - Charleston Gazette
NFL scouts intrigued by Austin's speed, versatility
Austin: Dynamic at any level - WV MetroNews
At West Virginia, the 5-foot-8 dynamo was as durable as he was explosive.
Landing spots for locals up in air - Times West Virginian
Smith, Austin likely early NFL picks but where?
HERTZEL COLUMN: WVU trio set to take next step - Times West Virginian
Indeed it is, for all three of them.
2013 NFL Draft -- Peter King's first-round mock draft - SI.com
11 & 13
PHOTO GALLERY: Austin, Smith at NFL Play 60 Event - WVillustrated
WVU's Tavon Austin and Geno Smith take part in the NFL's Play 60 Event as part of the 2013 NFL Draft Festivities.
VIDEO: Smith, Austin Speak Prior to NFL Draft - WVillustrated
See what the two Mountaineers had to say with the big day looming on Thursday.
Geno Smith talks NFL draft - WVSports.com TV
Tavon Austin talks NFL draft - WVSports.com TV
Jeff Braun and J.D. Woods on the NFL Draft radar - WVU Pros
On the eve of the NFL Draft, Jeff Braun and J.D. Woods should have a couple of extra batteries for their phones to make sure they can get the call.
News of Note:
There Can Be Only One - BGN
West Virginia’s post-spring practice quarterback situation remains unsettled. The approach, however, is quite clear: There will be no platooning – ever.
New circumstances give West Virginia's spring a new feel - ESPN
This time a year ago, it was hard to go anywhere in Morgantown, W.Va., without feeling the buzz surrounding Mountaineers football.
Dunlap to stay at WVU - Martinsburg Journal
Dunlap, who's widely known in football coaching circles, is said to be in line to stay in close contact with high school coaches in areas where West Virginia does much of its recruiting.
Recruiting:
2014 Recruiting Hotboard - WVSports.com
The most interesting aspect of the board is the "Temperature Take", which Cummings updates daily throughout the recruiting process, at times there may be several updates in a single day. The Temperature Take gives you the approximate likelihood of the prospect committing to WVU.
Around the League (and Beyond):
New QBs abound in the Big 12, beginning with Baylor - Dallas-Fort Worth Star-Telegram
A.J. Klein Operating Manual - Wide Right & Natty Lite
Kansas Basketball: Bill Self Hits the Recruiting Trail - Rock Chalk Talk
Rodriguez wants to play in Florida - Manhattan Mercury
Kickoff Time Set For Sooners Return Game To South Bend - Crimson And Cream Machine
Big 12 football power poll: Oklahoma State looks to be in driver's seat - Oklahoman (autoplay video)
Texas Longhorns football: Should Jalen Overstreet change positions? - Burnt Orange Nation
Post Spring Football Team Review: The Linebackers - Frogs O' War
Kingsbury pleased with spring, stresses much work to be done - Lubbock Avalanche Journal
Saying Goodbye to Brian Archie - Bull Run
Includes a link to donate to a college fund for his son
What's On Tap:
NFL Draft 2013 - SBNation.com
8 pm tonight on the NFL Network, ESPN & ESPNU
Tennis Set for Big 12 Championships - WVU Athletics
After closing out its regular season this past Sunday, the West Virginia University women’s tennis team turns its attention to the Big 12 Championships, as it takes on seventh-seeded Kansas State on Thursday, April 25, at 11 a.m., at the Headington Family Tennis Center in Norman, Okla.
Video of Interest:
Courtesy of Mike Casazza:
Video of (Dis)Interest:
Miss Throwdown:
Today's Miss Throwdown is one of the SI Swimsuit (<=Bonus Link) regulars. CLICK HERE for today's gallery of the gorgeous Russian, Irina Shayk.