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 Miller Genuine Draft.
Draft Hangover:
Austin Goes No. 8 to The Rams - WVU Athletics
Tavon Austin becomes 10th Mountaineer taken in the first round of NFL draft.
Moving on up: Tavon top receiver taken in draft - Charleston Daily Mail
From the end of his high school career to the start of his professional career, teams have always wanted Tavon Austin and gone out of their way to acquire everything he can do.
WVU's Austin to Rams with 8th pick - Charleston Gazette
Mountaineer QB Geno Smith gets passed over in first round
Austin aims to make Rams happy they traded up - WV MetroNews
"They did give up a lot, but I’m definitely going to try to work my hardest to give out a lot," Austin said. "I’m going to come in and work hard to do my part."
Rams trade up, take WVU’s Austin - Times West Virginian
Geno stunningly not taken in first round
WVU’s Austin taken 8th; Smith ignored - Register-Herald
Rams trade up to get Mountaineer playmaker
Rams snag WVU's Austin with ninth pick, but QB Smith tumbles - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
West Virginia's former do-it-all playmaker Tavon Austin will take his electrifying game to St. Louis.
Rams trade up to select WVU’s Austin No. 8 overall; Former Mountaineer QB Smith snubbed in first round - Daily Athenaeum
Austin was the first skill player taken in the 2013 NFL Draft.
Rams trade up to get WVU wideout Tavon Austin - Pittsburgh Tribune Review
At 5-foot-9 and 174 pounds, West Virginia's Tavon Austin played as big as anyone in college football.
WVU football: Geno Smith continues waiting game at home - Charleston Daily Mail
And even though it wasn't a big deal, Smith reportedly left the draft before it was over and announced his plan to leave the Big Apple and go home.
Mr. Smith goes to Miramar - WVU Sports with Mike Casazza
Smith has five early options today. The Jaguars pick first, the Eagles are third, the Cardinals are sixth, the Jets are seventh and the Raiders are 10th
Smith suffers first-round knockout - WV MetroNews
Geno Smith received a tweet from Aaron Rodgers but no handshake from Roger Goodell.
HERTZEL COLUMN: Daydream turns into nightmare - Times West Virginian
It was supposed to be the happiest night of Geno Smith’s life
Geno Smith feels the sting of going undrafted on Day 1 - Sporting News
In his defense, of course, Smith was never a sure-fire first-rounder—no analyst was willing to guarantee that any quarterback would go in the first round.
Geno Smith goes unpicked in 2013 NFL Draft first round - Sporting News
"I couldn't take Geno Smith in the top 10, probably the top 20," Mayock said. "I can't stand this whole quarterback class."
First-round snub in NFL Draft will only help Geno Smith in the long run - FOX Sports on MSN
He bailed on Day 2, which is the right first step on his path to being a good quarterback in the NFL.
Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio Reflects on WVU's Draft Day - WVillustrated
See what Florio had to say about Austin's big night and Smith's disappointment.
What You May Have Missed:
Gold and Blue Now: Friday, April 26 - WV MetroNews
Tavon Austin goes to St. Louis and hear from John Antonik who talks about the history of WVU football players in the NFL Draft.
WVU-KU in Thick of Big 12 Race - WVU Athletics
Well, that’s where both teams stand heading into a pivotal three-game series at Beckley’s Linda K. Eppling Stadium that begins Friday night.
Around the Horn With Randy Mazey - WVU Athletics
Kyle Wiggs sits down with West Virginia University baseball coach Randy Mazey to review last weekend's series win at Texas and preview this weekend's three-game series against Kansas in Beckley.
Wells: WVU baseball will continue to improve - Parkersburg News and Sentinel
Matt Wells spoke to the Parkersburg Lions Club Thursday.
News of Note:
Mountaineers coach could see stock rise with draft picks - Charleston Daily Mail
Smith may hit or miss and Austin may dazzle or dwindle. Time may pass before Holgorsen's name ever really rises, but time is on Holgorsen's side.
WVU not alone while rebuilding in Big 12 - Daily Athenaeum
With Geno Smith, Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey NFL-bound, many Mountaineer fans wonder if this team is in for yet another lackluster season in the Big 12 Conference.
Dana Holgorsen, West Virginia looking to establish new identity - SI.com
Meet the 2013 Mountaineers. They're more than a team in transition: They're a team trying to figure out who they are.
Madonna’s Arlia reflects on earning scholarship with WVU - WV MetroNews
The former walk-on officially earned a scholarship with the Mountaineers this spring, joining a growing list of instate players to have accomplished the feat.
Around the League (and Beyond):
Baylor PF Cory Jefferson will return for his senior season! - Our Daily Bears
A Season of Opportunity - Wide Right & Natty Lite
Hunter Mickelson Transfers To Kansas - Rock Chalk Talk
K-State says football stadium renovations are ahead of schedule - Kansas City Star
Make Or Break: Eying The 2013 Oklahoma Sooners Football Schedule - Crimson And Cream Machine
Oklahoma State University's Branding Success campaign reaches $1 billion goal - Oklahoman
Not Upbeat about the Up-Tempo Offense - Barking Carnival
Gary Patterson Is Now On Twitter - Frogs O' War
Kliff Kingsbury recalls own draft experience a decade ago as 'intense' - Lubbock Avalanche Journal
What's On Tap:
Big 12 baseball comes to Beckley - Register-Herald
WVU-Kansas series begins today at Epling Stadium
WVU Hosts Kent in Spring Finale - WVU Athletics
The West Virginia women’s soccer team closes out its spring season by playing host to Kent State on Saturday, April 27, at Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium. Kickoff is set for 2:00 p.m. and admission is free.
Video of Interest:
Thanks again to Mike Casazza:
Video of (Dis)Interest:
We had a parody yesterday, but here's the real deal (STRONG LANGUAGE):
Click HERE for the "Of Course...but maybe" genius bit that I can't remember if I posted or not.
Miss Throwdown:
Today's Miss Throwdown is a British tabloid model. CLICK HERE for today's gallery of Alice Goodwin.