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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 Twickenham Fine Ales' Spring Ale, in honor of today's Miss Throwdown.
What You May Have Missed:
Gold and Blue Now: Friday, April 5 - WV MetroNews
Shannon Dawson discusses the quarterback battle, and we hear from offensive and defensive assistants after the seventh spring practice.
WVU ranked in Current Directors' Cup Standings - WVU Athletics
West Virginia University currently stands in 46th place in the 2012-13 Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup first winter standings.
HERTZEL COLUMN: Bussie set to make up for lost time - Times West Virginian
Leading, she agrees, may be even more important than producing, although no one can deny that tin 2011-12, when the Mountaineers went 24-10, she was the leading scorer with 12.1 points a game while averaging 6.6 rebounds a game.
Jedd Gyorko drives in first run of career - WVU Pros
For Gyorko, he’s been consistent if nothing else. He’s had a hit in each of the first three games as well as scored two runs.
Chris Neild on his recovery and new teammate, Pat White - WVU Pros
With the beginning of April and the dawn of Spring, Chris Neild's prospects for a happy and successful 2013 NFL season with the Redskins are looking good with the healing of his knee and the addition of Pat White to the team.
A sneak peek at Pat White's possible Redskins jersey - WVU Pros
When the Miami Dolphins drafted Pat White in 2009, he had to give up the iconic #5 jersey he wore at WVU. After signing with the Redskins on Wednesday, White has a chance to grab that jersey number. Here's a look.
Pre-Draft News:
Geno Smith, Tavon Austin's NFL Draft invite important to WVU's future - WVU Pros
Some people judge a college football team based on how many players they send to the NFL. For West Virginia, that's never been a standard to judge by. Until now.
After free-agency shakeout, Geno a lock to be picked in top five - CBSSports.com
Geno Smith's stock hasn't dropped, and several teams are still looking to upgrade at QB. Jason La Canfora says that means Smith will definitely be a top-five pick.
Video: Draft Minute -- Geno Smith - Big 12 Blog - ESPN
ESPN Draft Insider Todd McShay breaks down Geno Smith's tape and thinks he should be the first quarterback taken in the NFL draft.
Smith, Austin In Kiper Discussion - BGN
Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. discusses a couple of possible landing spots for WVU quarterback Geno Smith, and expresses enthusiasm for the skill set of Tavon Austin.
NFL Draft 2013: Mel Kiper's latest mock draft has Eagles selecting Geno Smith - SBNation.com
Mel Kiper released his latest mock draft -- and believes the Philadelphia Eagles will select Geno Smith with the No. 4 overall pick.
Detroit Lions to host WR Tavon Austin for a pre-draft visit - MLive.com
Austin had nearly 2,000 yards from scrimmage as a senior and was one of the nation's most dangerous return men.
Tavon Austin's Draft Stock Continues To Rise - WVillustrated
ESPN NFL Draft Analyst Mel Kiper, Jr. shares his thoughts on Austin and why he should be a guaranteed first round pick.
News of Note:
Video blog: Day Seven - WVU Sports with Mike Casazza
More special teams and an understandably closer look at what’s happening with the interior offensive line.
Patterson wants to flip script on offenses - Charleston Daily Mail
WVU defensive coordinator wants to give defense advantage, take away what opposition likes to do
Millard, Childress remain even in QB race - Charleston Gazette
"They're doing the same things good, the same things bad. One day one of them might do things slightly better, but to be honest it's probably a lot more bad than good,'' Dawson said. "That's just the way it is. They're growing. They're learning."
Quarterback battle a stalemate so far - WV MetroNews
“I like that (the race is close) right now, but eventually you want it to be clear-cut. Hopefully at some point one of them will rise up.”
Dawson: No front-runner at QB - Times West Virginian
FSHS grad Moore moves to receiver
Spring Practice Report #7 - WVSports.com
In the 30 session open to the media, the Mountaineers primarily focused on fundamental special teams work, throwing in a few drills among the skill possession as the practice winded down.
White ‘just one of the guys’ at WR - WV MetroNews
“I don’t want to toot Kevin’s horn right now because he’s been practicing seven days,” Galloway said
Assistant: Eger’s ankle injury not severe - WV MetroNews
Versatile senior lineman being held out as a precaution.
WVU looks to find the man in the middle - Register-Herald
“Offensive line is the most important position on your team,” said West Virginia University head coach Dana Holgorsen earlier this week. “I have said it for years. You have to get a bunch of good and capable guys.”
WVU Assistant Football Coaches’ Quotes - WVU Athletics
Mountaineer football assistant coaches addressed members of the media on Thursday night
VIDEO: WVU Football Assistant Coaches' Interviews - WVillustrated
Watch full video interviews with West Virginia Assistant Coaches following today's Spring Football Practice.
WVSports.com TV: Shannon Dawson - WVSports.com
Charleston Daily Mail Articles
Around the League (and Beyond):
The Baylor Bears are your 2013 NIT Champions! - Our Daily Bears
Cyclone Baseball Is Back! - Wide Right & Natty Lite
KU receiver Justin McCay has focus on football again - Lawrence Journal World
As K-State's spring practice starts, construction at stadium continues - Kansas City Star
Berry Tramel: Blake Bell likely to start as Oklahoma's quarterback - Oklahoman
Don't tell JW that stats are for losers - Cowboys Ride For Free
The Way Forward For Texas Longhorns Basketball - Barking Carnival
Notes On A Scorecard - TCU Horned Frogs Official Athletic Site
High Expectations for Red Raiders Basketball - Viva The Matadors
Around the Diamond: Big 12 Baseball Update - Frogs O' War
What's On Tap:
Nothing to Lose - WVU Athletics
The Mountaineers will welcome five teams to the Coliseum this weekend for the NCAA Regional, including No. 5 Michigan, No. 8 Nebraska, No. 17 Illinois, No. 19 Kentucky and North Carolina.
Streaking Mountaineers visit Baylor - WV MetroNews
Left-handers leading the way as WVU prepares for Big 12's best ballclubs.
Video of Interest:
The Buzz this week centers on the Gymnasts hosting the NCAA Regional on Saturday, and the Tennis Team hosting their final Big 12 home matches of the season.
Video of (Dis)Interest:
Miss Throwdown:
Today's Miss Throwdown is a lovely British model. CLICK HERE for today's gallery archive of Helen Flanagan.