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What You May Have Missed:
Gold and Blue Now: Monday, July 22 - WV MetroNews
In this edition of Gold and Blue Now, Tony Caridi and Allan Taylor preview the Big 12 Media Days from Dallas, Texas.
Falcons to play WVU in exhibition game in November - Times West Virginian
In November, the Falcons are heading to Morgantown to take on Bob Huggins’ West Virginia Mountaineers during exhibition play.
Harris emerges as leader following roster turnover - WV MetroNews
Mountaineers guard Eron Harris talks about the reworked basketball roster heading into the upcoming season.
Replay booth faces targeting pressure - WV MetroNews
Eyes in the sky will be last line of defense before player ejections.
Big 12 to experiment with eighth official this season - Oklahoman
The extra official has one primary job. In this age of hurryup offenses, of quick snaps and frantic substitutions, the alternate ref is being asked to retrieve the ball and set it ready for play as quickly as possible.
VIDEO: WVU Football Helps Community in Historic Way - WVillustrated
About 90 WVU football players participated in one of the largest community service project in history.
Harris arrested, no longer with team - WV MetroNews
Sophomore defensive lineman facing armed-robbery charges stemming from Morgantown break-in July 12.
Korey Harris Arrested and No Longer with WVU Football - WVillustrated
WVU Football Sports Information's Mike Montoro said, "We have no comment on individuals who aren't with the West Virginia Football program."
News of Note:
It's Where You Finish That Matters Most - WVU Athletics
WVU picked to finish 8th in Big 12 this year.
HERTZEL COLUMN: Mountaineers picked to finish 8th in the Big 12 - Times West Virginian
"Going into it last year we were picked high, the expectations were high and it was kind of a setup job based on winning the Orange Bowl and the way that we did it," he said. "We had some star power coming back and the newness of the Big 12 everybody was excited about us coming in. And it was fun."
WVU may be better than polls say ... or not - Charleston Gazette
A word to the wise: Don't believe any forecasts ventured by either group, both of whom are notorious for their miscalculations.
Mountaineers using polls as motivators - Register-Herald
“It can be a motivator,” he said. “I’ve always embraced the underdog mentality.”
Less Than Obvious - WVU Athletics
Jed Drenning lists ways the D can improve in 2013.
Will anything be different this fall for WVU defense? - Register-Herald
If you need a refresher — or if you’re one of those sick people who like to study that zebra carcass — WVU finished its first season in the Big 12 ranked 108th out of 120 NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision teams in total defense, allowing 472.46 yards per game. It was 114th in scoring defense, allowing 38.08 points per contest.
Bowl hopes will rest on final three games - Parkersburg News and Sentinel
Texas, ISU will play first-ever visits to Morgantown this year
Recruiting:
The 'man from Van' hoping to lift WVU - Charleston Gazette
If, however, the Mountaineers make waves this season, it just might come by Van. More specifically, it might come via Van native and Mountaineer safeties coach Tony Gibson, who returned to his home state six months ago.
Team could open year with full set of recruits - Charleston Daily Mail
Ryan Dorchester, the team's coordinator of recruiting operations, said this week receiver Mario Alford, linebacker Brandon Golson, linebacker/defensive lineman Darrien Howard, defensive end Dontrill Hyman and safety Isaac McDonald are expected to be on campus in time for the start of practice Aug. 1.
Top targets: Running backs - WV MetroNews
The running backs rotation at West Virginia currently includes senior Charles Sims and three juniors, making the position crucial as Mountaineers coaches continue stocking up for the Class of 2014.
Pro News:
Cavaliers release Kevin Jones - Pros Report
The Cavs stacked the deck against Jones this offseason with the drafting of PF Michael Bennett out of UNLV with the #1 overall pick and the free-agent signing of Earl Clark.
Geno Smith drops in on his way to the NFL - Charleston Gazette
"I hold West Virginia dear to my heart,'' said Smith. "To be back here and see some of the fans, to have them come out and support me in my signing is beautiful. It's heartwarming and I appreciate it."
Geno Smith feels like he has great shot to be Jets starting quarterback - NY Daily News
Smith and Mark Sanchez are both hoping to be under center in Week 1 against Darrelle Revis and the Tampa Bay Bucs. Their competition will make training camp in Cortland an interesting watch.
Chris Neild’s beard is ready for training camp - Washington Post
Does he have a shot in 2013? Apparently, according to The Post’s John Keim.
Vote for Tavon Austin on Topps Football Trading Cards Cover - WVillustrated
West Virginia fans all around the country can vote today for former Mountaineer Football Star, Tavon Austin to be on the cover of Topps Chrome Football Trading Cards.
Larry Ford to sign with the Orlando Predators of the AFL - Pros Report
Look for Larry Ford to suit up for the Orlando Predators on Saturday night at 7 pm ET.
Lance Frazier's CFL Recap: Week 3 - Pros Report
Two key matchups headlined Week 3 action in the CFL.
What's On Tap:
Big 12 Media Days Begin - BGN/AP
Five things to know ahead of the Big 12 Conference's football media days that will be held Monday and Tuesday:
The setup: Big 12 Media Days - WV MetroNews
Football season takes on a tangible feel Monday when the league convenes for its preseason pompfest.
First year at Big 12 confirmed Bowlsby's repeated message - Bluefield Daily Telegraph/AP
“Our message was we’re stable, we’re strong and we’re successful,” Bowlsby recalled a year later. “Those were the three watch words. ... I uttered them a whole bunch of times.”
Big 12 Media Day Has Different Feeling for WVU - WVillustrated
Mountaineers enter season kickoff event with far different expectations than a year ago.
Around the League (and Beyond):
Baylor Football Hype Video #2 - Our Daily Bears
KU football assistant Jeff Blasko making juco inroads - Lawrence Journal World
Stepping up: Kip Daily - Bring On The Cats
Oklahoma Football | Still Awaiting JUCO DT Arrival - Crimson And Cream Machine
The only question that truly matters. - Cowboys Ride For Free
Blake Bell over David Ash? Really? - Burnt Orange Nation
TCU Duo on Doak Walker Award Watch List - TCU Horned Frogs Official Athletic Site
Possible New Football Jerseys for Texas Tech? - Viva The Matadors
Video of (Dis)Interest:
Miss Throwdown:
Today's Miss Throwdown is an internet sensation from California. CLICK HERE for today's gallery of Jessica Burciaga.