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 Highly Strung from Vale of Glamorgan Brewery.
What You May Have Missed:
Gold and Blue Now: Wednesday, Aug. 21 - WV MetroNews
Jed Drenning, from TheSignalCaller.com weighs in on the quarterback battle, and also KJ Myers talks about his progression through camp at the receiver position.
College basketball Twitter coach rankings: Big 12's best is Bob Huggins - Sporting News
We subjectively rank each coach's Twitter strength and single out one of their best tweets of recent vintage.
A strong message - WVSports.com
Summerlin shared his story with the West Virginia football team.
Stadium to Offer New Food Options - WVU Athletics
Improvements in place for Milan Puskar Stadium this season.
Luck Names Lisac Tennis Head Coach - WVU Athletics
Miha Lisac has been named WVU’s sixth women’s tennis head coach.
Big Challenge - BGN
Georgia State alumnus Miha Lisac is the latest hire charged with extracting WVU women's tennis from its moribund state.
2013 Women's Soccer Preview - WVU Athletics
Optimism abounds in Morgantown this fall.
West Virginia will have to rely on young talent to repeat as Big 12 Champions in 2013 - Daily Athenaeum
The West Virginia women’s soccer team outscored their Big 12 foes 14-6 in their inaugural season in the conference a year ago.
Casazza Joins SMC Media Network - SPORTS MANCAVE
Our favorite beat writer is getting his own radio show
Furfari: Was Loring last local QB at WVU? - Register-Herald
He’s listed in the WVU football media guide as a quarterback who earned letters in 1949-50.
News of Note:
Growth spurt for WVU defense - Charleston Gazette
Defensive coordinator wants to groom 'longer' defenders
Karl Joseph looks to lead new-look defense in 2013 - Ohio Valley Athletics
"Karl Joseph has had a great offseason. He is bigger, he is faster, he is stronger and he is more comfortable in the system," Holgorsen said.
WVU Willing to Change with Personnel - BGN
Things have changed quite a bit since West Virginia head coach Dana Holgorsen and offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson began calling plays at the college level.
HERTZEL COLUMN: Dreamius may become WVU ‘Wizard of Ahs’ - Times West Virginian
“Everybody likes to call me ‘Toto’ because I’m from Kansas,” he said.
Calicchio helps raise excitement level - Charleston Daily Mail
"He's one of those guys on your team that you love to be around because he's so passionate about football," offensive line coach Ron Crook said. "He's into it. He loves it, and he's not passionate about just WVU football. He loves football and he's fun to be around.
Orlosky takes center job - Daily Athenaeum
In the case of Orlosky, a year makes a massive difference. Playing football as a redshirt freshman compared to running around on the field as a true freshman makes an even bigger difference.
Reserves crucial as special-teamers - WV MetroNews
Joe DeForest claims it's a rite of fall—motivating backups to contribute on return and coverage units.
Can WVU regain ‘special’ touch? - Times West Virginian
In fact, historically speaking you could make a point they are among the best in college football.
Pro News:
Geno Smith and Pat White could see significant playing time on Saturday - ProsReport
Smith will get the start for the Jets on Saturday should he not suffer any setbacks during practice this week.
If Geno Smith can stay interception-free, QB will secure NY Jets starting job - NY Daily News
The Jets’ farcical quarterback competition will conclude Saturday night with rookie Geno Smith needing two turnover-free quarters to secure a job that many people in the organization want him to win.
Pat White Pushes Forward in Comeback Effort - WVillustrated
Former WVU quarterback says every day is a blessing when he has the opportunity to play the game he loves.
PHOTOS: WVU to NFL, Mountaineers Reunite in Preseason - WVillustrated
Browse photos from last night's NFL preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Washington Redskins which featured six former Mountaineers.
The Gyorko Diamond Review: 8/20 - ProsReport
let's take a look at his week in review
Around the League (and Beyond):
Grading the Big 12 nonconference schedules - WV MetroNews
Only a few teams are brave—and wise–enough to test themselves in September.
Baylor season preview - Big 12 Blog - ESPN
Cyclones must decide how to split up carries among RB stable - Ames Tribune
Kansas Football 2013 Positional Previews: Halfback - Rock Chalk Talk
New K-State linebackers not really new - Topeka Capital Journal
OSU football notebook: Cowboys want to limit Daytawion Lowe's snaps - Oklahoman (autoplay)
Texas football: Horns could use Diamond or Pod formation in 2013 - Burnt Orange Nation
Meet the New Guy: Charlie Reid - Frogs O' War
Five Things | Quarterback Aside, What Needs to Happen Against SMU - Viva The Matadors
What's On Tap:
Gamecon 10: just 10 more days until we hear the musket fire at Mountaineer Field!!
Videos of Interest:
West Virginia football head coach Dana Holgorsen joined the Tim Brando Show to discuss the transfer of running back Charles Sims, improving the defense over last season, and much more.
Wide Receiver Cody Clay has been taking reps at numerous positions this camp, and he discusses his transition, as well as how some of the newcomers are faring.
Video of (Dis)Interest:
Hump Day Video of the Week:
Miss Throwdown:
Today's Miss Throwdown is an American model who appeared in SI last year. CLICK HERE for today's gallery of Michelle Vawer.
More from The Smoking Musket:
- West Virginia Football 2013 Season Preview: Defensive Backs
- West Virginia Football 2013 Season Preview: Special Teams
- Mountaineer Morning Links: Tuesday (8/20/13) Edition
- Mountaineer Morning Links: Monday (8/19/13) Edition
- West Virginia Mountaineers Football 2013: One TEAM, One Motto - Dougity Dog Video