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 Wells Bombardier Premium Bitter, in honor of today's Miss Throwdown.
What You May Have Missed:
Gold and Blue Now: Thursday, Aug. 29 - WV MetroNews
Dave Fairbank of The Daily Press discusses the chances William and Mary have to win versus WVU this weekend, Dwight Wallace says the first true evaluation will be actual game footage and Lonnie Galloway talks about Daikiel Shorts for his play and maturity.
2013 will provide a glimpse into WVU’s future - Daily Athenaeum
This is Holgorsen’s bunch now. For the first time in his head coaching career, all of his players will have played under one college coach: himself. He will take all the credit for the success of the team and all the scrutiny that may result.
Women’s soccer ready to host home opener - Daily Athenaeum
The West Virginia University women’s soccer team will open their 2013 home season Friday at 5:30 p.m. against Central Michigan and Sunday at 1 p.m. against Morehead State.
CBS College Sports to Stream Live Audio Events - WVU Athletics
Football, men's and women's basketball and baseball to air.
Every new college football uniform for 2013: The master collection - SBNation.com
Dude has a problem with our color scheme but not Cal's...what gives?
Cormac McCarthy Previews The Big XII: Part I - Wide Right & Natty Lite
Check this out, you won't be disappointed...WVU will be in Part II
News of Note:
William & Mary undaunted by FBS foes - Charleston Gazette
The Tribe, which serves as West Virginia's season-opening opponent Saturday at Mountaineer Field (noon kickoff, Fox Sports 1), in three of the last four years has either beaten an FBS opponent or scared the life out of them.
Mountaineers better not overlook The Tribe - Register-Herald
This Mountaineer team fits the description of one of the FBS teams that has fallen to smaller FCS teams in recent years — it’s happened nine times in the last three seasons, including twice last year (Cal State-Sacramento over Colorado and Youngstown State over Pitt).
Larger cornerbacks will take the field for opener - Charleston Daily Mail
Yet the Mountaineers are switching things, at least relative to their recent past, and have the smaller players at safety and the taller ones at cornerback.
Wednesday Walkthrough: Game One - WVU Sports with Mike Casazza
Additional notes to accompany the above (video inside)
QB question still unanswered - Charleston Daily Mail
"I have no idea how the game is going to go, quite honestly. I told them since the day camp started it's up to them to make the decision more than it's up to us. Whoever wants to take hold of it and run with it, we're more than happy with that."
Wait-and-see approach to WVU QB situation - Charleston Gazette
"Depends on my mood, I guess,'' Holgorsen said. "Depends on how the game's going.''
'It's Competition' - BGN
As West Virginia heads into its season opener against William & Mary this weekend, head coach Dana Holgorsen and offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson find themselves in a situation they swore they wouldn’t be in when camp opened up earlier this month.
Orlosky has tough mission for WVU - Charleston Daily Mail
Concern yourself with a redshirt freshman from Cleveland, a young man not merely playing a new position in his first college game, but someone who is surrounded by newcomers, too.
Orlosky’s ready to snap - WV MetroNews
Redshirt freshman from Cleveland opens at center as one of three new starters in the middle of WVU's offensive line.
HERTZEL COLUMN: Smallwood drawing rave notices at WVU - Times West Virginian
"The thing Wendell brings to the table is he don’t care about his body … in a good way," Seider replied
Cody Clay: An Inside Look - WVillustrated
Cody Clay will be starting at fullback on Saturday afternoon. For him, wearing the jersey has a deeper meaning.
Smith, Clay look to expand on productive fall camp - Daily Athenaeum
Holgorsen can lean on Clay and Smith to line up differently and play multiple roles without taking them off the field in place for another player who is more suited to fill that job.
WVU receivers show promise - Times West Virginian
While all eyes have been focused on the gripping competition for the role of starting quarterback at West Virginia University, perhaps the most fascinating competition for jobs has been at wide receiver.
K.J. Myers Hungry to Prove His Worth - WVillustrated
Sophomore receiver has waited for his opportunity and with his name at the top of the depth chart, he believes 2013 is his time.
WVU Will Go With Two Quarterbacks in Opener - Intelligencer / Wheeling News-Register
Notebook
Stephen Nesbitt's West Virginia football chat transcript: 8.28.13 - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
PPG's WVU beat writer answered some questions yesterday
Recruiting:
WVU junior Jonathan Holton is enrolled at WVU for the fall semester.
— WVU Men's Basketball (@WVUhoops) August 29, 2013
Pro News:
NFL Preseason Week 4: Three Things to Watch - Prosreport
All 32 NFL teams will play on Thursday evening to end the exhibition schedule.
Gyorko Diamond Review: 8/28 - ProsReport
Let's take a closer look at how the slugger did this week.
Seahawks’ Irvin will play then serve four-game suspension - Seattle Times
Bruce Irvin, playing a new role at linebacker, is expected to see time against Oakland, but has mixed emotions because he will then have to serve a four-game suspension for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs.
Jeff Fisher mum on St. Louis Rams' Tavon Austin plans - NFL.com
Tavon Austin might become one of the NFL's top playmakers. But St. Louis Rams coach Jeff Fisher is keeping plans for the dynamic rookie close to the vest.
Around the League (and Beyond):
Bears’ blinding speed main Wofford worry - Waco Tribune
Iowa State high on Sam Richardson - AP
Small for a cornerback, KU’s Hollomon plays big - Lawrence Journal World
DEPTH CHART ANALYSIS: Week 1 - Bring On The Cats
2013 Oklahoma Football Preview: Sooner State of the Union - Barking Carnival
Jeremy Smith glad he stayed in Stillwater - Oklahoman (autoplay)
Texas Longhorns football: Press availability notes - Burnt Orange Nation
Gary Patterson On Whether Or Not Fields Will Play: "You'll Find Out At Game Time" - Frogs O' War
Positional Matchups | Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. SMU Mustangs - Viva The Matadors
Big 12 teams have chance to narrow gap on SEC - ESPN
College Football Mailbag - Stewart Mandel - SI.com
What's On Tap:
Women’s Soccer Promotional Days Announced - WVU Athletics
WVU officials have announced several promotional days this fall for the Mountaineer faithful.
REAL HONEST TO GOD FOOTBALL
North Carolina Tar Heels vs. (6) South Carolina Gamecocks - ESPN
6 pm ET tonight from Williams-Brice on ESPN. Cocks are giving 12.5. O/U on Clowney's body count is 5.
(24) USC Trojans vs. Hawaii Warriors - ESPN
11 pm ET tonight from Aloha Stadium on CBS Sports. Prophylactics are giving 24.
Video of Interest:
Tony Caridi sits down with Head Coach Dana Holgorsen to talk about what the Mountaineers are doing to get ready for their opening game against William and Mary.
Video of (Dis)Interest:
Miss Throwdown:
Today's Miss Throwdown is a British model with ample assets. CLICK HERE for today's gallery of Francoise Boufhal.