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 that college tailgate staple, Natural Light.
What You May Have Missed:
Gold and Blue Now: Friday, Aug. 30 - WV MetroNews
Greg Hunter talks about the departure of former WVU running back Andrew Buie. Also, Keith Patterson talks about how he likes where his defense is heading into this game and Brian Doan of CollegeFootballNews.com says that the Big 12 will be better than everyone thinks.
Buie withdraws from school - WV MetroNews
Holgorsen, however, said during Thursday night’s radio call-in show that Buie planned to re-enroll at WVU in January.
They Might Walk On, but They’ll Undoubtedly Sit - NY Times
“We’re just trying to find bodies,” Dorchester said. “You hate to say that, but it’s true. We need guys that we can throw out there and beat on.”
No. 10 Mountaineers Open Home Season - WVU Athletics
The Mountaineers (1-0-1) welcome Central Michigan (0-0-1) [today, ed.], at 5:30 p.m.; the start time is 30 minutes later than previously announced. WVU will continue its homestand against Morehead State (0-1-1) on Sunday with a 1 p.m. match.
Men’s Soccer Opens 2013 Season - WVU Athletics
The West Virginia University men’s soccer team opens the 2013 campaign with the WVU/Penn State Invitational this weekend at Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium. The Mountaineers take on Central Connecticut State on Friday, Aug. 30, at 7:30 p.m., followed by a match with Radford on Monday, Sept. 2, at 2:30 p.m.
The WVUsportsBuzz - WVU Athletics
The Buzz is back for another season of Mountaineer Sports with a preview of this weekend's varsity sports schedule as well as an inside look at the Pride of West Virginia as it prepares for another year of great entertainment.
THE BUSINESS OF PROTECTION - Every Day Should Be Saturday
Spencer tells the amazing story of former WVU assistant Herb Hand
Cormac McCarthy Previews The Big XII: Part II - Wide Right & Natty Lite
re: the WVU section...it's MAGNIFICENT
GIFterpiece Theatre: The 50 best college football GIFs from 2012 - Guyism
Several WVU gifs in here...but sadly not the JD Woods catch
News of Note:
Mountaineers Ready for Fresh Start - Intelligencer / Wheeling News-Register
This season's slate begins at noon Saturday when coach Jimmye Laycock and the William & Mary Tribe come to Milan Puskar Stadium.
WVU not taking W&M lightly - Inter-Mountain
"You can't overlook them or anyone else in that conference," Holgorsen said.
WVU, Holgorsen expect challenge with upset-minded Tribe - Daily Athenaeum
The Mountaineers finally kick off the 2013 season against William & Mary Saturday.
Lots of questions, few answers for WVU - Parkersburg News and Sentinel
New players dot depth chart
Two of a Kind - WVU Athletics
Using two QBs is becoming more of a trend in college football.
WVU Quarterback Battle is “Friendly Competition” - WVillustrated
A quarterback battle has been on going and Coach Dana Holgorsen has yet to name a true starting quarterback.
Furfari: WVU has QB options - Martinsburg Journal
"Both guys bring something to the table, but it's about the guy who is not going to make mistakes."
Sims could be do-it-all man for WVU - Times West Virginian
“He will probably be the best running back at WVU since Steve Slaton,” Seider said. “He’s in that mold.”
Smallwood beats out upperclassmen on depth chart - Daily Athenaeum
“Right now, I trust him enough to be a starter,” said first-year running backs coach JaJuan Seider. “It’s just a gut feeling. He’s done a great job from spring to fall. He’s going to be a really, really good player here.”
WVU receiving corps remains unsettled - Charleston Gazette
But there could very well be a true revolving door at the receiver positions, perhaps as many as eight to 10 or more in two, three or four spots, depending upon the formation.
WR Ivan McCartney ready to lead at West Virginia - Register-Herald
“At the end of the day I had to come in, prove myself and work hard,” McCartney said. “That’s what it came down to.”
Mountaineer defense to be active in opener - Charleston Daily Mail
When the planning ends and the playing begins Saturday against William & Mary, West Virginia's defensive coordinator will withhold nothing.
Cook, Joseph look to rebuild defense following difficult year - Daily Athenaeum
“Players’ mentality can change everything and that’s what college football is all about,” Cook said.
Rigg, WVU linebackers look to build on promising 2012 - Daily Athenaeum
West Virginia football head coach Dana Holgorsen announced that senior linebacker Doug Rigg will co-start with junior Jared Barber at the SAM position Sunday.
Kinsey ‘starting to believe in himself’ - WV MetroNews
Bigger and faster, sophomore defensive end aims to become a disruptive pass rusher.
Mountaineers familiar with William & Mary assistant - Charleston Gazette
anyone who has been at WVU for more than a few minutes, it seems, has faced Kevin Rogers.
HERTZEL COLUMN- William & Mary bring ties to Morgantown - Times West Virginian
They are the former WVU coach, Bill Stewart, and a coach who won a Super Bowl named Mike Tomlin.
WVU questions, notable losses and a very special birthday - Charleston Gazette
Ye olde notebook
WVU will exceed expectations this year - Daily Athenaeum
There are internal and external reasons why WVU can exceed expectations.
WVU isn’t only program facing quarterback problems - Parkersburg News and Sentinel
Senior Graham gets starting nod for W&M
Recruiting:
Holton Enrolls, WVU Lists All Six Signees on Roster - WVillustrated
Huggins said he expects to have a full roster when the season tips off, and Thursday's news indicates he may just get it.
Pro News:
WVUPros NFL Preseason Week 4 Recap - ProsReport
Here are how your favorite Mountaineers performed in the NFL during preseason Week 4, led by Pat White for the Redskins.
Around the League (and Beyond):
2013 Baylor Football Preview: Bears State of the Union - Barking Carnival
2013 Game I: Iowa State vs UNI Preview - Wide Right & Natty Lite
Teammates sing QB Jake Heaps’ praises - Lawrence Journal World
2013 Kansas State Football Preview: Wildcat State of the Union - Barking Carnival
Key Matchups As Oklahoma Sooners Host ULM Warhawks - Crimson And Cream Machine
Mississippi State's mass up front will test Cowboys' toughness on defense - Oklahoman (autoplay)
Opponent Preview: New Mexico State - Burnt Orange Nation
Video: TCU Horned Frogs ready to face LSU Tigers - ESPN
The day is at hand: Tech prepares for opener under Kingsbury - Lubbock Avalanche Journal
Alabama, Stanford lead 2013 preseason Crystal Ball predictions - SI.com
What's On Tap:
William & Mary Tribe vs. West Virginia Mountaineers - ESPN
Noon Saturday from MPS on FS1. Mountaineers are giving 33.
Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. Southern Methodist Mustangs - ESPN
8 pm tonight from Gerald Ford Stadium on ESPN. Raiders are giving 4
North Dakota State Bison vs. Kansas State Wildcats - ESPN
8:30 pm tonight from Bill Snyder Stadium on FS1. Cats are giving 14.
Mississippi State Bulldogs vs. (13) Oklahoma State Cowboys - Preview - ESPN
3:30 pm Saturday from Reliant Stadium on ABC/ESPN2. Pokes are giving 13.
Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks vs. (16) Oklahoma Sooners - Preview - ESPN
7 pm Saturday from Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on PPV. Land Thieves are giving 21.5.
Wofford Terriers vs. Baylor Bears - ESPN
7:30 pm Saturday from Floyd Casey on MSG+, SS, FCSC. Bears are giving 30.5.
Northern Iowa Panthers vs. Iowa State Cyclones - ESPN
8 pm Saturday from Jack Trice online. Cyclones are giving 10.
New Mexico State Aggies vs. (15) Texas Longhorns - Preview - ESPN
8 pm Saturday from DKR on LHN. Horns are giving 43.
(12) LSU Tigers vs. (20) TCU Horned Frogs - Preview - ESPN
9 pm Saturday from Jerry World on ESPN. Frogs are getting 4.
College Football TV Schedule
Full TV listings (times listed are Central)
Video of Interest:
WR KJ Myers and DB Ishmael Banks update us on the team's preparations heading into their first game against WIlliam & Mary on Saturday, Aug. 31., at 12:05 pm.
Tailgate Recipe of the Week:
By the time you read this, mine will be slowly cooking in preparation for tomorrow's breakfast tailgate:
Bacon Explosion: The BBQ Sausage Recipe of all Recipes - BBQ Addicts
Video of (Dis)Interest:
Miss Throwdown:
Today's Miss Throwdown is a native of Israel who stole our hearts over the years in numerous SI Swimsuit issues and lately with her many lingerie ads. CLICK HERE for today's gallery of the always enchanting Bar Refaeli.