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 Black Panther Ale, in preparation for this weekend's opponent.
What You May Have Missed:
Gold and Blue Now: Thursday, September 12 - WV MetroNews
Keith Patterson talks about the effort from his defense against Oklahoma. Also, Georgia State play-by-play analyst, Dave Cohen gives his take on the Panthers.
ESPN College Basketball Podcast - WVU Athletics
Bob Huggins was a guest on the ESPN's hoop podcast.
The WVUsportsBuzz - WVU Athletics
The buzz this week revolves around Dr. Ed Etzel, coach of the 1983 national champion rifle team as they prepare for their 30th reunion this weekend. Also, Sarah Martinelli prepares for her senior season with the cross country team and we finish with sights and sounds from the undefeated WVU volleyball team's Mountaineer Invitational Tournament last weekend.
New Host Excited to be Part of Network - WVU Athletics
Jeff Culhane is getting up to speed on his Mountaineer sports history.
Stroia All-America guard on Nehlen's top O-line - Register-Herald
John Stroia of North Canton, Ohio, was an All-America offensive guard on West Virginia’s football team in 1985-86-87-88.
News of Note:
Wednesday Walkthrough: Georgia State - WVU Sports with Mike Casazza
On Joe DeForest, WVU’s personnel changes and the embattled Georgia State.
WVU not taking Panthers lightly - Inter-Mountain
It could be the classic David vs. Goliath game Saturday when a fledgling, first-year Division I-A school in Georgia State comes to Morgantown to battle a BCS team, West Virginia, in front of 50,000 or more rabid fans.
Who is Georgia State? - Register-Herald
West Virginia’s next opponent a new face in college football
Rigg's gesture a welcome sight - Charleston Daily Mail
Most of what the West Virginia linebacker knows about the collision with teammate Karl Joseph Saturday came from watching the play on tape.
Improved defense not enough - Charleston Daily Mail
West Virginia's defense, riddled and ridiculed throughout the 2012 season, held Oklahoma's offense to just 16 points in Saturday's loss to the Sooners.
Defensive backs take leading role for invigorated Mountaineers defense - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Darwin Cook and Karl Joseph, safeties dubbed "Cookie Monster" and "Crazy 8," headline a revitalized Mountaineers defense that was among Division I-A's worst a year ago.
Mountain Strong - WVillustrated
The Mountaineer defense looks to continue their dominance Saturday afternoon at Milan Puskar Stadium.
At 265, Kinsey’s one big Buck - WV MetroNews
Versatile sophomore defensive lineman also working at outside linebacker.
Once around the block - Charleston Gazette
Missed assignment cost WVU's Smith more carries
HERTZEL COLUMN: Running backs need to do more than score TDs - Times West Virginian
If you want to be on the field, you’d better block.
You can't sugarcoat Georgia State's ineptness - Charleston Gazette
Things are pretty bad these days in the Georgia State football program.
Back to Square One - BGN
Dana Holgorsen didn’t pull many punches when evaluating the performance of Paul Millard against Oklahoma.
Recruiting:
Linebackers Head Visit List - BGN
Several impressive prospects have indicated they will be in attendance for West Virginia's second home game of the season against Georgia State on Saturday.
Pro News:
Geno Smith faces tough task in first trip to Foxboro on Thursday night - ProsReport
Geno Smith led the Jets to a comeback win against the Bucs in his first NFL start last week. Game 2 may present a more difficult challenge.
Around the League (and Beyond):
Blowout wins leave Bears antsy during pit stop - Waco Tribune
Notebook: Ernst Brun update; Luke Knott watches big bro - Cyclone Fanatic
Kansas vs. Rice: Charlie Weis Previews the Owls - Rock Chalk Talk
Gameweek: Snyder Press Conference Wrapup - UMass - Bring On The Cats
What Role (If Any) Will Kendal Thompson Play On Saturday? - Crimson And Cream Machine
OSU football notebook: Mike Gundy won't take Lamar for granted - Oklahoman
Patterson: Boykin ready to take control - TCU 360
Solid play on special teams key to Red Raiders quick start to 2013 - Lubbock Avalanche Journal
College Football Mailbag - Stewart Mandel - SI.com
What's On Tap:
Nehlen-Pruett join forces for weekly show - WV MetroNews
"The Don Nehlen and Bob Pruett Show" will air each Monday night through Nov. 25 from 7:06 pm. to 8 p.m. on MetroNews affiliates across the state.
Videos of Interest:
Tony Caridi sits down with WVU Head Coach Dana Holgorsen to discuss how the team is learning from their loss at Oklahoma and what they're doing to prepare for their game against Georgia State.
LB Doug Rigg discusses his return to the football field, after suffering a concussion in WVU's loss to Oklahoma last weekend. Rigg hopes to return to the field when the Mountaineers take on Maryland on Sept. 21 in Baltimore.
Video of (Dis)Interest:
Miss Throwdown:
Today's Miss Throwdown is another South African beauty (they're on a roll down there, of late). CLICK HERE for today's gallery of Shane van der Westhuizen.
More from The Smoking Musket:
- The Smoking Musket Podcast - Week 3
- Mountaineer Morning Links: Wednesday (9/11/13) Edition
- West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Georgia State Panthers: Game Day Information, Television, Radio, Gamewatches & More
- Mountaineer Morning Links: Tuesday (9/10/13) Edition
- West Virginia Football Coaching Approval Meter: Post-Oklahoma Edition